Portland redesigns media agency interiors

Portland Design is redesigning media agency Arena Media’s interiors, creating a new studio space and developing a graphic suite for its office in London’s Bloomsbury.

The consultancy was appointed in November 2010, having been invited to a three-way pitch on the strength of previous work for branded spaces.

Keeley Lascelles, senior designer at Portland, says, ‘They’re in the process of re-evaluating how they want to be perceived. They wanted somewhere people can feel relaxed, like a home from home.’

She adds, ‘It was also important to make it flexible so it can be multi-functional.’

Portland initially undertook workshops with staff, and created a brief document that will inform the interiors and visual identity used across marketing tools and the company’s website.

The interior graphics aim to reflect Arena Media’s insight-based approach, incorporating ‘images and artefacts from consumers’ everyday lives’.

The interiors incorporate a magnetic feature wall, which staff can update with statistics and trend information to inform its clients.

A large bench has been used, with a ‘loungey’ end acting as a waiting area, and a more formal end that can be used for meetings. The colour palette is based on the red brand colour.

The project is due for completion in July 2011.