The
opportunity to visit Ipswich arose after the offer of an interview was made to
fill a Part I position within the practice, ‘Beanland Associates Architects’
whose practice is based in the centre of the town. The offices themselves were
very fortunately located in a place which could serve as a constant source of
inspiration for an Architect.
PHOTOS & SKETCHES - WILLIS BUILDING, IPSWICH, 16/07/14
On the corner diagonally opposite that on which the office sat was the Willis Building, designed by Norman Foster and completed in 1975. This simple office building was revolutionary in terms of the business environment, helping to launch the idea that the office environment could serve as a democratic, convenient, open and bright space, as well as a place of work. This particular July day helps to demonstrate the effect of the free plan and façade of the internal space – resembling a droplet of water. The façade ripples, clinging to the pavement, concealing the planes of the floors inside which provide a flexible and ordered space with a line of circulation flowing up through the central void.