Worlds within a World: Universal Design Studio Crafts Immersive Worlds for The Jellicoe in King’s Cross

Universal Design Studio in partnership with Fora and the King’s Cross Estate unveil the interiors for the brand new destination workspace situated in London’s hub of creativity – The Jellicoe in King’s Cross.

Universal Design Studio create interiors depicting ‘Worlds within a World’ for The Jellicoe in Kings Cross. Photograph – Chris Tirrell Photography

The Jellicoe incorporates different Worlds within a World to cater to a diverse cohort and unlock thriving creative environments that empower and inspire. Encompassing a design identity that embodies the progressive spirit of Kings Cross, the 137,000 square foot development is built with innovation at its core.

Photograph – Toby Mitchell

Future proofing and environmental considerations have been at the forefront of the design process and Universal Design Studio has created bespoke elements throughout the building that can be reconfigured and dismantled for new purposes.

Photograph – Toby Mitchell

An example of this can be found on the ground floor coworking space. Here, Universal Design Studio has introduced a large scale grid in the ceiling which can help support different activities. For the most part this space operates as a food and beverage offer with cafe and coworking style furniture.

With the use of flexible curtains, projection screens and moveable furniture, the space can also be reconfigured to host events with the overhead raft working to support artwork or installations allowing for future flexibility.

Becky White, Associate Design Director at Universal Design Studio says:

“People are expecting more from their work environment and end-users need more of a diverse offering from their workspaces. Universal Design Studio has drawn upon the best qualities of spaces found beyond the ‘typical’ office and The Jellicoe delivers this diversity through the creation of a ‘Worlds within a World’ concept. Each of the 12 floors represents a different world that supports key human needs such as wellbeing, social interaction alongside focused areas and private spaces that shift tonally to support diversity.”

Universal Design Studio took an overarching approach to sustainability within the design for The Jellicoe – specifically with the materials used. Sensible and considered choices were made when it came to the selection of materials for the larger surface areas, for example using natural lino for floors and avoiding secondary finishes on walls. Another example is the use of Ash timber for the majority of joinery. Innovative finishes can be found throughout the space in key areas such as eelgrass, pinekins and organoid lavender.

Photograph – Chris Tirrell Photography

Paul Gulati, Director of Universal Design Studio says:

“We have experimented with strongly contrasting materials and forms in order to reinforce the difference between each world, which has been further expressed through hard boundaries – cut lines – between each world. The experience of moving between worlds has a cinematic quality – cutting to a new scene or location and prompting changes in human behaviour. This approach encourages users to choose the right space for the task or experience required at a given point in their working day.”

Photograph – Toby Mitchell

Huge importance has been placed on wellbeing in the workplace at The Jellicoe. A timber clad meditation room can be found on Level 2, lined in a sustainable natural material that improves air quality and gives a heightened sensory experience as well as high performing acoustics. Once inside the room, visitors are greeted with the calming scent of lavender which has been used throughout the wall lining of the space. A thick carpet and comfortable seating creates a cocoon-like environment aimed at transporting users of the room into a state of relaxation and reflection.

On the same floor, an indoor garden has been designed with natural materials, but also draws reference to external materials. The floor is made from a clay brick tile and the walls use a clay and mineral application from Cornish company Clayworks. The purposeful use of external materials takes the visitor to an outdoor world but inside – making it the ideal space for individual downtime and social interaction.

Photograph – Toby Mitchell

Fidel Saenz de Ormijana, Senior Design Manager at FORA, comments:

“Marking our largest and most innovative workspace to date, the design brief for The Jellicoe was both challenging and ambitious, reflecting the scale and significance of the project from start to finish. Alongside Universal Design Studio, we pushed the boundaries of what was possible from a design lens and their conceptual approach of ‘Worlds within a World’ resonated with us, creating a workspace that offers layers of functionality and discovery. This approach allows us to deliver an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive, all while maintaining an exceptional level of design detail.”

Photograph – Toby Mitchell