Campus MLC
North Sydney, Australia
Bligh Voller Nield

Diverse live/work areas reflect a dramatic model for change

© Anthony Browell

For more photos click on 'photos & drawings' above. To see the people and products behind this project click on 'people & products.'

In August 1957, MLC's original headquarters opened as the largest high-rise office building in Australia. Having endured the wear and tear of time and use, the building needed updating and MLC decided to take a novel approach, guided by a highly successful nonhierarchical reorganization of the company. This affected the redesign, where changes were dramatic and represented a profound shift in Australian office design. MLC had changed its hierarchical administration to a structure of collaborative teams of people or business units who invented new products in the financial services market. The firm became hugely profitable as a result and it was soon of no surprise that their logo had become "The Golden Egg."

The architect responded to this business model with exciting and innovative ideas. Each floor was given a different name, themed accordingly with furniture and finishes. Level three is the Zen Den. At one end of the lobby is a series of three dishes filled with stones to relieve stress and nearby there are giant asymmetrical seat-forms. At the other end is a tropical fish tank with a nearby table that one has to climb up into to sit down--it's like eating at a Japanese restaurant. Another floor is called "The Beach" and has a blue- and yellow-striped carpet and industrial finishes. There is also "The Table" level, which has a kitchen and a massive table where one can eat or have a meeting. This theming is effective and interesting.

There are fully adjustable workstations and no dedicated private offices throughout the entire eleven floors. MLC is an organization that doesn't require employees to be surrounded by libraries or equipment and there are live/work desks for interstate and visiting staff. Corners of the building are used for project rooms, instead of private offices and no one owns a window. This egalitarian design, achieved through a client-led process, seems to be always looking forward towards an ever-changing future on the horizon.

Formal name of building:
Campus MLC

Location:
North Sydney, Australia

Gross square footage:
66,350 sq ft

Architect's firm:
Bligh Voller Nield
Level 2, 189 Kent Street
Sydney, Australia
Tel 02 92521222
Fax 02 92521776