The iconic Underwriting Room at the heart of Richard Rogers' high-tech Lloyd's building in London is set to undergo a major redesign by its owner, insurance company Lloyd's of London.
Planned for 2022, the "once-in-a-generation" overhaul of the Grade I-listed building's central space is being carried out to better accommodate the firm's flexible working practices following the coronavirus pandemic.
The Underwriting Room forms the heart of the building. Photo is by Janet Gill, courtesy of RSHP
"We have embarked on a once-in-a-generation journey to redesign the iconic Underwriting Room and supporting spaces in the Lloyd's building," a spokesperson from Lloyd's of London told Dezeen.
"The decision to undertake this journey has been driven by the increasing trends of flexible working and digitalisation, which have been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic." Final plans to be revealed this year
The final design and architect that Lloyd's of London will be working with for the project will not be decided until later this year. However, the insurance firm has been carrying out consultations and targeted focus groups to develop ideas for the redesign.
"Through Q1 2021, we completed an extensive market consultation to gather insights and ideas about the future requirements for spaces and services our marketplace needs," it said.
"Currently, like many other organisations, we are considering a range of options around our workspace strategy ...