SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - June 27, 2014 - A trend among companies of all sizes to downsize their office tenancy areas[1] and the growing need for informal meeting space has led to an innovation in transforming commercial real estate: The Porter, to be launched at 1 O’Connell St on May 22. Recent research[2] shows that an increasing number of employees view their work environments as extending beyond the four walls of their office given adoption of new mobile technologies and value a range of different environments which support different corporate functions. The Porter at 1 O’Connell Street is a new club lounge concept managed by Haworth that attempts to fulfil this growing need. The Porter was a collaborative project led by the building’s owner, Lend Lease-managed Australian Prime Property Fund Commercial, Haworth, and design firm 2d3d (now Gensler). In developing The Porter, the team also engaged with a group of innovative product, service and thought leaders under the "Haworth times Friends" (HaworthxFriends) open platform. Together, Haworth and its xFriends partners addressed critical aspects of The Porter’s design, from furniture curation to community engagement, technology enablement, concierge services, brand design, and food and beverage services. From the beginning of concept development the group worked together to research, design, furnish and ultimately activate the space to create a vertical community within the building, facilitating a new way to engage and connect in our digital world.
The Porter will provide its members with unique privileges and an ability to leverage a range of different work environments and amenities including a flexible workshop area, event spaces, meeting rooms, casual seating, and a central “chalet” with fireplace in which to collaborate and network. The array of spaces is designed to encourage cross-company pollination in an exclusive lounge atmosphere. One of the xFriends partners, CoActiv8, along with Haworth hosted co-creation workshops to identify principles of community and collaboration that could be leveraged in The Porter’s service and delivery model. CoActiv8, will support the ongoing activation of The Porter by curating social events, fostering self-organising behaviours, and facilitating online connectivity.
The Porter stands to deliver a new model for true sustainability by providing a constantly evolving space, as well as building a vertical community within 1 O’Connell and its precinct that fosters engagement and well-being. The Porter will also serve to utilise the advanced end of trip facilities housed within 1 O’Connell St, extending the reach of the building’s assets to members.
Key partners of The Porter include:
Haworth (Operations, Concept development & management, Furniture curation)
Lend Lease Managed APPF Commercial (Building Owner)
2D3D, now Gensler (Designer)
CoActiv8 (Community Engagement)
Peace of Mind Technology (Technology Integration)
First Contact Hospitality Services (Concierge Services)
Euro Fresh (Food & Beverage)
Jones Lang LaSalle (Building Manager
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Globally, Haworth improves workplaces with award-winning furniture, interior architecture and technology solutions to help customers achieve business goals and transform culture as well as support collaboration and innovation. Research + design drive a deep understanding of agile workplace needs and are at the center of the company’s strategy. Haworth is committed to protecting and restoring the environment, creating economic value as well as supporting and strengthening its communities. Founded in 1948, Haworth remains family-owned and privately-held and serves markets in more than 120 countries through a global network of 600 dealers. The company had net sales of US $1.41 billion in 2013.