Convene at 22 Bishopsgate

Convene, the US-founded premium meetings, events, and workspace company, has opened its first ever international location, Convene at 22 Bishopsgate. Working closely with Convene’s in-house design team, Woods Bagot led an interior design that reflects Convene’s focus on amenity, hospitality, and experience, providing its users with an elevated offer, like that of a 5-star hotel. Taking into consideration the uniqueness of London, the design was influenced by the ‘Modern Livery’. Like the Livery companies of the City of London, Convene provides a platform for the creators and the innovators alike. The finished design shows a mix of traditional architecture, the history of Bishopsgate and the modern cultural influence of local contemporary street artist Ben Eine, bringing together the old and new, the clean and decorative. Shared amenity spaces provide opportunities for chance collaboration, while the large auditorium and meeting suite creates opportunities for large or small functions and events. Convene 22BG provides users with an elevated offer, like that of a 5-star hotel. Woods Bagot and Convene assessed the space in terms of its value, beyond just having maximum desk-space. There’s consideration for amenity and engagement, reinforcing why people come into the City of London now – for connection and interaction. The design is reflective of its surroundings, especially the concept of the ‘Modern Livery’. Like the Livery companies of the CoL, this is a platform for innovators. The finished look mixes traditional architecture, Bishopsgate’s history, and modern cultural influences of local contemporary street artist Ben Eine – joining old and new, clean and decorative – much like the CoL itself. The interiors and materiality have been designed with playful sophistication, with a neutral architectural base palette, exposed ceilings & colour injection by way of loose furniture, rugs, drapery and rich timber and stone surfaces - adding warmth and comfort. Subtle period pattern and feature mouldings reinforce local history. Significant emphasis is on the arrival experience, establishing the heart of the customer experience. Flooded with natural daylight and external interest, Convene celebrates high exposed ceiling structure, combined with gallery-style track lighting and decorative feature pendants. All areas feature state-of-the-art technology, fully equipped with high-speed WiFi, as well as conferencing tools that enable hybrid meetings. All clients can access premium-production elements, such as set design, and state-of-the-art audio/video capabilities. Smooth and flexible ways of working are made more straightforward, something of key importance to businesses after the last two years. Convene 22BG is BREEAM “Excellent” rated and is in line with the base build standards of EPC ‘B’ for the building. Best practice was also carried out regarding material selection and lighting control systems, complying with BREEAM requirements.