Accenture’s decision to consolidate its Paris offices into new headquarters presented the company with an opportunity to innovate at every level, part of their ongoing quest to redefine traditional consulting.
Innovative location
The new headquarters are located in the up-and-coming Bercy area of Paris on the left bank of the Seine – a site which is fast rivalling La Défense in terms of business prestige. 1000 staff from a number of offices in the French capital were relocated to the nine-storey building, its glass shell offering stunning views over the city. The transparency of the building itself demanded a unique solution: clean-cut, simple furniture to suit the light, airy interior.
Innovative practices
On a practical level, a fresh approach to furniture was the only way to resolve conflicting demands of space constraints and fluctuating numbers of mobile consultants. Having operated a hotelling system for a number of years, Accenture were looking to streamline working practices to improve efficiency and avoid churn.
Innovative solution
A customised solution was developed by Herman Miller’s teams in Paris and Milan, in partnership with Accenture and project consultants Amadeus. Every piece of furniture was tailor-made to meet Accenture’s specific design criteria.
Herman Miller’s desking response is based on a redefinition of the Sumo desk to allow variable density – enabling 50% more employees to be accommodated and relocated without having to move a single piece of furniture. Configured as large work tables for 4-8 people, the Sumo desks were provided in single (800w x 3200) and double (1600w and 3200) sizes. This work bench concept replaces individual workstations, providing ultimate flexibility for mobile consultants. The long groups of outsize desks, elegantly supported on just four legs, give the office its distinctive visual signature.
The work benches are designed for using flat screens or lap tops, with services delivered in a central closeable aluminium channel. Each double work bench is fitted with 6 data outlets and 6 electrical outlets, each of them with 4 plugs, providing plenty of capacity.
To complement the open-plan office area, enclosed rooms provide quiet areas for meetings or confidential work. The oval tables provided have rotating worktops for versatility and comfort, thanks to the freestanding power pole housing data and power outlets. A work wall supports a shelf and lamp, keeping the work tops free from clutter.
Touch down areas create additional workspace, enabling consultants to plug in for short periods of time. These individual desks feature easy access with one data and electrical outlet. Located alongside the work benches to create an inclusive layout, these touch downs are backed with high curved screens to separate the corridor from the main office.
The storage concept selected by Accenture is aesthetically coherent across the range, as well as high-performance. Low Milano cabinets provide proximity storage whilst supporting printers, with a data and electrical outlet and wire management concealed inside. PAA storage walls in the same finish cater for archival storage. Pedestals have been replaced by spot storage - specially designed lockers for consultants to store lap tops, briefcases and other belongings.
The result is an uncluttered, spacious working environment for a company whose self-proclaimed mission is to change the business landscape.
