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DB&B: MORE THAN DESIGN CO-WORKING WORKSPACES | FROM PARIS TO ASIA | THE ‘LIVING’ OFFICE | SPATIAL IDENTITY BALANCING AESTHETICS & FUNCTION | IN THE RIGHT FOOTSTEPS | START-UP GAME ON | THE TRUSTED ADVISOR
THE WORLD OF DESIGN + BUILD At DB&B, we have journeyed far and wide, in our creative paths. The design work that we do now are diversifying from what we used to do. We march alongside our clients to unearth innovative ways to help them step into the future. Driven by how companies are innovating themselves to increase productivity, boost creativity and retain talent, designers like us, are putting more thoughts into the early stages to understand how people work and how strategic workplace solutions can support them. This has indeed pushed us to dig deeper and challenge our creative boundaries. Last year, we also stepped up our game in our build capabilities. With the unveiling of our newly-expanded Builder’s Workshop, we are gearing to deliver our designs more effectively and efficiently. We are proud to be in this industry for the past 22 years and we will continue to impact the world of design + build with our team, business partners and clients.
DB&B THE WORLD OF DESIGN + BUILD 001
Distrii, Singapore
THIS PICTURE: Biophilic design is highly popular as it incorporates elements of the natural environment into the workplace, to assist in improved health and well-being.
Danone, Singapore
MORE THAN DESIGN We’ve had great opportunities to work with clients from around the world, from diverse industries. It’s a continuous quest for us to identify what works best for them now, tomorrow and in the near future. A holistic design solution is one that will equip and support them with a collaborative environment that delivers the desired results.
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t DB&B, we find ourselves on a continuous journey of
Level for New & Existing Interiors. We focused on identifying the critical
discovery. We’re honoured to curate these regional
design elements necessary to apply and deliver an office centered on
works which we had a fruitful time discovering, planning
the health and well-being of the staff.
and crafting solutions to meet specific needs.
As we spend a great deal of our time at the workplace and it’s just
Ultimately, our innovative design solutions aims to make the
a matter of time it begins to simulate our natural dwellings, i.e. our
space dwellers more comfortable for them to perform their tasks
homes. With the home brought to work, the lines between work and
effectively.
life are blurred, resulting in the soaring popularity of the ‘Resi-mercial’
Leading companies are emphasizing on enabling a balanced,
concept.
conducive work environment – Healthy and Comfortable with
Coupled with our love and affiliation with nature, Biophilic-inspired
the right lighting, temperature and ample facilities. The project we
design garners a co-starring role. Such ‘homey’ and comfortable spaces
delivered for Grosvenor Shanghai was the first office in Asia Pacific to
will naturally encourage employees to want to go to work.
be awarded WELL Building Standard™ (WELL™) Certification at Gold
TOP: By designing the workplace to be ‘homelier’, employed will want to go to work more.
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DB&B THE WORLD OF DESIGN + BUILD
WE SPEND A GREAT DEAL OF OUR TIME AT “ AS THE WORKPLACE AND IT’S JUST A MATTER OF TIME IT BEGINS TO SIMULATE OUR NATURAL DWELLINGS, I.E. OUR HOMES.
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Danone, Singapore
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DB&B THE WORLD OF DESIGN + BUILD
Distrii, Singapore
The ‘marriage’ of work and life spaces has not distracted us from the critical need for work-centric spaces. Companies still, very much, emphasize on agile spaces. To achieve the effective implementation of agile spaces, we build the foundation of strategic space planning with thorough needs analysis via info-gathering, data pooling and spatial understanding activities. Agile or activity-based work settings is nothing new but it is still transforming and innovating. Different settings cater to support different tasks. It is often purpose-driven and can be merged with typical settings, making it a hybrid of some sort. Most importantly, it does not rest on a one-size-fits-all application. It’s firmly supported by facts and figures, after undergoing rigorous data crunching and analysis to design one that suits the need. Supporting this is the integration of technology. A SMART office enables and supports work to be done anytime, anywhere seamlessly. Integrating technology into the workplace will also provide futureproof avenues for employees to be mobile and agile, as well as
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remaining robust.
