We have followed the already given floor plan and added some design propositions in order to make it even more functional and comfortable for work, while having open possibilities of changing and staying interesting. Since project is big and has many details, we tried to address all of them, so following description of the project is not a short one.
RECEPTION AREA
Having in mind that the first step into a firm and the first impression are made exactly in this area, proposed design solution is a crossroads between the client and the firm, as well as the principal architect and employees. Therefore, it provides inviting and welcoming ambient. Contemporary copper-covered wall is chosen to enhance the white reception desk with the firm’s logo and give an impression of professionalism. On the other hand, people who go on meetings and have to discuss about business also need a touch with nature to relax, so a green wall is placed next to the reception desk. Furthermore, hanging lamps painted in orange from the inside, matching the logo, provide cosy atmosphere. There is little more space left next to the green wall in order to give a hint to visitors to wait there for a little bit. Projector / LCD system can be placed on every wall of this area including the green wall, depending on its main purpose (achievements, info screen, etc).
PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT’S CABIN
Contemporary look and feel, as well as a functional cabin.
Every piece of Italian furniture is carefully chosen in order to have a perfect view on every single point of cabin. Dimensions, shape, materials, quality and their combinations, as well as their placement indirectly make movement easy without barriers, also giving a confirmation of a professional, contemporary and capable firm. Height of furniture in seating area, as well visitors’ chairs are lower in order to make the meeting table and principal architect’s chair stand out. This table is a large one and welcomes 3 visitors, as per requirement. Since the cable holder naturally divides the table, it provides a visual clue of possible arrangements to visitors/colleagues sitting in front of the principal architect. (Take a look at the shopping list to see possible seating variations) There is also a closet placed for principal architect’s needs, as well as a large library wall in front of the closet.
Because of organization of space, while sitting at the meeting table, principal architect has direct view on sofa and entrance door which is a positive side. At the same time, he has a view on the toilet door which is a private zone. Since toilet door is not as important as the entrance door and sofa are, door has the same material finish as the wall and therefore looks hidden. Toilet has a closet with sliding doors for principal architect’s clothes with bathroom sink, followed by separate toilet room.
Lighting distribution: Lights in the whole cabin are spot lights, and lamps are added above meeting table and sofa.
CHIEF ARCHITECT & ACCOUNTANTS’ / ADMIN AREA
Behind the green wall and achievements wall of the open space are chief architect’s cabin and accountants’/admin’s cabin. We created a completely transparent, glass boxes in order to visually make them bigger than they are and to connect all employees in one team! Both cabinets have sliding doors in order to increase usable space. Every single part off glass has possibility to close with blinds if privacy is needed.
The chief architect’s cabin entrance was moved near the hallway, to make access easier and is accented with the column in front of it (look at the 3D image). His table now has a better view on the open office (not interrupted by the column). Under the table is a small storage unit. The chief architect’s cabin has place for two visitors, as required.
The accountant has one large table for 3 employees, with a shelf above it. Storage for files and printer is the same as the ones we have in the open space.
OPEN OFFICE
From the entrance, throughout the whole space, leads a path with “movable” w–print tiles, enriched with greenery that detaches the working area from this hallway.
The first thing you notice from walking into this area is a rich green wall on the right and the firm’s achievements wall and big mirror which reflects green wall on the left side. The open space is kept completely free of visual barriers, but has transparent shelves placed on storage cabinets, practical for documents and greenery. The idea was to make them movable so that they can create working micro zones, keep the space interesting and also break the space vertically so it doesn’t look repetitive.
We divided this space, following your floor plan proposal, by treating the furniture itself in a different way. So, near the hall path we have light, “dancing” tables with drawers (dancing refers to table’s legs). Behind them we placed one large table for 4 (dim 120x210cm) in order to free the space underneath for computer equipment and give it more space for the employees. In the center of the open working space we placed two large wooden tables (dim 120x420). They are custom made and tops can be smaller dimensions.
On the wall by the hallway we have put all the necessary technical equipment and also used the space underneath and above the windows for extra storage/locker for every employee. To preserve usable space, some lockers are put higher than usual. Therefore, there are ladders that young people can use to reach lockers. Also, these elevated lockers and ladders give the space an industrial look. (Take a look at the section 1) Near the plotters/printers there are benches for use while waiting for the printer to finish (Take a look at section 2)
Ceiling cables and same wall cables are visible in order to emphasize raw modern style and, at the same time, ceiling remains as high as possible. Linear ceiling lights are used for lighting distribution.
BREAKOUT AREA & CONFERENCE ROOM
The breakout area is creative and relaxing space where people share and make new ideas. Creativity requires constant change and exploration of new possibilities where limitations are not so welcome. In order to increase creativity, which is important for increase of productive work of employees, we make area where changes are symbol of space. Modular sofa made of 6 modules can create different seating solution, thus creating a completely new ambient. There is also a writable board, which is movable in order to easily change its position. Lamp can transform from floor lamp to table lamp since it has extendable legs. There is also 3 small tables which can make composition of one big table, but can be separated, as well. There is also a bookcase under and above wall near the path (Take a look at section 1). Ceiling above breakout area is substituted in order to place noise absorber on the ceiling since people will talk there and we don’t want them to interrupt others in the office. For the rest of the open office, noise absorbers are not needed since tables/employees are close to each other and they act as noise absorbers themselves.
This is enough for us to call space “breakout area”, but not enough to say it is creative and inviting zone for new ideas. All designers know that simply by being present in a space that allows easy rearrangements and contains parts that can be moved and combined together in various ways, naturally sparks imagination and new ideas in the minds of people being present in those spaces. Therefore, instead of a static wall, barrier wall between breakout area and conference room is movable, in order to merge these two spaces into one large space. This is also a very practical solution for bigger events like presentations made for all employees or all-hands meetings near their working desks. (Take a look at 3D images)
Lighting distribution: Lights in creative area have composition of hanging lamps with different colours and different heights. Of course, there is floor/table lamp to make that zone more relaxed. Lights in the conference room are “walking” on the substituted ceiling and give dynamic atmosphere.
