JOLIE ushers in a new era of workplace aesthetics at 60 Fountain Street

As the concept of the traditional workplace continues to evolve, JOLIE has unveiled its meticulous redesign of 60 Fountain Street, a sizeable property in the heart of Manchester city centre. The studio strives to develop contemporary work environments with an emphasis on community and social impact, creating dynamic spaces for Gen X and Gen Z demographics, who increasingly value sustainability, wellbeing and a sense of belonging.

In this comprehensive redesign, JOLIE aimed to combine comfort, style and a familiar nod to residential aesthetics. This ‘hotelisation’ of the workplace is a signature of JOLIE’s approach to office interiors – the development’s target demographic tech, finance, legal and other professional services.

“Our design for 60 Fountain Street has created a space that provides a sense of importance, pride and exclusivity with a private members club feel,” explains JOLIE’s founder and CEO, Franky Rousell. “We sought a sense of elevation in our redesign, through access to private amenities and facilities, and a desire to create a space that others will want to emulate.”

“We believe the growing need and generational movement towards high-end local, sustainable and community-led amenities have become even more prevalent post-pandemic,” says Rousell. “The professional demographic is well travelled and places high importance on prestige, good service and exclusivity. They look for more meaning and purpose from their space than mere visual identity; they want a story to tell.”

Seeking to attract more satellite businesses and SMEs from outside Manchester, the studio believes its unique approach (including sensory zoning and colour theory) will make this a destination with purpose. Material and colour choices were all underpinned by JOLIE’s extensive scientific research around colour, fragrance, touch, sound and scent, which guides tenants through each environment in the five-storey building.

Often an overlooked sense in interior design, 60 Fountain Street pays close attention to sound. In the reception and stairwell areas – which feature dark textured marble-effect walls and rich-toned upholstery and paint – an uplifting soundtrack inspired by Maribou State has been curated. In the loft space, an ethereal and cinematic soundscape plays, reinforcing its role as a welcoming co-working zone.

As maximising the potential of the existing space was also a priority, JOLIE repurposed a redundant plant room on the sixth floor into a covered loft extension. Here, tenants can work and relax from sunrise to sunset, be they hosting informal meetings or attending exclusive events. Usable all year round, this space can also act as an outdoor cinema during the summer months, with combined lounge and bar amenities that offer everything from morning coffees to evening cocktails.

JOLIE have fostered comfort and clarity with a palette of muted yellows, calming blues and deep browns, paired with off-white limestone flooring and pockets of warming timber tones. These neutral elements are offset by dark textured walls, blackened metal elements and dark soft sheers, while sunlight filters in through the floor-to-ceiling bifold doors. Stepping onto the showstopper terrace, tenants can enjoy a light, airy feel amongst the concrete, ever-growing jungle of Manchester, with natural, textured finishes like timber and plaster enlivened by pops of vibrant upholstery.