Danone, Singapore
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AGILE WORK SETTINGS IS NOT SOMETHING NEW. BUT IT’S STILL TRANSFORMING. FUELED BY TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION, EMPLOYEES ARE MORE EMPOWERED TO WORK AND COLLABORATE WITH GREATER FLEXIBILITY AND LESS CONSTRAINTS.
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DB&B THE WORLD OF DESIGN + BUILD
HOLISTIC DELIVERY In 2017, DB&B Singapore unveiled its newly expanded and improved production facility. The new Builder’s Workshop is custom-designed to meet robust operational needs, fully-equipped with more machines, enabling more efficient and quality delivery of our build services.
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ew machines such as the Computer Numerical
as the well-being and safety of our people. For example, a
Control machines are poised to support the
centralized dust collection system is fitted to collect dust
interior design arm. With more work spaces
from work points and disposed responsibly. The spray-paint
and workers, this facility caters to more sophisticated
room features a water filtration system to capture paint
and precise woodworks.
vapours, preventing them from recirculating.
As we continue to push for design innovation, we are
This new Builder’s Workshop is an integral part of the
also looking into improving our support systems. While we
DB&B Group’s network, comprising over 100,000 square feet
do this, we remain committed to the environment, as well
of production facilities in the Asia Pacific region.
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AS WE CONTINUE TO PUSH FOR DESIGN INNOVATION, WE ARE ALSO LOOKING INTO IMPROVING OUR SUPPORT SYSTEMS. WHILE WE DO THIS, WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO THE ENVIRONMENT, AS WELL AS THE WELL-BEING AND SAFETY OF OUR PEOPLE.
HEADQUARTERS +65 6227 6389
BUILDER’S WORKSHOP www.dbb.com
3791 Jalan Bukit Merah #07 – 15/18 E-Centre @ Redhill Singapore 159471
+65 6844 8141 56 Loyang Way #04-02/03 Loyang Enterprise Building Singapore 508775
www.linkedin.com/company/db&b-pte-ltd
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SINGAPORE DISTRII TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT 003
CO-WORKING WORKSPACES BUILDING A COMMUNITY WITHIN A SMART OFFICE ENVIRONMENT
DISTRII TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT SINGAPORE | 62,000 SQUARE FEET | DESIGN CONSULTANCY
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Co-working operator, Distrii, seeks to reinvent global workspaces and create collaborative environments by converging internet technology with commercial real estate to form the Internet of Things, thus providing benefits of online collaboration tools and offline premium spaces for the future ready office.
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oining forces with real estate developer City Developments (CDL), China-based Distrii successfully unveiled the single largest and tech-driven co-working facility in May 2018, located
at Republic Plaza, Raffles Place, Singapore. Occupying more than 62,000 square feet across six floors, the facility provides amenities including more than 900 work stations, private work spaces and customizable team spaces, a 200 -pax capacity multi-purpose hall and a food & beverage outlet. DB&B had the privilege to have been selected to work with Distrii to design the bespoke space. As this is Distrii’s first foray out of their base in China, the facility had to undergo thorough design thinking process right from the onset. One of the key objectives of this project was to effectively integrate Distrii’s proprietary enterprise collaboration and productivity tools to the space. This included a mobile application that is backed by a cloud-based system and Internet of Things (IoT) Technology, focusing on office tools and social circles. The application provides access and booking of meeting rooms, as well as supporting video conferencing and internal administration management.
LEFT: Distrii’s main reception space welcomes visitors with a warm hospitality feel.
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SINGAPORE DISTRII TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT 007 THIS PICTURE: The main boardroom is equipped with switchable glass for privacy when needed.
For a start, the design team had to familiarize with the fundamental needs required to set-up a co-working space. Diversifying from the usual office set-up, Distrii aims to operate in a more organic fashion by having both private and social spaces. With the intention to accommodate different work needs and styles, there is a balanced provision of private and customised spaces as well as flexible, hot-desking work settings. Private office spaces, complete with its own bespoke managerial rooms and exclusive meeting room installed with Distrii’s proprietary video & voice conferencing tool, are suited to start-ups and small businesses. To maximize privacy, these rooms are situated at the back-of-house, equipped with advanced room booking systems. The design team had to rely on their rich experiences in designing global work spaces to value add to this new concept, for example, strategic space planning to maximize real estate efficiency.
