Located on the 9th and 10th floors of the 22 Bishopsgate building in London, the new Hiscox headquarters is conceived as an innovative approach to the corporate environment, challenging traditional conventions by placing art and human interaction at the core of the design process. It celebrates the insurer’s heritage, ambition, and love of art, as evidenced by its consistent art collection built up over the decades.
Project Name: HISCOX HEADQUARTER & ART GALLERY
Studio Name: MATTEO FERRARI STUDIO
Completion: December 2022
Building Type: Office Space
Project Location: 22 Bishopgate, London, United Kingdom
Site Area: 5.460 sqm
Project Owner: Hiscox
Project leader: Ciszak Dalmas and Studio Tilt
Architects: BOH: Oliver Marlow ( Studio Tilt) / FOH: Ciszak Dalmas + Matteo Ferrari
Lighting Design: Studio ZNA
Furniture Specialist: Workform
Photo credit: Stale Eriksen
The design vision places artworks at its center, aiming to deliver a disruptive and inspiring space that rethinks its category and challenges expectations. Far from being just an office or a hospitality space, the design aspires to be a physical expression of the insurer’s culture and energy—a monumental and sculptural design that creates an immersive platform for art, designed to be impactful and timeless, free from pretentiousness, always looking towards the future with intelligence and honesty. A piece of art in its whole.
The synergy between art and architecture creates an environment that not only visually stimulates but also seeks to generate meaningful interactions with the occupants. Each piece of art becomes a catalyst for creativity and innovation, turning every corner into a source of inspiration. Commissioned pieces signed by contemporary artists such as James Turrell, along with other iconic pieces by Picasso, Francis Bacon, and Jeff Koons, populate the interior spaces.
Comprising a total surface of 5,450 sqm, a creative team was assembled to design specific areas, all combined into a cohesive vision for the space: London-based Studio Tilt was in charge of the Back of House (BOH) main office and meeting areas, while Ciszak Dalmas and Matteo Ferrari studio was called upon to shape the experience and atmosphere for the Front of House (FOH), which includes an Art Café, a Gallery, and an Auditorium.
Imagine walking into a brightly lit office space that feels like a breath of fresh air, where the walls come alive with beautiful artwork, and the atmosphere is filled with positivity and well-being. This is the future of office design, and it’s not just a pipe dream. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that nurtures a sense of community and connection among people.
The new Hiscox Headquarters signifies a new paradigm in the design of a hybrid, creative, multi-team workspace, rooted in fostering brand awareness, strong partnerships and collaborations, and creating a human-centered, inspiring, and welcoming experience.
The fundamental premise is to transform the common areas into a stage where beauty, functionality, and user experience converge harmoniously. Its silent yet impactful design rises above the city skyline as a declaration of modernity and sophistication. Clean lines, open spaces, and the unique integration of artworks create an ambiance that impresses not only aesthetically but also fosters concentration and productivity.
Upon arrival at the lift lobby, a prominent 10x3m flat screen dropped from the ceiling welcomes visitors with a commissioned art installation by artist Julie Freeman, called ‘More Than Us’. “ The artwork reminds us to think in a more-than-human way, emphasizing that even with sophisticated data, chance and randomness will always play a role in our collective fate. Two communities of colorful geometric shapes drawn from Suprematist paintings of the early 1900s move in response to historical and predictive climate catastrophe data sets, built using our real-time business data and data from Hiscox partners RMS and Verisk,” said Kylie O’Connor, Communications Director at Hiscox. Far from being a cold, austere, and empty entrance space, the lift lobby gains attention by being human, welcoming, and memorable.
After stepping into the Art Café, a monumental wall welcomes guests as both a functional and statement piece. Bespoke-made on-site by artisans specializing in stone, the wall helps the interior architecture provide a bold separation in the open space, dividing the cafeteria with a stunning view of the City from the meeting room area leading to the back of the house. Made of limestone, the wall conveys a natural presence in the Hiscox office front of the house area. It speaks of the company’s heritage, traditionally related to the world of art, as well as its strong presence in the insurance industry.
The Art Café performs a number of functions vital to Hiscox’s business and relationships with clients, brokers, suppliers, and other guests. This area is used to meet and greet guests, as well as providing a space where guests can relax or work between meetings. There is no traditional reception desk; rather, a concierge or Meet & Greet service where hosts actively receive guests as they arrive, alerted to their imminent arrival by the security system.
At its center, a wood-finished spiral staircase connects the two main floors. Next to it, the Art Café contains a monumental Coffee Counter, designed as a low piece of fixed furniture to enable an impressive view of Saint Paul’s Cathedral from any angle.
