5
MICA (P) 093/12/2012 Nine
MICA (P) 093/12/2012
Nin
e
The designphase dba scheme for Capital Square speaks the language of business.
The design thinking which generated the creative concept for Capital Square percipitated from the term ‘Connectivity’. ‘The Lantern’ at Capital Square’s front entrance depicts this idea as a motif in a luminous and 3-dimensional way. The pieces of the entire assembly are similar but have different orientation. While they are each obviously a part of a congregation, they don’t necessarily have to be tied to each other… just like a community… the community of tenants within Capital Square, and Capital Square as a part of Singapore’s CBD community.
With a strong and durable footing of fine granite for the flooring, high prestige is injected into the space with the facing wall of exquisite Bianco Cavalli, sequence matched in huge 2.4m x 1.2m panels. The surface is
highlighted with light dashing across its ‘Face’, a detail which is replicated in the floor. At each enlarged lift lobby, fine ’light-lines’ are drawn to define and emphasize. A signature, hand made and unique art piece has been placed in the alcove at the head of each subtly different from one another in recognition of their subtle individuality. The reflections from this will deepen perspective, adding considerably to the perceived scale of the space.
A new 10m high shop front replaces the existing, to benefit space planning, as the dynamics of people flow were bound to alter once the new security system was put into place. The pure white, eye-catching light feature is large in scale and is assembled as a puzzle, representing the ‘CONNECTOR’ philosophy of our overall design concept. The geometry of this feature piece together with other details, furniture design, lift car interiors and lighting features all speak the same language and contribute to design unity and reasoning of the concept.
Capital Square
CreditsInterior Design: designphase dbaDesign Director: derek MacKenzieSenior Designer / Project Management: raymar Limbo
Union Grand Energy (UGE) whose main focus is trading and construction in oil and petrochemicals, is proud of its heritage with Azerbaijani-Caspian roots.
We therefore suggested characterising the office to imbue the strength of this unusual culture, but remembering to be respectful to its positioning within their market segment. The constraint however was that the building is decades old and lacking in some provisions expected in more contemporary office building infrastructure.
For example, without a modular access flooring system, power and data cable routing for future needs had to be planned in a very precise way, to avoid disturbing the finished work when catering for expansion.
In such a small premise, the mapping of the office was thoroughly reviewed and constantly re-assessed. The reasoning was to test the plan’s efficiency so that each role and function of the space was not only correct at the outset, but enabled for a secondary function. The original purpose must also provide for change and future re-structuring. It was emphasised that all management and staff were given natural light and splendid views.
This small office wanted to avoid an ‘us & them’ mentality. This was why the pantry was designed in the most central location for all staff, and is presented like an airport lounge. It is serviced with expresso coffee machines, cold/hot water dispenser and chiller for wine and other beverages. Power, data outlets and Wifi connection help to support multi-functions and its use is encouraged throughout the day.
This café is not a simple utility but a place for all to chill-out and relax. Its set up helps staff to engage and interact more with one another. With power and data provided, they can use this cosy location to do their work. Visitors from their other offices also ‘plug-in’ while enjoying their freshly made coffee.
While there is only one formal conference table, other spaces ar ecomfortably utilized as alternatives. The open hospitality venue can support an informal relationship between the Client and their guest/s, talking about business over drinks served at the bar counter. Bringing people together in an informal manner is friendlier and enhances business empathy. With Wifi connectivity, a guest can have a place where they can do their work while their counterparts who are in serious discussions in the conference room nearby.
Our Client is committed to the ergonomic and health welfare of all staff. Herman Miller’s Aeron Chairs were selected for the office while the MD and Financial Controller chose the thick pad and thin pad Eames executive chairs respectively for their contrmporary classic appearance and ultimate comfort.
The final result is a very well specified, detailed and constructed space with an unusual and positive personality. The fret work encased within the double glazed system walls is the most noticeable visual feature, expressing the concept in an unusual and innovative way. Azerbaijani roots are Islamic and as such, the geometric ‘repeat’ of an arabesque pattern is very important to the concept. However, you will notice that we have not focussed on sub-texts or imagery which might be sensitive or interpreted overtly, so the design is more diverse and borders on organic.
Finishes, furniture and patterns, all add to the beauty and richness of the Client’s cultural origin. The installation of the Foscarini lighting that looks like an Asiatic “fish trap” emphasises the vernacular of the design.
uNiON GraND eNerGY
CreditsInterior Design & Build: designphase dbaDesign Director: derek MacKenzieSenior Designer / Project Management: Alex Hew
NatiONal auStralia BaNK For background to our concept for NAB’s office at
Asia Square we drew inspiration from the Australian government’s white paper, ‘Australia in the Asian Century’. NAB has strongly endorsed this public initiative and it was interesting to research why they did. Since 1969, NAB has consistently pursued a policy of Asian engagement. In 1971, Singapore was the second location in Asia for NAB, just two years after the opening of the Tokyo office.
In a subtle and abstract way, the design aesthetic for NAB at Asia Square, is influenced and characterised by ‘East meets West’. The angles chosen for planning orientation are aligned East and West of the compass meridian and this provides the necessary visual tension to craft interesting and ‘unique to NAB’ spatial zoning.
The entry points have been selected to provide the closest point of access to Private Wealth, while the Bank’s main reception and large boardroom, are located to take advantage of the prestigious views of Singapore harbour.
The Private Wealth meeting / function room divisions can flex to connect with each other and also with the reception area, on those occasions where large functions / gatherings are held. The trading area accommodates a 100% growth from the present headcount and can be easily expanded by another 50% as growth takes hold. Staff breakout spaces are peppered through the plan. Often, these interaction zones are assigned to privileged views and natural light, in keeping with the Bank’s egalitarian philosophy and the desire for these spaces to be ‘popular’ interaction / collaboration areas.
Caring and commitment are well demonstrated by NAB in their new Singapore workplace. Universal access has been well catered in maintaining a minimal 1.25mm wide avenues of circulation in every area. In fact the workplace settings and breakout areas are universally open planned with only the Client facing zones being more or less fixed in their spatial division.
Attention is drawn to features like the ceiling stars at the main reception, organized around an abstracted map of Australia in celestial accuracy, There is a ‘live’ green wall at the reception lounge and the ‘movable-wall’ on the boardroom’s Eastern face can be fully opened for large functions. The materials and colour scheme are selected to reference the Bank’s identity in that the background is kept high key which helps to visually expand the volumes of the public areas. This affect is emphasised by the
CreditsInterior Design & Build: designphase dbaDesign Director: derek MacKenzieSenior Designer / Project Management: stephanie Ang
angled orientation because the longer, diagonal lines which make the space appear deeper. The lighter tones contrast well with the strong, red and black identity signature, making it visually project from its background. With these tones being kept to the simplicity of earthy sand colour and the black of coal, the strength and quality of Australia’s natural resources are imbued into the scheme.
One of the most beneficial aspects of this approach is that the refreshing, vibrant and up-beat colours which are evident in fabric selections for furniture, activity based work spaces and breakout areas, can shine in their surroundings. Even the ‘Green Wall’ used at reception appears more lively and fresh.
We also took very seriously the points the Bank has made over recent years, about their desire to be viewed by customers, employees, partners and shareholders as a bank of preference.
In the context of what we are doing as designers, we believe this means ‘living up to expectations’. While our scheme is bold in character and full of meaning, it is also quite restrained in the way it is positioned. This is most evident in the streamlined detailing and careful product selections to avoid over-spending. We have points of focus which service the brand with pride, but have treated the majority of areas in a practical and sustainable manner.
Infinity Nine
Tel: (65) 6339 3677
The commercial success of corporate real estate can depend on many things. But it’s very hard to image that any building could interest the most highly prized tenants if its lobby (read main entrance) does not live up to expectations.
From first hand experience of accompanying many tenants in their search for a potential new address, it is clear that just a few key thoughts predominate the thinking of most decision-makers. Within a given bandwidth of price, location, scale and parking, there are consistent priorities:-
− Will staff be happy with this location? Are there sufficient amenities in proximity?
− Will my partners, colleagues, directors be comfortable with this building’s presentation / image?
− Will customers, investors, business associates be sufficiently impressed with this building’s status?
− Does the design support our identity or could customers, investors, clients get the wrong impression of who we are and what market position we hold? (and what we charge)
− What does this building say about us?
− Who are our neighbours / fellow tenants?
A building’s lobby is the No. 1 marketing tool that any building has to attract prospective tenants. Nothing else is as powerful in projecting a message of distinction, status or an owner’s attitude to its occupants.
Derek MacKenzie
Printed on 80% Recycled Satimat Green 150gsm. Published by designphase dba private limited. Designed by Shirley Lai. Printed by Win&Win Printer. Edit
ed 18
Aug
ust 2
014