TOP RIGHT: Flexible work settings and customisable workspace solutions offer to suit the different work styles.
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SINGAPORE DISTRII TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT 009 THIS PICTURE: Distrii’s space is equipped with a mobile application that can provide access and the booking of meeting rooms, as well as supporting video conferencing and internal administration management.
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SINGAPORE DISTRII TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
BALANCING PRIVATE AND SOCIAL SPACES In line with Distrii’s vision of building a strong collaborative
The amenities such as common pantries, coffee points, lockers
community, communal and get-together spaces are of priority. At
are available to lend support to Distrii’s tenants to run their business
the heart of this multi-level facility is a grand staircase that provides
operations smoothly. Embodying natural design elements such as
the backbone to connectivity. The staircase is flanked by a variety
greenery, natural landscapes, wood and natural light, the space
of huddle spaces and married with plenty of greenery in line with
evokes a uniquely Singapore design theme. With experiences of
sustainability efforts. The furniture for these spaces underwent a
nature in a modern workspace, the Distrii space strikes the right
meticulous selection process to offer a ‘homey’ feeling coupled with
balance between private and social spaces.
ambient lighting. The environment evokes a natural and comfortable
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feeling for users.
TOP: To build a strong collaborative community, communal and get-together spaces are of priority.
TOP: Rooms with bluetooth door access are situated BOTTOM: Private and social spaces co-exist on the at the back-of-house to offer more privacy. same floor to facilitate different working needs.
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DISTRII TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT SINGAPORE
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BIOPHILIC ELEMENTS SUCH AS GREENERY, PLENTY OF NATURAL LIGHT AND NATURE-INSPIRED DESIGN THEMES ARE INCORPORATED INTO THE DESIGN OF THIS DOUBLE VOLUME MULTI-PURPOSE HALL THAT CAN HOUSE UP TO 200 PAX.
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SINGAPORE DISTRII TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
WARM HOSPITALITY The overaching design concept for the Distrii space involves considerable use of the wood-inspired material, one that is commonly opted to elevate the hospitality look and feel. This material is also commonly applied to high traffic spaces as it is more durable and offers ease of maintenance. At the community spaces, the clever interplay of the wooden trellis and chevron-shaped flooring pattern, with dark turquoise boiserie panelling features a subtle warm elegance, offering a warm, comfortable setting for users. As part of the branding efforts, the design team also applied logo-inspired decals as door labels that adds on the
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graphical appeal of the space.
TOP LEFT: Wood becomes the main material of the project to create a comfortable setting for users.
THIS PICTURE: With the combination of subdued shades of furniture selections and warm colours, the space is a welcoming environment for collaborations and discussions.
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DANONE SINGAPORE
FROM PARIS TO ASIA A DIVERSE WORKING ENVIRONMENT IN A LOCAL CONTEXT, DESIGNED WITH A GLOBAL APPROACH
DANONE SINGAPORE | 29,000 SQUARE FEET | DESIGN CONSULTANCY
SINGAPORE DANONE 019 THIS PICTURE: Caption: Danone’s regional headquarter in Singapore has to be sustainable to encourage their vision and mission
Multinational food products corporation, Danone, was seeking a commercial interiors specialist with the right expertise and experience to deliver its new Asia headquarters in Singapore. This workplace had to be ‘agile’ to cater to its regional and local employees and at the same time, reflecting Danone’s mission to build a healthier future.
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rom the onset, DB&B’s design team was tasked to meet the core objective of transforming Danone’s working environment into an open, flexible and dynamic workplace. With an established
global presence, Danone’s Asia headquarters plays host to both regional-visiting and locally-based employees. It is imperative the design team fully understands the nature of space that supports the needs of the diverse employees. Danone also envisioned an office that reflects one of its 2030 Business & Sustainability Goals to “Entrust Danone’s People to create new futures”, towards a more sustainable, collaborative and community-engaging way of working.
LEFT: Danone’s regional headquarter in Singapore has to be sustainable to encourage their vision and mission.
