VOL.7 NO.3 OCT - JAN 2015 SGD13 (Incl. GST) BND13 AUD13.95 HKD80 THB295 PHP295 IDR70000 MYR15/18 (W.M/E.M)
DB&B: DESIGNING COMMERCIAL SPACES IN DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES GARDEN PARTY | SOFA SO GOOD | LEAN AND GREEN | HOT SEAT STANDING OVATION | NATURAL ATTRACTION | A LIGHT TOUCH
24
Beijing
Shanghai
Manila
Bangkok
Kuala Lumpur Singapore
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25
DB&B Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was founded
The Group’s robust growth takes another milestone in Bangkok, Thailand.
Inception of DB&B Singapore.
STRENGTHENING DB&B’S PRESENCE IN ASIA The DB&B Group started with 20 employees in Singapore. Focusing on a niche domain in the commercial interiors, they quickly rose to become one of the leading players in the industry. Eighteen years later, the Group expanded into five countries with 6 offices in the region, servicing a gamut of evolving needs from conceptualising a Leadership Academy, transforming a build-to-suit expo building to refurbishing a marketing Gallery. They recently refurbished their Singapore HQ to cater to their future expansion and address their expanding repertoire of clients. The Group continues to refine their trade expertise and unique strategies to remain competitive. This includes upholding a different perspective when looking into business relationships, design applications and construction process as we reveal in the stories to follow. www.dbb.com OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA
26
A DESIGN JOURNEY
DB&B re-designs their regional headquarters with the concept of building from scratch.
27
DB&B Office Singapore | 7,000 square feet | Design & Build Application in progress for Green Mark Certification
28
SINGAPORE
29
DB&B OFFICE
Turning 18 years old is a key milestone for any company; more so for a corporation comprised of six regional offices. Flourishing in the Asia Pacific region, DB&B recently refurbished their Singapore Headquarters to reflect their design journey. The new office, with its activity-based features, not only fosters the creative process but also showcases the design firm’s time-tested expertise. EVOLUTION The design team was given the brief to fit a growing number of headcount within the same area. A momentous project for the design team, they took this opportunity to perfectly capture the essence of DB&B’s work in the new space. As if to illustrate the company’s journey, which has grown from a beginning of 20 ambitious people to a group of 450 people regionally today, the concept of ‘building from scratch’ was proposed. The simple pitch translated seamlessly into a spatial metaphor that depicted the business practice. Cohesively delivered, the layout and finishes engage users in a transitional experience starting from a raw start at the back office to a functional and polished finish at the reception. “In a way, it’s a proud reflection of what we do as interior designers. The back of office is treated with raw finishes, open ceiling and cement flooring because the interior design process starts with an empty space. As the design process comes into development stage, the idea takes a more sophisticated form as reflected in the middle of house. Finally, the front of the house is a showcase of the fully furnished idea,” says Lowell Law who leads the design team for this project. LEFT: With a design concept of ‘building from scratch’, the layout and finishes begin with a raw look at the back of the office to a more polished finish at the reception.
30
“In the context of a design journey, discovery becomes insights when one looks at the same matter in a whole new perspective.�
SINGAPORE
DB&B OFFICE
DISCOVERY The concept also offers a sense of discovery. In the context of a design journey, discovery becomes insights when one looks at the same matter in a whole new perspective. To encourage this, DB&B’s office presents many work settings that may trigger a novel perception or experience. A different location in the office offers a different stimulus, which consequently allows the users to re-orientate themselves, given the hour of the day and tasks at hand. Within the limited space, there are ample provisions for various settings – from focused desks, open benches, huddle corners to meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology for better visual connectivity with overseas collaborators. The vibrancy of these settings comes from an open internal traffic that is planned to fluidly inspire the convergence of ideas and serendipitous encounters.
ABOVE: The DB&B office is made up of various work settings with specific locations to boost productivity, promote creativity and provide relaxation.
31
32
A SMART SHOWCASE As an advocate for smart workspace, DB&B walks the talk by choosing functional furnishings and finishes to enhance the overall working experience. For instance, the conference room boasts of integrated light ceiling that reduce echo and cast-shadow during video conferences disrupting otherwise productive conversations. The room is also controlled by heat sensor and timer to eliminate inefficient energy usage. In the collaboration area, which is parked along the window, photocell sensors are fitted along the perimeters to maintain an ideal level between indoor and outdoor brightness. For a visual retreat, a stretch of green plants are potted along the window for optimum sun exposure. Together with green label carpet, laminate and other finishes that emit low respiratory toxic chemicals, these plants offer natural filter to indoor air quality. In the main think tank area, recycled materials such as compressed woodchips planters and solid wood trellis are used. These woodwork and cabinetry are done in-house at the local fabrication facility located at Eunos.
ABOVE: Materials Library with easy access from designer’s area
SINGAPORE
DB&B OFFICE
COUNTING ON PRECISION Managing internal expectations is often harder when perfection is the standard. When it came to constructing their own offices, DB&B took this opportunity as an exercise to fine tune their methods and processes. At the design stage, they finessed the process from enhancing 3D visuals to producing true to scale construction drawings. In effect, the teams were able to improve site markings to aid decision makers with better scale and accuracy. As their own client, DB&B enforced stringent requirements in health and safety. An impartial assessor team was formed to test, check and monitor the site progress daily to ensure that protocols and field reports tallied. The office is applying for Green Mark certification, which will be awarded upon successful application at the end of this year.
33
34
ENGINE FOR GROWTH
A recent recipient of the Best Office Interior Award at the International Property Awards 2014, Pratt & Whitney’s office features precisionengineered finishes for a cutting edge and authentic industrial feel.
