CLIENT
Cognizant
DESIGN
Perkins & Will
LOCATION
London, UK
COMPLETED
2023
Cognizant helps organisations modernise technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences to stay ahead in a fast-changing world. When the company moved into its new headquarters on the edge of Spitalfields and the City, we were appointed as furniture consultant to help create a contemporary, flexible workspace that prioritised user engagement and sustainability at every stage.
Designed by Perkins&Will, the three-floor headquarters brings Cognizant’s London teams together for the first time. Previously spread across five separate sites, the new central workplace required furniture typologies that would support a full spectrum of work modes, from individual focus to informal collaboration and structured teamwork, while remaining highly adaptable. Our challenge was to specify a suite of solutions that delivered flexibility without compromising comfort, performance or long-term durability.
To ensure the new workplace responded directly to user needs, we ran a pilot scheme at Cognizant’s Paddington office, inviting teams to test proposed furniture settings ahead of final selection. Real-time feedback was captured through interactive digital tools and fed into the specification process, resulting in a finely tuned furniture strategy aligned with the working patterns of Cognizant’s teams. Through close collaboration with Perkins&Will, we defined the optimal balance of function, budget, design and sustainability.
Collaboration spaces throughout the headquarters are built for spontaneity and speed, using modular pieces that can be assembled and reconfigured with ease. Breakout spaces feature moveable walls and whiteboards that can be deployed or stored as needed, while flexible power solutions free employees from fixed plug sockets, allowing anyone to work anywhere in the office. In essence, the workspace can be created and recreated on a daily basis.
A wide range of meeting spaces has been created to support the diverse needs of Cognizant’s teams. A traditional boardroom includes a bespoke table that allows the space to double as a workshop area, while additional meeting rooms accommodate up to eight people, offering both conventional layouts and more relaxed lounge-style settings. Semi-circular tables support one-to-ones, and sound-proof pods provide quiet zones for focus work and calls.
Sustainability was central to the project, which targets BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum. All products specified for the fit-out were low-VOC and responsibly sourced. We collected, cleaned and reconditioned as many of Cognizant’s existing task chairs and desks as possible, repurposing sit-stand desk frames and enhancing them with custom wraparound screens. Overall, 40% of all furniture items in the headquarters are reused or recycled pieces.
Smart technology is embedded across the workspace to support hybrid working and smooth daily operations. We installed smart lockers that can be booked individually or reserved for project teams, offering a flexible, accessible base for employees regardless of schedule. All meeting rooms, desks and lockers are also bookable, enabling users to plan their day and choose spaces that best suit their needs.
To help Cognizant’s teams settle into their new headquarters, we worked with Perkins&Will to integrate the building’s wayfinding strategy into the furniture specification. A coloured thread guides users through the space and appears subtly in finishes and fabrics, referencing Spitalfields’ heritage as a centre of silk weaving. This intuitive visual language helps people navigate the office with ease while reinforcing a sense of place.
