A recently completed WSP Group fit-out project for Prudential has received a Regional Commendation for 'The Most Effective Fit-Out' at the British Council for Offices (BCO) Award 2000, held earlier this month.

The Prudential Corporation took occupation of its new 11,700-sq./m Governor's House City Headquarters building during Easter last year after a year long fit-out programme. WSP Holborn were the mechanical, electrical, public health, structural and acoustic consultants for the £18m total build project.

The fit-out provided a staff restaurant and kitchen, IT computer rooms, auditorium and cafe, executive offices with dedicated kitchen and boardrooms, enhanced lift installation and atrium fit out.

The key criterion in evaluating each entry was the degree to which others could benefit by adopting ideas into future work. In making their assessment, the judges considered the originality of the concept, the quality of design and construction, the effectiveness of the office's performance as a workplace, value for money and civic and environmental impact. All submissions were assessed by a British Council for Offices award committee, which agreed a shortlist for each award. A regional award committee then visited shortlisted projects.

The Prudential project was noted for its "uplifting experience for visitors with its successful atrium, clear views across the office space, staff facilities, visitors café and auditorium theatre neatly incorporated into the base build."

The British Council for Offices is the UK's leading authority on the development, funding, design, construction and operation of all types of office buildings. The BCO awards, now in their ninth year, were launched to provide public recognition for quality, benchmarks for excellence and to reward participants.

Anna Lagerkvist