Sitting on the former site of a lunatic asylum, ONE Portland Street is a building with two very different personalities, split at each entrance point. The contrasting monochrome tones of light and dark are set with acid yellow accents, smoky mirrored surfaces and neon signs which hint towards its gritty opposing character in the basement. Due to the success of Phase 01, were invited back to implement a brand strategy and interior fit out to the core circulation routes throughout the building, in order a distinct and clear route from office to cycle hub was created.

The design team were careful in material choices throughout project development. A conscious effort was made to ensure all materials have cradle to grave accreditation where possible or can be fully recycled.

The circulation routes were refurbished with an electric pattern repeat wallpaper, and wayfinding established from phase 01 has been further implemented here. After descending the staircase to lower ground, the individual is greeted with an orange ‘portal’ which provides a clear entrance arrival into the vivid cycle-hub and basement car park, now connecting the two contrasting levels as one cohesive and balanced strategy. This uncompromising space reflects the urban grit and insalubrious context sometimes surrounding ONE Portland Street, creating an unpredictable journey through the building. The combination of raw concrete, hyper-bold colours and stark lighting is purposefully hyper self-confident, with a nod to Manchester’s colourful history through a rich brand identity. This is Madchester.

Meticulous planning of the internal spaces at basement level created opportunity to transform the original and redundant bike store into an exciting vestibule inspired by modern installation art. This space is now purposeful and creates a landmark from what was a dark corner of the car park, producing a clearer sense of direction for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers. Both pedestrian entrance points into the core of the building were improved further through the implementation of brand identity, allowing individuals to navigate through the building safely and with ease.