Experience is at the core of the design process; decisions are made based on our understanding of human behaviours and social interactions.
– Yaara Gooner

LABS Collective is transforming the Grade-II listed Victoria House in Holborn, London, into a 200,000sq ft (18,600sq m) co-working space with a variety of amenities for downtime and a focus on wellbeing.

The neoclassical building will be updated with a modern design and contemporary feel, while its heritage will be preserved through sensitive restoration of its architectural detail.

The new facility will accommodate around 4,000 professionals, with 150,000sq ft (14,000sq m) of workspace, 40 meeting rooms and flexible floorplates enabling businesses to adapt layouts to suit their needs.

In addition to features for work, there will be a variety of spaces for gathering, relaxing and socialising.

Perhaps most notably, there will be a wellbeing centre, aimed at helping people to look after their physical and mental health.

A hotel-style lobby with a café and bar has been designed to create a mood-boosting first impression and will provide a place for people to meet, chat, eat and drink.

There will also be a roof terrace with a bar, seating and views across the city and a number of multi-use meeting and event spaces.

Yaara Gooner, lead architect/designer at LABS Collective, said: "LABS coworking spaces are designed with a focus on wellness, where members can be at their most productive and feel their best. We try to give members a supportive framework, a healthy environment for a balanced life.

"Experience is at the core of the design process; decisions are made based on our understanding of human behaviours and social interactions. The scale, materials and finishes are all chosen with a care for the people using them, to provide a stage for our members to connect and collaborate.

"Victoria House is no exception and it’s interesting to place this aesthetic while undergoing a sensitive and thoughtful restoration of the unique features already within the building."

The facility is scheduled to open in mid-2020.