PUBLIC HALL
Sella Concept // London, UK

Former MI6 HQ converted into innovative offices:
The Public Hall in London, co-workspace with a focus on GovTech

A brand-new, unique co-working environment is being created inside an impressive Victorian building in Westminster by using modern design and innovative interior concepts.
Originally built as an elegant block of flats at 1 Horse Guards Avenue with a fantastic view of the River Thames, this construction was used by MI6 as its headquarters during the First World War. Rebranded as the Public Hall, it’s now being converted into co-working space for the start-up, innovator and investor communities. These experts will put their resources to good use in transforming the public sector with a view to the digital future.

With this objective in mind, Huckletree, a company that develops workspaces, commissioned the Sella Concept Studio, specialising in creating visual brand identities in interior design. They were facing a challenging task because the remit was to transform the historic surroundings into a modern, inspiring environment that fosters free thinking and creative ideas and leaves room for disruptive concepts and solutions. With this in mind, the agency in charge of the building’s new “look & feel” skilfully combined the old with the new, adding quality, elegance and modern spirit, thus lending the classical rooms a touch of modernity.

The compelling old structures and materials were preserved, while art deco elements and colours such as celestial blue, Dorchester pink and sage green to evoke “Englishness” were added. Modern furniture and decorations have created a timeless combination of aesthetic and functional aspects resulting in an open workspace, meeting rooms and communal rooms such as a library and a kitchen. All areas are connected by open corridors. It’s a slice of the past and a step into the future, plus contemporary aspects that create a connection between the worlds. The overall impression is one of calm, heritage and creativity.

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Project: PUBLIC HALL
Location: London
Architect: Sella Concept
Photographer: Genevieve Lutkin