Recently some of London's most spectacular office designs and buildings have been thrown open to the viewing public.  However, what is it like for an employee to work in one of these buildings?

The Blue Fin building:

Air conditioning and fluorescent lighting is quickly becoming a thing of the past for many office workers as employers are starting to acknowledge that good ergonomic office furniture and a well designed office are essential for attracting and retaining staff as well as reflecting on how the company is perceived by others.

Open House London is an initiative that is throwing open over 650 buildings in London to the public; the majority of these are office spaces.

Formerly a building belonging to the Daily Express, 120 Fleet Street is opening its foyer during the initiative.  This building is considered a great example of historical interest regarding to British art deco in office furniture and office design.  Other buildings are expected to demonstrate to the public that beautiful and bold buildings can also make efficient and practical offices.

The outside surface of the Blue Fin building which is currently the home to IPC Media, is covered with two thousand blue aluminium fins that shimmer and change colour during the day as well as keeping the building cool in hot summer months.

"Each office around the perimeter of the building has one of these fins outside the window, so it's a significant part of people's daily experience," says Alex Wraight of the architects Allies and Morrison. "They give the building an identity and focus, which is important in a large organisation."