Oxfam Canada, a major charitable organization with projects around the world in agricultural support and social equity, decided to relocate their national office. The objectives of the move were to reduce operating costs, improve the working environment for staff and to “walk-the-talk” of environmental sustainability. An existing two-storey, 2,000 square metre office building was purchased by the organization and substantially renovated. Base building upgrades included renovations to existing entrances for universal access, re-roofing, and new mechanical and electrical systems. The fit-up included the complete removal of the former closed office layout to implement a new open-office plan with central meeting rooms and staff support areas. The architectural design included corporate space planning, new interior finishes, and new custom designed work stations and dividers.

Collaborative design

In accordance with Oxfam principles of social equity, the design process included a high level of staff input. One successful outcome of the collaboration was that fabrics purchased by staff in their travels around the world were integrated into the work station design as part of the acoustic treatments.