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SINGAPORE DANONE 021 THIS PICTURE: Vibrant and unique collaboration space to encourage creative discussions and social interactions.
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SINGAPORE DANONE 023 THIS PICTURE: Maximizing the potential of the space, the multi-purpose training room offers flexibility to be reconfigured for events, workshops or training sessions.
AGILE WORK SETTINGS OFFER FLEXIBILITY AND ENCOURAGE COLLABORATION The space planning guidelines that was set by the Paris steering committee provided the design team a framework to work with; further studies such as surveys, interviews and workshops were conducted to discern the needs of the users for better understanding. Findings revealed an agile work setting will appeal to both the regional and local employees, providing the flexibility and support they needed. Planned autonomous ‘neighbourhoods’ are effectively zoned to meet work (with amenities), collaboration and storage needs. The mixture of workstations and high desks (hot-desking) are availed for different work styles, with close proximity to huddle spaces and phone booths for more focused tasks. Majority of the seats are unassigned and users are free to choose according to the nature of the task at hand. Manager rooms are easily adaptable and can double up as meeting rooms when unoccupied. Plenty of collaboration areas and other amenities are available to support the teaming culture at Danone. For example, the multi-purpose training room is configurable to suit various event needs and when combined with the spacious pantry, it becomes a large townhall that is able to accommodate up to 200 people. Facilitating social interactions and creative discussions, the collaboration areas are designed to be more relaxed and informal with vibrant, expressive colours.
TOP RIGHT: Mixed settings of hot-desking and work stations can support different work styles.
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SINGAPORE DANONE 025
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A CLEAR REPRESENTATION OF AN ASIA HEADQUARTERS, THE WORKPLACE EMBRACES THE REGION’S ECLECTIC CULTURES BY INCORPORATING UNIQUE THEMES FOR EACH ZONES.
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SINGAPORE DANONE 027 The different zones for the back-of-house are demarcated using special cultural motifs to represent Asia Pacific countries that Danone has presence in.
TOP: India theme.
BOTTOM: Japan theme.
A TRULY SUSTAINABLE ASIAN HUB This Asian Hub clearly speaks of the company’s commitment to sustainability. Starting from the impressive greenwall at the reception and surrounding greenery that’s peppered across the entire space, employees are also equipped with environmentally-friendly amenities to uphold the company’s mission of building a healthier future. Sustainable innovations like the charge-as-youride, self-powered cycling devices that can generate power to charge mobile phones motivates users to choose an active lifestyle to be fit and healthy. The office was also granted the BCA Green Mark Platinum certification. A clear representation of an Asia headquarters, the workplace embraces the region’s eclectic cultures by incorporating unique themes for each zone. The different zones for the back-of-house are demarcated using special cultural motifs to represent Asia Pacific countries that Danone has presence in. The design team and the Client hand-picked each furniture and display accessories in each space. Encapsulating ‘homeliness’, the final design is unified by bringing a sense of belonging at the Singapore-themed pantry , a home for Danone Asia Pacific headquarters. The DB&B design team said, “This is a very memorable project for us, it’s one space that’s packed with uniqueness and personality. The design thinking process allowed us to look deep into the needs and the ideation resulted in an integrated design solution, befitting a regional headquarters.
THIS PICTURE: Japan theme.
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SHANGHAI
THE ‘LIVING’ OFFICE
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GROSVENOR GROUP
A WORKPLACE DESIGN FOCUSSING ON EMPLOYEE’S HEALTH AND WELLNESS
GROSVENOR GROUP SHANGHAI | 2,600 SQUARE FEET | DESIGN & BUILD
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Grosvenor Asia Pacific is a developer and investor in property and has been present in the Asia Pacific region for more than 20 years. Grosvenor Group (‘Grosvenor’) engaged DB&B to design their new 2,600 square feet office located in HKRI Taikoo Hui, Jing’an District. The final design became the first office in Asia Pacific to be awarded WELL Building Standard™ (WELL™) Certification at Gold Level for New & Existing Interiors by the International WELL Building Institute™ (IWBI™).
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he WELL Building Standard is an evidence and performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features that impact human health and wellness in buildings through air, water,
nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind. Guided by these seven categories, DB&B identified the critical design elements necessary to apply and deliver an office centred on the health and well-being of its staff. The key aim of the project was to deliver an environment that was more than just a workplace; it was to ensure that the well-being of Grosvenor employees was at the heart of sustainable design. In achieving this, DB&B was able to lead on the delivery of a space that also echoed Grosvenor’s philosophy of ‘living cities’ for quality, integrity and social responsibility.
LEFT: The key objective of the project was to ensure the well-being of Grosvenor employees was at the heart of sustainable design.
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SHANGHAI GROSVENOR GROUP
THE INDUSTRY’S FIRST GOLD WELL CERTIFICATION In line with the WELL requirements, DB&B took a rigorous approach to waste management, seeking to eliminate the production
discussions, or when lowered, transforms into a ping-pong table for recreation purposes.
of waste during design, construction, operation and end-of-material
Upon the successful completion of the project, Billy Siew,
lifespan. Materials selected were environmentally-friendly with low
Managing Director of DB&B Group said, “This project opens up more
emission VOC content, and the design utilised an elaborate air quality
opportunities for DB&B to build more meaningful workplaces in the
monitoring and filtration system for enhanced ventilation. Sound
future. It’s a start of a new journey for us to continue improving the
insulation and a bespoke selection of lighting fixtures such as non-
way people work and live.”
glare, dimmable and warm colour tones all contribute to creating a working environment that centred on comfort and well-being.
Speaking on the collaboration, Brenda Chung, Executive Director & Chief Representative of Grosvenor, China commented, “We
The team worked closely with the client to deliver their brief
have entrusted this project to a team with the right expertise and
for an environment focused on sustainable and user-centric
experience. DB&B has gone beyond expectations to knowing what is
design features. The new open-plan design encourages easy and
necessary for us to make our office more sustainable.”
convenient interaction amongst the users. A moveable desk in the
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pantry provides a multi-purpose function: offering flexibility for open
TOP: A moveable desk offers options as a discussion space and a ping pong table.
BILLY SIEW, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF DB&B GROUP
TOP: The WELL framework aims to improve health and human experience through design.
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THIS PROJECT OPENS UP MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR DB&B TO BUILD MORE MEANINGFUL WORKPLACES IN THE FUTURE. IT’S A START OF A NEW JOURNEY FOR US TO CONTINUE IMPROVING THE WAY PEOPLE WORK AND LIVE.
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SHOPEE SINGAPORE
SPATIAL IDENTITY AN AWARD-WINNING DESIGN FOR A FAST-GROWING COMPANY THAT EMPHASIZES EMPLOYEE WELLNESS
SHOPEE SINGAPORE | 35,000 SQUARE FEET | DESIGN-BID-BUILD
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SHOPEE SINGAPORE
As the leading online shopping platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, Shopee’s new workplace had to reflect a strong brand personality and one that will offer flexibility for future expansion. DB&B drew inspiration from the company’s corporate brand colour to design a holistic future-ready workplace.
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pecially-designed for the future generation online shoppers, Shopee serves as a social shopping platform that integrates a seamless end-to-end experience by connecting buyers and
sellers. It hosts a robust community that is energetic and active, all gathered for a fun, seamless and cost-effective shopping experience. DB&B was engaged to design their new workplace to express their brand, support their operations and at the same time, enabling employee wellness. This new regional headquarters in Singapore have to be carefully-planned and be the standard for other upcoming branches in the region.
LEFT: The Shopee Orange is applied as a curvilinear wayfinding detail, depicting the seamless experience offered on their online platform.
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SINGAPORE SHOPEE
SPATIAL IDENTITY From the onset, the Shopee Orange became the
held at the pantry. This further supports the culture of
thematic approach that will unify the final design.
creativity and innovation, expanding avenues for the
Prominently shown at the reception, the bold colour
users to express themselves.
stamps its authority all through the space design. This
This concept application was a success and DB&B
vibrant hue is often associated with youthful disposition
took a step further to establish a documented guide
that would uplift the creative spirit of their employees. A
that articulates the guiding principles of the Shopee
unique adaptation of the theme will be the curvilinear
Workplace. The detailed guidelines aim to assist in the
shape detailing disguised as an effective wayfinding, also
planning, allocating and managing of a new office space.
representing the seamless connectivity between online
Most importantly, it will be the blueprint to make sound
shoppers. A unique feature will be the larger-than-life
decisions in achieving maximum efficiency in cost,
photomosaic of the Shopee logo in the spacious pantry.
function and energy consumption for Shopee offices
This photomosaic can be easily modified and rearranged
around the world.
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to depict other visuals to suit other themed-events
TOP LEFT: The larger-than-life photomosaic of the Shopee logo in the spacious pantry can be rearranged to depict other visuals.
THIS PICTURE: The bold Shopee Orange stamps its authority right from the reception area.
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SINGAPORE SHOPEE 041 THIS PICTURE: AV/Multimedia and room booking systems supports a robust working environment.
FUTURE-READY WORKPLACE As Shopee belongs in a fast-paced environment, the initial design process had to anticipate rapid work environment transformation. Future expansions had to be taken into account before diving into other key factors of the design. The work areas consist of a variety of work settings - fixed and “bean-shaped� work stations with pockets of huddle spaces, collaboration and breakout areas for informal discussions. Designed to be future-ready, these collaboration areas are easily configurable to accommodate increased numbers of work stations as the team grows. Formal meeting rooms peppered around the work areas doubles-up as director rooms. These arrangements provide Shopee the prime opportunity to expand their numbers without having to undertake major changes to their office.
TOP RIGHT: An open work setting encourages discussions and collaboration.
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SINGAPORE SHOPEE 043
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THIS NEW SPATIAL IDENTITY BEFITS A COMPANY THAT PUTS EMPLOYEE WELLNESS AT TOP PRIORITY WHEN CREATING AN INTEGRATED, CONDUCIVE WORK SPACE.
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SINGAPORE SHOPEE 045 THIS PICTURE: A fully-stocked pantry and games corner can promotesocial interactions or to unwind, catered to the youths.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TOWARDS EMPLOYEE WELLNESS Shopee is all about a community of like-minded individuals. Indeed, one of the core driver of businesses are its people. Promoting employee wellness, the office provides amenities to support their daily needs. A holistic approach towards employee wellness encompass having a fully-stocked pantry, nap rooms, massage rooms and a games corner. Nap rooms and massage rooms are situated at the core of the workstations to provide much needed shuteye for the employees. The pantry and games corner facilitate social interactions. More than 70 per cent of the Shopee workforce are age 30 and below. This new spatial identity befits a company that puts employee wellness at top priority when creating an integrated, conducive work space. This design innovation clinched double awards organized by the Interior Design Confederation of Singapore for Best Workplace Design in Asia Pacific ≼ 5,000 square feet (Bronze) and the AkzoNobel Colour Award (Bronze).
TOP RIGHT: Nap rooms are available for a quick shuteye for employees.
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LINDE GAS ASIA SINGAPORE
BALANCING AESTHETICS & FUNCTION IN TRANSIT INTO AN OPEN OFFICE ENVIRONMENT, DB&B SUPPORTS TO BALANCE AESTHETICS AND FUNCTIONAL NEEDS
LINDE GAS ASIA SINGAPORE | 17,200 SQUARE FEET | DESIGN & BUILD
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The Linde Group (‘Linde’) is a world leading industrial gases and engineering company with a presence in almost 100 countries. For its new workspace at its Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore, they aspired to transform their current set-up to an open office setting as they move into a more collaborative environment.
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ollaboration is the key word these days. As companies take the vital steps into a new work culture, the planning and design of the office is critical in setting the right foundation.
TRANSITING INTO OPEN OFFICE As part of Linde’s relocation into a brand new space, DB&B also looked into the planning strategies to support the company’s quest to move into a more agile setting. The design team consulted with the Linde steering committee to ascertain the project goals right from the onset and strategies were put in place to ensure this assignment is delivered successfully. Apart from striking a balance in meeting user needs, the design strategy also must allow for optimum flexibility. One key implementation was the training room, which can be combined with the pantry to form a large town hall that accommodates up to 400 people.
LEFT: The front-of-house is designed to project a timeless and sophisticated disposition, in line with Linde’s corporate brand standing.
