Environment - HP Labs Bristol

HP Labs Bristol moved to new, purpose-built headquarters in January 1998. The site, which offers an exceptional work environment, was recently named one of the most visually exciting, functionally efficient and technically advanced company buildings in the UK.

Home to specialist Labs, meeting areas, coffee areas and much more, the imposing entrance to the Labs building is set in landscaped gardens.

The centrepiece to the building is a three-level glass atrium.

The open atrium area, known inside the lab as "the Street," promotes a comfortable working atmosphere and communication between groups. A glass roof provides plenty of natural light, while displacement air conditioning ensures the best air quality. In the middle of the ground floor is the coffee area. Real espresso, cappuccino and a wide variety of teas help to fuel work and relaxation in one of the key areas of the building.

		Weekly coffee talks are an important part of communications within HP and the coffee area hosts everything from these meetings to informal get-togethers between two or three people. The area is also next door to the library. The library holds an impressive array of printed and on-line resources as well as a range of magazines and newspapers.

Moving across to the opposite side of the building you'll find a large auditorium. The auditorium houses state-of-the-art technology. Regular lectures are held here, with visiting speakers covering an enormous range of topics, from technical work-related talks to entertaining presentations.

Moving on ... if you visit working areas within Labs you'll find the ubiquitous cubicles. 'Open plan' is executed in style, with spacious cubicles that are fully equipped with furniture and fittings from Ergonom. Staff benefit from a mixture of private space, quiet working conditions and easy communication with colleagues.

Leaving work behind, food and sport are both well catered for. Subsidised prices keep the cost low. The restaurant serves an exceptional variety of food, with many different dishes on offer each day including vegetarian and daily 'theatre' dishes.A sandwich bar is also there to help you out if you're pushed for time.

Just a brief jog away is the fully equipped sports centre. Located in an old farm house, the sports centre offers a fitness gym, aerobics room, glass-backed squash courts as well as a hard-surface outdoor court and grass football pitch.