Precedent 1 Background
Title: Guardia di Finanza O ce Building
location: Bologna, Italy
Architects: Demogo
Year of Compleetion: 2023
Photographer: Iwan Baan
Project Goal: This project is centrally located in a heavily tra cked urban area in Italy, surrounded by essential buildings such as a high-speed train station and railway line. The building was designed to seamlessly blend into its surroundings and foster connections within the district. The goal was to fully encompass all aspects of design, enhancing the environmental quality for workers while establishing a visual connection to the district. This was achieved by incorporating local materials, colors, and textures found in the city of Bologna.
Precedent 2 Background
Title: Mk 6 Moncaco
location: Munich, Germany
Architects: MVRDV
Year of Compleetion: 2016
Photographer: Moncaco Image
Project Goal: The Mk 6 Monaco project sought to explore how work and play can harmoniously fit within a work environment by designing distinct work sections and playful areas. The project emphasized flexibility, sustainability, and employee well-being, aiming to create a space that fosters productivity while o ering relaxation and social interaction. Additionally, the design was mindful of its urban context, ensuring that the building not only integrates seamlessly with the surrounding environment but also enhances the experience of those working within it.
Precedent 3 Background
Title: Argyll Park House location: Londan, England
Architects: LEO (london Executive O ces)
Year of Completion: 2018
Photographer: Gavin Stewart
Project Goal: This o ce building was primarily focused on luxury and aesthetics. The design showcases minimal and modern spaces while maintaining a balance of fun and openness. The goal was to create an environment that fosters collaboration and transparency while alleviating stress and distractions. The use of high-quality materials, thoughtful lighting, and ergonomic furnishings ensures that both comfort and productivity are prioritized. Additionally, flexible workspaces were designed to accommodate various working styles, promoting creativity and innovation. The overall layout encourages fluid movement and interaction among employees, while also o ering quiet, private areas for focused work. The result is a sophisticated yet functional space that reflects the ethos of a high-end o ce environment.
Guardia di Finanza O ce Building Precedent Analysis 1
Analysis:
1.The building features a thoughtfully designed green space that receives full sunlight throughout the day. The arrangement of workstations and desks ensures that most desks face either the green space or nearby windows, fostering a connection to nature.
2.A centralized area for elevators and bathrooms ensures that all o ce sections have easy access to essential facilities.
3.The floor plan features a well-organized, symmetrical circulation path that simplifies navigation while evenly distributing workstations and conference rooms.
Overall, this o ce floor plan demonstrates excellent integration of green spaces and natural light, creating a healthy, connected environment for employees. The intuitive circulation plan enhances functionality, with a balanced and harmonious layout where every corner of the o ce feels thoughtfully designed.
Mk 6 Moncaco Precedent Analysis 2
Analysis:
Figure 1:
The use of patterns and textures adds visual interest to the space, while the green and earthy color palette makes the conversational areas feel calm and relaxing. The warmer-toned lighting further enhances the social and comfortable atmosphere, distinguishing it from quieter, individual workspaces.
Figure 2:
1.The atrium could have been utilized more e ectively as a focal point by incorporating additional desks around the area or adding a lounge bench along the perimeter. As it is, the atrium feels somewhat tucked away and underutilized, even though it connects all the floors of the building.
2.A tucked-away table in an open space creates a casual, relaxed area, contrasting with more focused workstations. This seating area serves as a social gathering spot.
3.The sofa seating area shares similar ideas to the table mentioned above but, it also functions as a separator between the two sides of the o ce, helping to define distinct zones within the workspacs.
Overall, this workspace successfully balances productivity with playfulness, creating an environment where employees can feel both focused and supported in their well-being. The design promotes sustainability through the use of reclaimed bricks from local demolition projects and a green façade made from recycled plastic waste. Additionally, the combination of casual seating areas, such as the tucked-away table and sofa, helps to define distinct zones within the o ce, o ering spaces for both social interaction and focused work. This thoughtful zoning further enhances the functionality and comfort of the workspace.
Figure 1
Argyll Park House Precedent Analysis 3
Analysis:
Figure 1:
1.The use of curved wood pieces creates division within the space while keeping it open. It also provides a sense of privacy for those in the booth area behind the wood pieces.
2.There is e ective use of acoustics in the entire space, with the green foliage above the tables functioning as both acoustic treatment and a seamless attention-grabber.
Figure 2:
1.The wall is a strong focal point in the room that draws attention and helps give the space depth and visual interest.
2.The use of curved walls adds further visual intrigue and creates a softer flow within the space.
