PROJECT INFO

Project Name: Care City
Location: Barking, London
Completion Date: 2022 (project not delivered)
Project Type: Corporate Workplace
Size: 10,000 sq ft / ~930 sq m
Scope of Work: Crux Design Studio was appointed to support Care City—a socially driven NHS-affiliated organisation, by designing and delivering its new headquarters in Barking. The team was due to occupy a generous 10,000 sq ft space within a new mixed-use development, combining commercial offices, residential units, and cultural amenities. Although the project was ultimately never completed due to construction and developer issues, Crux spent nearly two years deeply embedded in the process, acting as both designer and advocate.


Care City

From the outset, this project required a gentle, collaborative approach. The Care City team was visionary and passionate, but unfamiliar with commercial workplace delivery. Crux’s role extended far beyond design, becoming a trusted guide, strategic advisor, and, in many ways, a guardian for the client throughout a turbulent and complex development process.

The new space was located in a striking new building with a cinema, retail, and office tenancies on the ground floor and residences above. Care City had secured a desirable corner unit and hoped to build a workplace that would reflect its mission and provide a welcoming, inclusive space for staff and stakeholders.

Design Concept

Crux developed a calm, practical, and accessible design concept rooted in social value. A key consideration was how the workplace could directly support the needs of Care City’s beneficiaries, many of whom have health challenges or accessibility needs. Every design element, from inclusive wayfinding to ADA-compliant environments, was approached with care, clarity, and user dignity in mind.

The workplace included open-plan desks, quiet zones, meeting rooms, a small kitchen, and an inviting front-of-house area, designed to foster transparency and community. The material palette was soft and natural, intended to create a calming presence within an urban setting.

Challenges & Solutions

The greatest challenge was the instability of the construction process. The building was being developed by an Indian team, delivering their first-ever UK project, and their unfamiliarity with UK regulations, delivery standards, and governance structures led to significant delays and uncertainty. Eventually, the construction team abandoned the site, leaving the building incomplete and the project in limbo.

Throughout this time, Crux remained by Care City’s side, attending every landlord meeting, decoding technical issues, and ensuring the client was not pressured into agreements that would compromise the usability or value of the space. Crux’s advocacy protected the organisation from costly mistakes and gave the team the confidence to eventually make the difficult—but—correct decision to exit the development

Final Outcome

While the project was ultimately not built, the experience was deeply meaningful. Crux gained invaluable insight into how accessible and inclusive design can directly impact people’s lives, particularly in healthcare-adjacent sectors. The client moved into a managed office solution instead, and the relationship between Crux and Care City remains positive.

This project serves as an important reminder that success isn’t always a built-out outcome; sometimes, it’s helping a client make the right decision in a difficult situation.

Key Features

  • Socially Driven Design – Aimed to support community health and workplace accessibility.
  • Visionary Client – NHS-affiliated organisation with strong values and commitment to impact.
  • Design Advocacy – Crux protected client interests through complex site negotiations.
  • Inclusive Design Strategy – ADA/Equality Act compliance shaped the spatial experience.
  • Unbuilt Project – Construction halted after developer withdrawal; client moved to managed office.
  • Long-Term Partnership – Nearly two years of engagement built deep trust and alignment.
  • Valuable Learning – Strengthened Crux’s understanding of accessible workplace design and stakeholder support.
  • Human-Centred Process – A project defined by empathy, care, and principled leadership.