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SINGAPORE LINDE GAS ASIA 061 THIS PICTURE: Meeting facilities are designed to be flexible and easily configured for different meeting needs.
ACHIEVING THE RIGHT DESIGN HARMONY Being in the specialty gas industry, the theme of the office had to reference their global workplace guidelines. In line with the client’s corporate stature, the front-of-house exudes timeless elegance and sophisticated simplicity. The design aims to portray the company’s branding clearly at the reception with a prominent contrast of the logo against a neutral background. A seemingly more exuberant colour palette is introduced in the back-of-house spaces from dynamic colours to the country-themed graphics application at the pockets of collaboration spaces. The two themes embody a combination of liveliness and functionality, striking evenness between refined and spirited in the office. The design team also took great effort in ensuring Linde employees are treated with the best window views of the Singapore city scape. Countrythemed collaboration are lined along these parameters to enable employees to take in the breath-taking views and interact at the same time.
TOP RIGHT: Country-themed collaboration spaces with relaxed setting that embodies vibrancy.
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SEA (THAILAND) THAILAND
IN THE RIGHT FOOTSTEPS DB&B CONTINUES TO CONNECT THE DOTS FOR THIS INTERNET GIANT
SEA (THAILAND) BANGKOK | 8,700 SQUARE FEET | DESIGN & BUILD
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SEA (THAILAND) THAILAND
Following the successful delivery of SEA Limited’s (‘SEA’) global headquarters in Singapore in 2015 by DB&B, the company aspired to emulate its firm brand standing with their Thailand office. With the continued support of DB&B, the 3-floor workspace was to emulate the iconic and awardwinning design direction implemented in the headquarters.
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haracteristically SEA (Thailand), the main reception sports a vast and grand space, echoing the company’s mission to better the lives of the consumers and small businesses of
Greater Southeast Asia with technology. Having gone through a recent rebranding exercise, the front-of-house is the main voice in conveying the new brand aspirations. Inspired by their vision statement of ‘Connecting the Dots’, this office features a majestic inter-connecting staircase that forms the main centerpiece of this office. This accessibility also encourages the employees to socialize, collaborate and connect. Pockets of collaboration spaces and brainstorming areas are peppered throughout the office to cater to the SEA (Thailand) workforce who are predominantly millennials who favours a variety of work settings.
LEFT: The biophilia-inspired green wall is one of the key visual centerpiece of this office.
OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA
THAILAND SEA (THAILAND)
THAT FOLLOWED “ ITIN ISTHEA WORKSPACE GREAT FOOTSTEPS OF THEIR
067 THIS PICTURE: Millennials who favour alternative work settings will find plenty of collaboration and huddle spaces in the new SEA office.
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SINGAPORE HEADQUARTERS.
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THAILAND SEA (THAILAND)
To allow for a balanced environment, the design team planned the space to allow plenty of natural light radiating in. Preference was made for glass partitions over walls to allow light to permeate effortlessly, creating a transparent, open workspace. As with their SEA headquarters in Singapore, a monumental green wall garners attention and infuses a biophilia inspired element into the space. The DB&B design teams from Singapore and Thailand rallied together to offer continued support for SEA (Thailand) and successfully delivered a workspace that followed in the great footsteps of their
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Singapore headquarters.
TOP: Glass partitions can allow natural light to permeate effortlessly, creating a transparent, open workspace.
THIS PICTURE: SEA took the opportunity to put their very own proprietary room booking software to use.
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THAILAND GOBIKE
START-UP GAME ON
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SEALING A STRONG BRAND IN THE MARKET
GOBIKE THAILAND | 2,100 SQUARE FEET | DESIGN & BUILD
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GOBIKE THAILAND
Establishing its first office in Thailand, ride-hailing service provider GoBike Asia needed to cater to a fast expanding team. They opted to work with DB&B to establish a new office that’ll seal their growing presence in the country as well as providing for potential growth in the near future. This new office had to express their brand aspirations and underline the company’s vision.