Figure 3:
This image shows a small separate working/resting place. The design of the wood provides privacy while allowing the user to remain connected to the rest of the area. It also creates an interesting and unique focal point.
This precedent study highlights the integration of luxury, aesthetics, and functionality in a modern o ce environment. The design fosters collaboration, transparency, and well-being and uses high-quality materials, curved elements, and thoughtful acoustics to balance openness with privacy. Flexible workspaces accommodate diverse working styles, promoting creativity and productivity. The design emphasizes fluid movement and interaction while providing quiet areas for focused work. Overall, the project achieves a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere, reflecting the ethos of a high-end, innovative o ce space.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Concept Statement
This o ce space strikes a perfect balance between professionalism and play, fostering an environment that promotes focused work, creativity, and relaxation. Playful areas are thoughtfully designed to boost employee well-being, o ering spaces for social interaction, recharging, and collaboration. Playful colors are integrated to inspire energy and creativity without causing overstimulation, while calming neutral tones in work areas support sustained focus. A diverse use of textures—from soft fabrics in lounge areas to sleek, polished surfaces in workstations—adds depth and tactile interest, enhancing the overall sensory experience. The design encourages a healthy flow between productivity and moments of play, ensuring a dynamic atmosphere where both work and personal growth thrive. Sustainability plays a key role, with eco-friendly materials, energy-e cient systems, and a thoughtful approach to reducing environmental impact. Biophilic elements, such as indoor plants and natural light, subtly enhance the space, contributing to employee wellness without overshadowing the harmony of work and play.
Concept Board
Program Table
RoomQuantityDimension
Area of Space
Ceiling Heights
Furniture Needs
Department Lighting Needs
Reception desk and chair, guest soft seating for four
Reception
Relevant Notes
Important Features
Natural lighting, task lighting
The space should reflect the brand's image with guest seating nearby.
Desk, chair, storage, meeting table for 2 geusts
All Departments
All Departments
Adjustable desks, chairs, storage
Small table or desk, chair soundproofing materials
All Departments
Natural lighting, task lighting
Communal tables, lounge soft seating
All Departments
Task lighting
Dimmable calm task lighting
Stations should be flexible workspaces that support creativity.
Clear branding, welcoming environment.
Flexibility for short-term use, easy access to collaborative areas.
Large conference table, chairs 10-16, storage
Large work/collaboration tables, storage
All Departments
Ambient lighting with dimmable options
The space is a multi-purpose space for socializing, breaks.
Natural lighting, dimmable task and ambient lighting
Design Department, Product Management and Development department
Adjustable lighting, natural lighting
Telepresence technology, large table for collaboration,
Desks, chairs, collaboration
Energy e cient lighting, task lighting
Collaborative spaces with flexible layouts.
All Departments
Soft seating, refrigerator, work
All Departments
Counter space, small tabels, storage
Dimmable calm lighting
Energy e cient lighting, task lighting
Resource space should include printing, copying, and o ce supplies.
Program Table
Adjacency Matrix
Primary Adjacency
Secondary Adjacency
Undesired Adjacency
Public Space
Private Space
Semi-Private Space
Reception Area
Private Offices
Workstations
Phone Rooms
Work Café
Large Meeting Room
Project Rooms
Inclusive Design Lab
Mother’s Room
Resource Center
Dedicated team space
Retail Mock-up
Product Storage
Home O ce Lab
This diagram focuses on grouping spaces primarily by departmental usage and operational needs, creating a layout that enhances workflow and e ciency.
Reception Area
Private Offices
Workstations
Phone Rooms
Work Café
Large Meeting Room
Project Rooms
Inclusive Design Lab
Mother’s Room
Resource Center
Dedicated team space
Retail Mock-up
Product Storage
Home O ce Lab
This diagram prioritizes grouping spaces based on privacy levels, while also considering departmental needs to ensure functional and private zones.
Bubble Diagram
This bubble diagram blends both guest/visitor areas and employee-only spaces by separating some workstations and placing the showrooms next to the large meeting room. This can lead to more active circulation throughout the space, as well as increased interaction between employees and visitors.
This bubble diagram groups private zones together to create a clear division of noise throughout the space. Unlike other layouts, it mixes public, private, and semi-private zones instead of separating them by top and bottom, allowing for a more integrated flow between di erent functions.
This bubble diagram designates the upper portion of the space for employee use areas, while the lower portion includes more public spaces for visitors and guests. This layout ensures that employees experience a greater sense of privacy by keeping work areas more separate from high-tra c public zones.
