Our Brief
Bell & Swift has been appointed by Clyde Gateway as Interior Design agency for the redevelopment of the Eastworks Glasgow building.
The disused gas purifier shed which dates back to Victorian times, is one of Dalmarnock’s few remaining listed, but disused, buildings. The transformation will see the building become a modern, collaborative office space and studio accommodation for the city’s businesses.
With Clyde Gateway being responsible for another, more corporate focused, workspace on the development, we were appointed due to our experience in the hospitality sector. With this space targeted at start-ups, collaboratives, and the creative industries, it was this focus on our vibrant hospitality experience (which is very much focused on guest experience) that led to us being appointed on the project.
The proposed layout in the building’s redevelopment is largely open plan, to facilitate modern ways of working and collaboration – the interiors must also further enhance a participative environment. On top of this, the heritage and history of the building and the surrounding area have been respected and represented within the design features. As urban regeneration specialists, Clyde Gateway’s modus operandi is to develop with keen sensitivity to the history of the area – and they do this well through the celebration of original buildings, details and reclaimed materials. As such, we had to continue this throughout the interiors of Eastworks.
The end goal for Eastworks Glasgow to be a workspace that, through design, acknowledges its roots in Victorian industry and its importance to the community’s history while facilitating a thriving future for the city’s residents and businesses.
Our Approach
The design narrative we’ve created for Eastworks draws on industrial influences to represent the building’s legacy, in combination with a vibrant setting and modern influences to create a contemporary, collaborative space.
Creative Director, Craig McKie, said of the design process: “We were delighted to be appointed as part of the team on this regeneration project in our home city. As refurbishment specialist it’s great to be able to give the building a new purpose that will benefit the local community’.
Whilst the layout is largely open plan, distinct areas will be created to allow for different working practices. Breakout areas, meeting rooms, independent offices, and flexible spaces will mean workspace that has the agility to suit every worker’s needs.
Upon entering the building, a warm welcome area will introduce the bold and modern palette, which takes inspiration from Glasgow’s heritage of ‘turkey red dye’ and Dalmarnock’s weaving industry. FF&E for this area features soft and modern lines, sleek finishes and woven elements – again denoting the area’s industrial heritage. Reclaimed materials like tile and timber will also be introduced in this space, and used in the wider building, to bring together legacy and modernity.
The front of the building is also home to the café area which is open to the public, as well as the businesses within Eastworks as a breakout space. A large, reclaimed timber door separates this space from the main workspace itself but is multi-functional and can be opened to create a larger, more open plan space for events.
Moving into the workspace and business lounge, the design narrative is continued, with unique working environments defined through design. Function becomes key within this space, with ergonomic furniture and work spaces designed to best suit the needs of the user. Pattern, colour, and texture give different spaces a unique personality, while industrial details like copper panels and antique gold lighting, continue to remind of the building’s history.
With extensive experience in hospitality, we’re always considerate of how to make an impact at street level. At the centre of the work space is an office pod, set at an unusual angle and illuminated by fluorescent tube lighting. This interesting piece is visible from the street due to floor to ceiling glazing and will create interest and curiosity amongst passers-by.
Glasgow is a city that’s proud of its heritage – as are its people. Colourful artwork and prints will adorn the walls, promoting the city’s thriving creative and artistic scene. To make the most of the double-height ceilings, light installations featuring art inspired by the natural world will be featured – using technology to create unique spaces that further enhance the working environment.
Craig continued to say, “We have enjoyed putting our hospitality experience to good use on this project which we hope will provide a creative and collaborative space to be enjoyed by all that use it’
Once complete, the result will be a workspace that rivals the city’s office buildings; and one that’s transformed a piece of Glasgow’s history into a sensitively designed and truly useful space.
The Results
This project is in the early stages, but we will update on progress and results as work continues and the project develops.
