Signbox
Project Name: 100 Bishopsgate, London
Client: Signbox was commissioned by the world’s oldest global law firm (following on from its move into the state-of-the-art 100 Bishopsgate building in the heart of the City of London from its former Fleet Street base) and main contractor ISG.
Sector: Offices and estates
Location: The City, London (UK)
The role: Signbox was commissioned to design and install a series of striking glass manifestations along with bespoke bronze-painted lettering and laser-cut signs and symbols.
The brief: Signbox’s brief would encompass 13 floors of the landmark building that had been designed by Sheppard Robson architects to facilitate agile and remote working arrangements, including those made in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The client law firm’s commitment to minimising its environmental impact and supporting wellbeing was central to the relocation and is evidenced across the remarkable new workplace. The building
boasts an ‘excellent’ sustainability rating, the fit-out using only recyclable or recycled items won an
SKA Gold rating and has resulted in a 30% reduction in carbon use. Signbox’s solution reflected the client’s commitment to putting environmental impact and workforce wellbeing first
The challenges: The entire project was delivered during lockdown. The scheme was installed under unprecedented safety and social distancing restrictions imposed on the Signbox and client teams worked together to complete the scheme safely and according to the newly constricted timescales
Key issues were working within the constraints of severe restrictions and a condensed timeline, both
of which were triggered by the pandemic. To accommodate these constraints, Signbox produced a
comprehensive set of social distancing Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS) for the installation of all glass manifestations and signage works that were compliant with all government guidelines and site conditions.
In addition to the most testing of project management conditions, the logistics of working alongside
other trades on a vast building with many floors and considerable equipment to move presented
obvious challenges.
Nonetheless, all aspects of installation of our signage solution, including the implementation of glass manifestation using requisite safeguards were completed within the time constraints and to the satisfaction of the main contractor.
Technical details: Signbox were tasked with creating a vast series of bespoke 3D glass manifestations with a range of opacity levels on optically clear film in a suite of stunning designs. These biophilic manifestations featuring foliage, trees and birds were applied to glass panels that captured the natural light, energising the interior workspaces and helping to promote a healthy, productive working environment. In total, we created and applied 8435 square metres of manifestation film.
Digitally printed, laser-cut acrylic Icon and customised door signs were also designed to create a
feeling of safety and care. Brushed stainless steel logos and built-up lettering with a fabulous bronze
finish were applied to the reception area, café, restaurant and other communal spaces.
Outcome: Indeed, with its environmental impact, agile working and workforce wellbeing at centre stage, the Signbox solution was tailored to suit an entirely new, future-proofed workplace dynamic. The scheme adds elegant detailing to the reception area, its offices and meeting rooms, tea points, quiet rooms, café, restaurant and open plan areas across its 13 floors.
“… from all of us at ISG thank you and your teams for the Herculean efforts made for us
to achieve practical completion … This is an incredible achievement considering … this year’s ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. It is a true reflection of great teamwork and collaboration.” (Jed Gardner, Project Director, ISG)
Case Study Submitted by Signbox, Mark Bartlett, Managing Director (mark@signbox.co.uk).