G
oBike Asia is an innovative transport service provider and is committed to improving the quality of life in the bustling city of Bangkok, Thailand. DB&B was engaged to introduce
a refreshing new look that clearly reflects their brand. With the aim to seal their brand in Thailand, the new office had to offer a strong brand disposition and work environment that appeals to the younger generation. GoBike Asia is an innovative transport service provider and is committed to improving the quality of life in the bustling city of Bangkok, Thailand. DB&B was engaged to introduce a refreshing new look that clearly reflects their brand. With the aim to seal their brand in Thailand, the new office had to offer a strong brand disposition and work environment that appeals to the younger generation.
LEFT: GoBike Asia was seeking to grow the team in the new market.
OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA
THAILAND GOBIKE 073 THIS PICTURE: Design elements that represent their business are visible around the workplace.
BRANDING THE OFFICE Being a recent start-up, it is extremely crucial to seal the brand standing. To support the Client’s vision and mission, the design follows the brand personality closely. Using the company’s youthful orange as the anchor colour, the design concept easily infuses the new office with an energetic and compelling spirit. The design elements and details such as the carpet pattern choice, representing a road, and the ceiling design of wheels, juxtapose the Client’s nature of business. The final design aims to support the Client in having a head start to mark their presence in Thailand.
TOP: A hybrid setting caters to different needs and work styles.
BOTTOM LEFT: The logo welcomes visitors and while the carpet pattern acts as a wayfinding around the office.
OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA
PHILIPPINES
THE TRUSTED ADVISOR
075
BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
DB&B DESIGNS A PURPOSE-DRIVEN SPACE FOR A LEADING BANK
BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS PHILIPPINES | 8,600 SQUARE FEET | DESIGN & BUILD
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BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS PHILIPPINES
For the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) flagship branch, they were looking for an interior design consultant to express the brand’s aspirations of being a leading bank in Southeast Asia. This flagship branch houses both the workspace for its Head Office employees as well as providing full banking services to its customers.
L
ong since its establishment, BPI has a sprawling network of over 800 branches regionally. Offering a wide range of diverse financial
products and services, DB&B had to consider the requirements of each user groups carefully to craft a well-tailored solution to fit the 8,600 square feet multi-purpose space.
LEFT: The new space serves different group of users with specific tailored solutions.
OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA
PHILIPPINES BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS 079 THIS PICTURE: High counters to serve multiple transactions at once without disruptions.
FOR THE CUSTOMER As the trusted provider of financial services, the customer service space aims to provide a secured and comfortable environment to their clients. For such a compact space, planning plays a very essential part of the process to ensure proper crowd and traffic management. The lift lobby has semi-private ATM machines for fast transactions, segregated by translucent glass panels. This arrangement aids in providing seamless and efficient self-service options. While the lift lobby serves fast transactions, there are also specially-designed high counters where multiple private transactions can take place simultaneously without disruptions. The two zones are designed to co-share a common holding area. For client meetings, exclusive meeting rooms are available with restricted view to offer privacy where needed.
TOP LEFT: Semi-private ATM machines at the lift lobby offer seamless self-service transaction.
TOP RIGHT: Exclusive client meeting rooms with restricted views for privacy where needed.
OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA
PHILIPPINES BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS 081 THIS PICTURE: Majestic ceiling details that represent the fluidity of the water surrounding the islands.
EMBODYING THE RICH HERITAGE Unlike other BPI branches, this flagship branch takes on a more unique disposition. DB&B proposed a new look to provide the space with a bespoke personality. Using the brand’s bold and exuberant red colour and the introduction of the colour white and stainless steel, the combination emboldened BPI in its quest to being the Philippines’ premier bank. The fluidity of the ceiling formation illustrates the bodies of water surrounding the Philippine islands. Different dynamics and depth of the pattern brings different experiences for both the employees and customers. To accentuate the design concept of heritage, the design team injected finer details into the space. For example, the seating area, counter and meeting room represent the three main islands of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Befitting its rich heritage, the image of the galleon is prominently illustrated on the wall. DB&B believes that the combination of all these elements create a space that will nurture integrity, professionalism and loyalty, promoting BPI’s culture of respect, performance and teamwork.
TOP RIGHT: Illustration of the galleon to represent BPI’s rich heritage in the banking industry, paired with bold red, elegant white and sleek stainless steel.
OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA