Zurich Insurance Company

This six-storey office building, with 12 600m2 of office accommodation and 300 parking bays, was designed to resemble a ship's prow core. The western facade is separated from the main office block by a large, multi-volume atrium that is encased in glass curtain walling, and is accessible to tenants from different floors via bridges and stairways situated in a "skin" of sandstone. There is a distinct lack of large structural members in the space that enhances the simplicity. The theme of light and wide open space recurs throughout the building, allowing for a brighter and less constricted office atmosphere. All workstations benefit from a view to the outside world and natural light bathes the areas thanks to calculated window positioning and design, Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA)