Signbox has successfully completed an extensive signage project for the stylish new London offices of Microsoft subsidiary Skype that now occupy 90,000 sq ft over three refurbished floors of Waterhouse Square, Holborn; the gothic landmark considered one of London’s most distinguished buildings.The innovative layout was designed by tp bennett LLP, the long established leading architectural practice, and delivered by ISG, the internationally renowned fit-out specialists.
Signbox worked in close partnership with RAW Unlimited, the brand and environmental graphic designers, to print over 1,000 sq metres of optically clear Lintec film that provided manifestation across all the glazed partitions and doors. Produced in-house utilising their Durst Omega 2 technology, the digital glazing graphics created privacy screening whilst still maintaining a light and airy feel to the spaces. Importantly the manifestation had to work with Skype’s AV technology, by blending the dot pattern in critical areas for each and every room. Signbox even incorporated the famous emoticons within the design, a quirky twist in keeping with what is essentially a fun building.
Each of the three Skype floors are organised by theme – British bands, products and people – with every room named accordingly. Signbox laser cut acrylic signage and produced a range of bespoke wayfinding icons, designed specifically by RAW, to assist with the multi-lingual Skype team.
Matthew Wilkins, director of Signbox, commented: “This was an exciting project, working in partnership with RAW, Skype, tp bennett and ISG to deliver a technically demanding project within a limited time frame – a challenge we delighted in. The manifestation not only complements an outstanding office space but performs an important technical function too.”
