studio | dpsq were engaged by Bord Bia in 2019 and appointed as Architects & Designers for this innovative project. The aim being to create a new headquarters and future workplace for the Irish Food Board and government state agency.

The new ‘Global Hub’ has been specifically designed to showcase Ireland’s agri-food sector both at home and internationally - a sector that exported €13.5 billion worth of food and drink last year – the equivalent of exporting almost €37 million worth of food and drink every day to customers in more than 180 countries worldwide. The destination, completed earlier this year provides the food, drink and horticulture industry with a specialist event space and global digital hub to promote Irish sustainably-produced products to clients and their customers around the world.

The building is configured over (7) levels and occupies a total floor area of 2331 sqm. The design expands on the brief to create a new destination and builds on an approach that encourages ‘place-making’ on the understanding that the future working environment, will be ‘less about work and more about place’.

The sculpted reception space incorporates a double height, preserved moss wall and presents an impactful backdrop; with a  cocoon like, timber enclosure creating both a warm welcome;
dramatic sense of arrival. An open gallery offers relaxed surroundings, as an extension of the gathering space and leads to a fully equipped Digital Studio; designed to accommodate and pivot between hybrid/virtual activities with the flexibility to deliver corporate events,
broadcasts and facilitate trade/customer/brand engagement initiatives across a professional platform.

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A multi-levelled workspace incorporates open/adjustable height desks, breakout/refreshment areas, collaboration zones, research/training/meeting spaces, focus/quiet rooms and encourages new ways of working. The overall palette drawing from Bord Bia’s brand guidelines, with bold accents of colour providing a contemporary contrast within the new environment. Branded signage, way-finding; environmental graphics have been developed to deliver a cohesive message and assist communication throughout the building.

A staff restaurant is located on the top floor of the building, with visibility of a working kitchen, offering a refreshing & dynamic environment that supports staff; visitors over the course of the day. This sits comfortably alongside a flexible demonstration space, with
collaborative meeting; presentation facilities helping to foster Bord Bia’s Talent Academy. The 5th Floor also includes an extensive multi-functional space to conceived to accommodate meetings, workshops, seminars; events; supported by adjacent breakout/storage areas. The ability to sub-divide this venue works alongside the latest (AV) audio visual/presentation facilities, with the building as a whole designed to deliver a high level of digital connectivity.

The design adopts a WELL building approach, with Health & Wellbeing prioritised within the context of the overall environment. A key initiative being to align the project with Bord Bia’s Origin Green initiative (the worlds; only national food and drink sustainability programme). The building harnesses the benefits of natural light, balanced with energy efficient LED dimmable/automated lighting and the re-use of existing furniture/equipment from Bord Bia’s
previous building (Clanwilliam Court) is integrated with new elements and biophilic features throughout.

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