New Accessible Reception Desk at Romford YMCA
This reception area is at the hub of a large and complex building constructed in 1968. All communications meet here, and it is the first point of contact for the public.
We carried out a detailed photographic analysis of the existing space and interviewed users. This ensured we understood all the activites which took place and how the equipment functioned. We were then able to identify the factors whichwere preventing the reception functioning properly. Over many years an accretion of cabling, equipment and storage spaces had accumulated, giving the reception a messy, drab and unpleasant feeling of incompleteness.
Our concept proposal was to unify the space, make it work more efficiently and present the YMCA as a forward looking, inclusive and fun organisation.
A key part of the brief for the project was to maintain a transparent contact with the public, but to provide each receptionist with a more comfortable and more secure working environment.
The original reception provided for only two receptionist positions but now three fit comfortably into the same space, together with an office behind for five staff. We achieved this by looking in great detail at the ergonomics of the receptionist workstations and options for using IT to reduce paper space. Each receptionist position is now able to cater for any member of the public, be they disabled, able bodied, young or old. Much of the paperwork has now been replaced with flat screen networked computer terminals. As furniture designers we are able to apply specialised experience of this kind to projects which involve public interaction.
The concept was developed within a budget of £45,000 to full working drawings, tendered and completed on site within 5 weeks by a specialist shopfitting contractor. We provided full architectural and design services, including contract administration and the design of all furniture and fittings.