Studio RHE has unveiled its designs for Republic, a dynamic collaborative campus focused on well-being, connectivity, creativity and flexibility. Working with Trilogy Property and LaSalle Investment Management, Studio RHE's plans transform the 1990s post-modern office complex at East India Dock, London.
The first phase of work on Building R1 started on-site in October 2016, and sees the building updated with the re-cladding and extension of the facades at ground and first floors. This creates a new transparent, modern aesthetic to house the amenities including retail, bars and cafes with extensive outdoor terraces.
Modern engineered timber and black steel continue inside the building with a dramatic, extended atrium space over 10 storeys, built entirely from a glulam timber grid.
The design is centred around well-being at work with increased daylight, better levels of ventilation, direct connections with nature and planting in the biodiverse central gardens. A plan layout encourages the use of the carefully placed central staircase over the first three floors, with extensive undercover local cycle parking, a large gym and extensive planted roof terraces.
Collaborative working is encouraged through the provision of shared work and meeting space inside the atrium at ground floor level, which connects directly to the external communal terraces and water gardens.
Designed to appeal to the next generation of creative and tech businesses, Republic will create an attractive work and leisure environment, becoming a new neighbourhood in this previously overlooked corner of London's Docklands.
A 10,000 sq ft co-working space, event space and rooftop bar on the 9th Floor is set to launch in January 2017. The campus will eventually provide 650,000 sq ft of low-cost high-quality affordable workplace, a wide range of amenities, generous public realm and extensive green spaces around the existing lake.