Come with us behind the curtain of Zoom’s forward-thinking London office design by Unispace and Downstream.
Zoom Video Communications, Inc., in collaboration with workplace design firm Unispace and experience design agency Downstream, has unveiled its new 18,000-square-foot office in Holborn, London. This forward-thinking space redefines the future of work and collaboration by creating a hybrid, flexible environment for both employees and visitors. The office showcases Zoom’s latest technological innovations and product solutions, blending the physical and digital worlds to enhance employee engagement and deliver an exceptional customer experience.
This office reflects Zoom’s commitment to adapting to the changing needs of modern workforces while positioning itself at the forefront of workplace transformation.
Engagement & Experience Spaces
Divided into two key areas, the office houses both the Engagement Hub for employees and the Experience Centre (EC) for clients. The EC serves as a client-centric zone where Zoom’s high-value customers and prospects are offered an immersive journey through its products, philosophies, and innovations. This area utilises interactive digital features, allowing guests to engage directly with Zoom’s offerings in a dynamic and immersive manner. Meanwhile, the Engagement Hub is designed to cater to the needs of a rapidly expanding workforce. It integrates various space types and layouts, reflecting Zoom’s flexible working ethos and catering to the diverse requirements of hybrid and remote workers.
The Experience Centre stands out as a showcase for Zoom’s cutting-edge technology. Features such as the Lens Wall, a digital LED display that connects different areas of the office, and the Discovery Showcase, an interactive space for product demonstrations, demonstrate Zoom’s forward-thinking approach. Additionally, the Boardroom of the Future, with its floor-to-ceiling 8K LED screen and advanced audio-visual systems, represents the next generation of executive collaboration spaces.
Zoom’s new London office seamlessly blends innovative design, technology, and functionality, creating an environment that supports both hybrid working and next-generation customer engagement. It stands as a model for how workspaces can evolve to meet the changing needs of businesses and their people.
Project Planning
The planning phase for Zoom’s new London office was a highly collaborative effort, with significant involvement from the leadership team to ensure alignment with the company’s strategic vision. Executives provided critical insights on organisational goals and workplace culture, guiding the design process to reflect Zoom’s core values.
Additionally, unique design requirements emerged from the desire to create an adaptable environment that supports hybrid work. Research into emerging workplace trends and technologies informed decisions on flexible layouts and advanced AV systems, ensuring the office would accommodate a range of working styles. The emphasis on sustainability also led to the incorporation of environmentally friendly materials and practices, demonstrating a commitment to both employee well-being and ecological responsibility. Through this comprehensive planning process, the new office is poised to meet the evolving demands of a modern workforce while enhancing the overall employee experience.
Health and Wellness
Zoom’s new London office is designed with a strong focus on health and wellness, incorporating various initiatives that promote employee well-being. The space features ergonomic furnishings, adjustable desks, and comfortable seating options to encourage movement and reduce physical strain. Large windows flood the office with natural light, creating a bright and uplifting atmosphere, allowing employees to recharge during their busy workdays.
Branding
Branding elements are seamlessly integrated throughout the design, with Zoom’s vibrant colour palette and logos prominently displayed. The Lens Wall, a striking digital media installation, serves not only as a focal point but also as a dynamic backdrop for meetings and presentations, reinforcing Zoom’s commitment to innovation and customer engagement.
Unique Features
Among the most unique features of the space is the Discovery Showcase, which provides immersive product demonstrations through cutting-edge multi-touch LED displays. This area is designed to engage clients and visitors, allowing them to interact with Zoom’s latest technologies in an informative and entertaining manner. Additionally, the boardroom is equipped with an impressive 8K screen and advanced audio-visual technology, setting a new standard for executive meetings and collaborative sessions.
Sustainability Initiative
A standout element of the space is the bespoke tapestry created in partnership with the Unispace Art for Impact initiative. Crafted by Las Tejedoras, a collective of Nicaraguan women, this stunning piece is made from 3,500 recycled plastic bags, symbolising Zoom’s commitment to sustainability and social impact. The office design also prioritises environmental stewardship, achieving LEED Gold certification, which recognises high standards of sustainability and energy efficiency. This certification underscores Zoom’s dedication to creating a healthy workplace while minimising its ecological footprint. Together, these distinctive elements create an engaging, flexible, and brand-focused environment that embodies Zoom’s ethos and vision for the future of work.
Overall Project Results
Zoom’s new London hub is now an environment that effortlessly combines a cutting-edge workspace with a next-generation Customer Experience Centre. This innovative space acts as a dynamic hub for exploration into the evolving landscape of virtual to hybrid connections, immersing both visitors and employees into the world of Zoom. With its thoughtfully designed areas for collaboration, product demonstrations, and client engagement, the office serves as a showcase for Zoom’s latest technologies and solutions.
Ultimately, this space is more than just an office, it embodies a forward-thinking vision for how workspaces can evolve to meet the needs of a digitally connected workforce, setting a new standard for collaboration and customer interaction in the modern age.
Design Leads
Antonia Walmsley
Head of Design & Strategy, EMEA, Unispace
Sean O’Connor
Executive Creative Director, EMEA, Downstream
Photography
Lawrence Anderson Studio and Oliver Pohlmann
