Norton Rose Fulbright modernised its office, enhancing functionality and aesthetics to improve work culture, foster collaboration, and adapt to changing needs, promoting productivity and inclusivity.
Norton Rose Fulbright, a prestigious global law firm, provides comprehensive business law services to the world’s leading corporations and financial institutions. With a formidable team of over 3,700 dedicated lawyers and legal staff spread across Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa, the firm ensures a robust and diversified legal presence worldwide.
In collaboration with Paperspace, Norton Rose Fulbright embarked on a transformative office modernisation project. This ambitious initiative aimed to enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of their expansive workspace. Paperspace played a pivotal role by utilising spacious layouts and meticulously balancing privacy with openness. This modernisation was a strategic overhaul intended to improve the overall work culture. The redesign created avenues for employees to maximise their potential as individual contributors and thrive both personally and professionally.
In order to separate themselves from traditional office layouts, the firm looked to establish a new way of work post-pandemic. The primary challenge was to create a space that maintained the professionalism expected of a world-class global law firm while also providing a comfortable, inclusive, and dynamic environment where employees could fully engage and bring their whole selves to work.
To address these challenges, a semi-open workspace design was implemented. Traditional, restrictive full-height walls were replaced with acoustically treated partitions, which provide the necessary privacy for staff while also allowing for increased visibility and a more open, airy feel to the workspace. Smaller, strategically placed collaborative spaces were introduced to facilitate casual meetings and spontaneous interactions. Furthermore, the reception area was designed to be convertible, serving as a sizable open space for events, social gatherings, and staff activities. This multifunctional area enhanced the office’s flexibility and provided a venue for fostering community and team spirit.
Through these thoughtful and meticulously planned design changes, Norton Rose Fulbright successfully created a workspace that supports both individual productivity and collaborative efforts. The new design not only improved the physical environment but also positively impacted the firm’s work culture, promoting a sense of belonging and comfort. This delicate balance between maintaining professionalism and fostering a welcoming atmosphere aligns seamlessly with the company’s vision of a workplace where employees can be their authentic selves while delivering world-class legal services.
Incorporating flexible furniture and modular layouts, the redesigned spaces can be easily reconfigured to meet the evolving needs of the firm. This adaptability is crucial in a dynamic legal environment where the demands on space and resources can vary significantly from day to day.
Overall, the new design not only meets the functional needs of a global law firm but also fosters a positive, inclusive, and vibrant work culture.
Project: Norton Rose Fulbright
Size: 18,000 sqft
Location: Singapore
Design Studio: Paperspace
Photo Credit: Owen Raggett
Website: paperspace.asia
