Island and EMI Headquarters Transformed into Immersive Cultural Hub in London
Island Records and EMI have reimagined their shared workspace in King's Cross, London, transforming it into a dynamic environment that celebrates their rich musical legacies. This extensive renovation, spanning 18 months, was a collaborative effort between spatial design experts Interesting Projects and EMI's internal creative team, Studio Eye. The result is a vibrant hub that functions not merely as an office, but as an immersive exhibition space, weaving over 70 pieces of art, photography, and memorabilia into the daily fabric of the workplace. Notable artists like Annie Leibovitz, Thierry Noir, and Jeremy Deller contribute to the artistic tapestry.
Situated within the modern Pancras Square development, the headquarters skillfully intertwines the distinct narratives of two legendary record labels. Island Records, founded in Jamaica in 1959 by Chris Blackwell, and EMI, established in London in 1931, boast an unparalleled catalog featuring icons from Bob Marley and The Beatles to Grace Jones, U2, Elton John, Amy Winehouse, and Taylor Swift. Instead of relegating this profound history to mere framed displays, the innovative design allows it to permeate every aspect of the space, from walls and furniture to art installations and communal areas.
A key design element is the strategic use of color to define and connect the two labels' identities. Island Records' signature Pantone 109C yellow is complemented by Pantone 671C pink, a nod to its progressive and folk music era from 1967 to 1970. EMI's visual identity draws from a distinctly British palette, utilizing red, white, and Yves Klein blue, subtly echoing the Union Jack without resorting to clichés. These color schemes are consistently applied across custom ALPI wood joinery, stainless-steel accents, and bespoke artwork frames, effectively translating brand aesthetics into a cohesive material language.
The curated art collection further reinforces the immersive experience, integrating musical history directly into the architectural design rather than confining it to a separate gallery. Within the Island Records zone, British-Jamaican sign-painter Jorge Jacobs has created a striking hand-painted mural, inspired by Jamaica's Nurse Signs collective. Throughout the headquarters, a blend of archival materials and contemporary art, alongside newly commissioned works, constructs a living visual chronicle of the labels' evolving cultural impact, all while maintaining a contemporary and functional workplace.
At the core of the headquarters lies an innovative listening room, equipped with custom RN1 and M210 studio monitors from British hi-fi manufacturer TPI Aerospace, and featuring a significant piece by Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller. Island's communal area is outfitted with its own specialized High-Output sound system, while a dedicated kiosk showcases artist merchandise and collaborations with brands such as Aries Arise and Corteiz. This intentional blurring of boundaries between an office, a gallery, and a retail space challenges conventional corporate design, refusing to be limited to a single function.
Interesting Projects characterizes the headquarters as a 'spatial archive,' employing exhibition design and curatorial principles to present nearly a century of musical innovation while anticipating future developments. In collaboration with Studio Eye, the design team treated art, sound, color, and materials as integral components of the workplace, rather than mere decorative additions. The outcome is an office environment deeply rooted in the mythology of Island and EMI, yet equally focused on the individuals who continue to shape their narratives, fostering a vibrant cultural catalog rather than a sterile corporate setting.