Block Plan 1
This block plan iteration places greater emphasis on privacy by grouping spaces with similar privacy levels and functions together. By organizing the rooms in this way, the plan creates a more private, focused work area on the left side of the building, while the right side accommodates more public, louder spaces. This division fosters a balanced environment that supports both quiet, concentrated tasks and collaborative, energetic activities, enhancing overall productivity and user experience.
Block Plan 2
This block plan iteration demonstrates a thoughtful mix of private and public spaces distributed throughout the entire shell plan. By grouping rooms based on similar privacy levels and functions, the design ensures e cient use of the building while maintaining optimal acoustics and privacy. The workstations have been strategically split on either side of the building, creating balanced zones for collaboration and individual focus. This layout allows for e cient circulation and accessibility, while also reducing noise disruptions between work areas. Additionally, careful consideration has been given to spatial adjacency, ensuring that areas requiring more seclusion are strategically placed away from high-tra c public zones, enhancing both productivity and comfort.
Block Plan 3
This block plan iteration disperses similar rooms throughout the space rather than keeping them adjacent, while still maintaining grouped privacy levels on the left and more open, ungrouped spaces on the right. This design creates a dynamic balance between focused, private areas and more flexible, collaborative zones, encouraging a variety of work styles and interactions. The layout promotes both individual productivity and teamwork by o ering distinct environments suited to di erent tasks.
Block Plan 4
This floor plan iteration establishes a focused work space on the left, where quieter, task-driven activities can thrive, and a louder, social space on the right, designed for collaborative interactions and casual gatherings. By placing the work zones together, it encourages more collaboration across di erent departments, fostering a connected and productive work environment. This thoughtful division between quieter, task-oriented areas and more energetic, social zones promotes a balance between concentration and interaction, enhancing overall workflow and communication within the building.
Explorative Perspective Sketches
Two Workstation Clusters
This sketch showcases two workstation clusters designed for semi-private use. The acrylic divider in the middle of the workstations can be easily removed to create a more open and collaborative environment between employees, o ering flexibility depending on the need for privacy or teamwork.
This phone booth utilizes felt acoustic paneling throughout the entire interior to provide excellent noise cancellation both internally and externally. The entrance features a glass door, but if the user desires privacy, they can slide the curtain to
Acustical Paneling
Frosted Acrylic
Pin Board
Wood
Explorative Perspective Sketches
Reception Desk
The reception desk features an elongated shape that allows for multiple points of access. It includes a lowered counter section for accessibility, along with built-in knee space to accommodate diverse needs. This feature doubles as both a design and lighting element, enhancing the overall look. The backdrop consists of slatted wood, making it easy for guests to locate the desk while also creating a strong visual impact.
Reclaimed Plastic wood Slats
Reclaimed Plastic
Explorative Perspective Sketches
Glass Sliding Privacy Doors
Café Service Island
This café island is a large, centralized feature within the café. The 360-degree wrap-around counter allows for multiple uses from one station. A portion can be used as bar-top seating, while the rest can be divided for di erent food vendors. The design of the island echoes the reception desk, featuring a curvilinear shape and a layered e ect at the base, creating a cohesive aesthetic throughout the space.
Conference Room
The conference room features a table that seats ten, with built-in outlets for charging devices. The space has a glass door entrance along the back, and the glass wall can slide completely open if more space is needed or if an open feel is desired during the meeting. An acoustic ba e is installed on the ceiling to help reduce noise, while also adding visual interest to the room. The ba e includes integrated speakers for the TV, enhancing both the aesthetic and functonality.
Tile Wood
Finished Floor Plan
Reflected Celing Plan
Specialty Area
Cafe Floor Plan N.T.S
The café space is a great place for employees to take a break and relax, as well as to hold informal meetings. This area includes a kitchen for employees to prepare food and spaces for provided o ce snacks. There are various seating options, including an enclosed private booth, bar-top seating, and an island that allows for both group and individual seating.
Enlarged
Perspectives
4. The cafe perspective shows the utlization of the booths and seating and kitchenette usage. This space allso gets good sun exposure throughout the day.
5. The o ce space is designed with functionality in mind. An overhead acoustic panel helps with noise reduction and also houses the speaker system. The conference table is equipped with electronic capabilities, allowing people to plug in and use their devices easily.
6. The workstations are designed with an open layout and incorporate greenery between desks to enhance visual comfort and provide a sense of separation. This space also receives natural light, despite not being on a window wall, thanks to the glass walls in adjacent rooms that allow light to filter through.
Conference Room 5