Take a Trip Through Trip Advisor’s Oxford, UK Workplace

Unispace walks us through their latest design – Trip Advisor’s Oxford, United Kingdom space, focusing on activity-based working principles.

Tripadvisor, a global leader in the travel and tourism industry, recognised the need to adapt its Oxford office to better align with the changing dynamics of the modern workplace. Previously situated in a business park, the office had become too large and underutilised, with a significant portion of the workforce opting for remote work. To address this, Tripadvisor embarked on a strategic project to reimagine and condense their office space, aiming to create a workplace that reflects both their innovative spirit and the sophisticated ambiance of a high-end hotel.

The goal was to transform the existing office into a more flexible, efficient, and vibrant environment, perfectly tailored to the evolving needs of their workforce. By introducing modern, adaptable work settings, the new office design aimed to foster creativity, collaboration, and productivity, while ensuring the space remained a welcoming hub for those who chose to work on-site. This project underscores Tripadvisor’s commitment to providing an inspiring workplace that supports the varying personalities and work styles of its employees, ultimately enhancing both employee satisfaction and organisational performance.

Inspired by the refined sophistication of modern hotels such as the Hoxton, the redesign of Tripadvisor’s Oxford office blends contemporary style with elements from Oxford’s local rich architectural heritage. The colour palette mirrors the tones of the city’s limestone, featuring hues of bronze, caramel, and turmeric. Geometric patterns echo the rhythmic elegance of English Perpendicular Gothic architecture, with its bold vertical lines and expansive windows.

The choice of materials enhances the space’s luxurious ambiance, combining rough and smooth stone textures to create depth and interest. Neutral and warm tones establish a harmonious environment, while a bespoke dark veneer adds contrast against the lighter hues. Integrating these architectural tones into the modern office setting, along with soft seating and steel elements, elevates both comfort and style. This thoughtful curation not only honours Oxford’s architectural legacy but also ensures the workspace is visually striking and inviting.

Tailored Strategy for Optimal Results 

The Unispace strategy team approached this project with an innovative “reverse briefing” method, initiating the design process with a proposed solution and refining it based on comprehensive insights gathered through a structured research phase. Over a concentrated four-week period, the team conducted detailed site visits, engaged in interviews with leadership, and performed an in-depth observation study to capture Tripadvisor’s unique requirements and preferences. 

The design strategy focused on creating a versatile workplace aligned with Tripadvisor’s global Activity-Based Working (ABW) principles. This approach addresses key concerns such as underutilised spaces, the need for diverse work settings, and an enhanced visitor experience. By adopting a flexible and dynamic workspace solution, Unispace aimed to foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and a strong sense of community among employees. The resulting design ensures that the office supports a wide range of activities and interactions, aligning with Tripadvisor’s vision of a modern, functional, and engaging workplace. 

Project Details

The office features a diverse array of activity-based spaces, tailored to accommodate various levels of interaction and work preferences. The layout integrates vibrant and tranquil areas to cater to different needs. The ground floor is designed as a lively hub, with bustling social canteen areas and recreational amenities such as a ping pong table, fostering informal interactions and team collaboration. In contrast, the first floor offers a quieter atmosphere, with a small social area and a series of whisper rooms dedicated to focused, individual work. This zoning strategy effectively addresses the distinct needs of different departments, with sales teams benefiting from the more energetic ground floor, and engineering teams enjoying the serene environment of the first floor.

The space features meticulously engineered acoustics and lighting to optimise the work environment. Acoustic solutions, including baffles inspired by Oxford’s architectural style, enhance sound quality and manage noise levels effectively. Strategically placed curtains create buffer zones between quiet and lively areas, ensuring a balanced acoustic experience throughout the space.

Lighting is designed to support different work modes, with adjustable fixtures catering to both quieter, focused areas and more vibrant, interactive spaces. The design includes lamps that subtly evoke the company’s logo, reinforcing brand identity while providing practical illumination. This approach ensures that each area is equipped with appropriate lighting settings to meet diverse needs, maintaining a consistent yet adaptable atmosphere across both floors.

Biophilic design principles are integral to the office’s aesthetic, with natural elements such as wood, stone, and forest accents enhancing employee wellbeing. This connection to nature not only contributes to the office’s visual appeal but also supports a healthier and more invigorating work environment, reinforcing Tripadvisor’s commitment to creating a nurturing and inspiring workplace.

Overall Project Results

Tripadvisor’s new space now effectively aligns with the modern workplace’s evolving needs, blending functionality with a sophisticated, hospitality-inspired aesthetic. The design incorporates flexible work settings, balanced acoustics, and adjustable lighting to support diverse work styles and enhance employee wellbeing. By integrating biophilic design elements and reflecting Oxford’s architectural heritage, the office creates a dynamic and welcoming environment. This project underscores Tripadvisor’s commitment to fostering creativity, collaboration, and productivity, ultimately setting a high standard for future workplace design. 

Design

Ilaria Baldini – Senior Designer, Unispace

Jenna Monteith – Associate, Technical Design, Unispace

Angela Mullarkey – Operations Lead, Strategy, Unispace

Martin Donaghy – Senior Project Manager, Unispace

Photography

Oliver Pohlmann

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