35
Pratt & Whitney Singapore | 47,000 square feet | Design & Build
36
‘Engine for Growth’ is a concept symbolising Pratt & Whitney’s core businesses and identity as a new entrant to the ASEAN market – Phillips Connor, Senior Creative Director.
SINGAPORE
PRATT & WHITNEY
37
When Pratt & Whitney decided to build their flagship location for their Global Service Partners businesses across Singapore, they didn’t want to have just another office. What they envisioned was an extraordinary space that would connect their different business units and reaffirm themselves as a world-leading maintenance, repair and over-haul (MRO) service provider in the aerospace industry. For this challenging task, they approached DB&B for their design consultancy services. They were convinced with the design firm’s capabilities, so they also tasked them to do the construction.
THE OVERALL CONCEPT The project was headed by Phillips Connor, DB&B’s Senior Creative Director. The concept encompassed a synchronistic modular approach to suit the unique business compartmentalisation. At the same time, it provided a flexible, future-adaptable foot print. “Our holistic approach applies a language of aeronautical & aerospace elements that pervades the planning, form, detailing and finishing of all spaces. ‘Engine for Growth’ is a concept symbolising Pratt & Whitney’s core businesses and identity as a new entrant to the ASEAN market,” Connor explained. In designing the three-storey office space, he and the design team opted for the aerospace theme, which is reflected in the features and detailing used for areas such as the arrival lobbies, stairs, lifts, partitions, ceiling, lighting and meeting rooms. A perfect example is the jet engine LED light fixture, which is placed in the central nexus on each floor. In a way, it’s also there to symbolise the ‘heart’ of the ‘engine’ as this is the shared area where diverse groups can hang out or chill in a newly collaborative way. The breakout area is located in the middle of the ‘spine’ – a sort of runway that connects the public and private areas, but segregates the office from the adjacent industrial premises. All three levels are easily connected via staircases.
LEFT: In designing the three-storey office space, the design team applied the aerospace theme, which is reflected in the features and detailing used for areas such as the arrival lobby and stairs.
38
SINGAPORE
39
PRATT & WHITNEY
DETAILS IN THE DESIGN One thing notable about DB&B is their attention to detail when they designed the offices. In terms of the overall look and feel, they chose precision engineered finishes for a cutting edge and authentic industrial feel. Throughout all three office levels, a metallic palette with contrasting accents of yellow, cyan and black was used to stimulate, inspire and direct. You can see these pops of colours in the conference and meeting rooms, where the grey carpets are lined with bright and lively colours. An added design element is the curated collection of historical photographic prints. These pictures are decked on the walls of the meeting and conference rooms to subtly reflect the longevity, values and stature of the company.
LEFT: The aerospace theme is also reflected in the central nexus of each floor with the use of a jet engine LED light fixture. Throughout all three office levels, pops of colours are used in the conference and meeting rooms.
40
SINGAPORE
PRATT & WHITNEY
The unique features aren’t exclusive to the employee areas, but in the lobbies as well. At the main reception area, one can find the spirit cloud feature wall inspired by air movement. This eye-catching perforated panel is where Pratt & Whitney’s logo is placed, adding to that dramatic effect upon entrance. The way DB&B pushed the design boundaries to create Pratt & Whitney’s office was unlike any other, and for the reason, the office has won the Best Office Interior Award at the International Property Awards 2014.
BOTH: Meeting and training rooms are equipped with the latest technology, such as the smartboard and speakers, to facilitate smooth communication whenever and wherever.
41
42
EMPOWERING LEADERSHIP DB&B designs an iconic space for Samsung Leadership Academy
43
Samsung Leadership Academy Singapore | 12,000 square feet | Design & Build
44
“We wanted the Leadership Academy to be relevant to the large demographic represented in the company, essentially targeting everyone from new recruits to the senior leadership,� -Phillips Connor, Senior Creative Director
SINGAPORE
SAMSUNG LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
45
Samsung Asia launched their flagship Leadership Academy in Singapore as a commitment to cultivate their growing talent pool. Occupying the same block at Mapletree Business City, the partner of choice for this innovative space was DB&B, which successfully designed and built their 80,000 square feet regional headquarters in 2012. With a goal to provide an iconic space that would inspire their regional and local talents, the design firm mapped the floorplate with a completely open plan.
A NEED FOR SPACE A preset challenge was a timeline that targeted a fixed date for the first regional training. Conveniently, Samsung Asia and DB&B have established a common ground from the first project. The designer understood Samsung’s culture and guidelines, which crossed the first hurdle right away. The brief called for a space to host various sizes of delegates who would be attending corporate events, trainings and seminars. Taking the brief a step further, DB&B proactively engaged Samsung in a series of in-depth dialogues to capture the significance of the Leadership Academy. “I talked to the client all the time. They had a lot of activities and events that we wished to capture, with them being a regional facility. We wanted the Leadership Academy to be relevant to the large demographic represented in the company, essentially targeting everyone from new recruits to the CEO,” says Phillips Connor, Senior Creative Director
LEFT: Samsung’s main lobby is accented with round pendant lights that echo the corporate elliptical symbol.
46
SINGAPORE
SAMSUNG LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
THE PLAN WITH WALLS Perhaps the most impressive feature of all is the southeastern expanse along the window. The walls from amphitheater to a stretch of adjoining training rooms are fully operable, enabling a possibility to completely open the area when needed. This maximises the holding capacity to 250 people, adequately meeting with surplus Samsung’s original intentions. Quite dramatically, the open space is set against an unobstructed view of the Harbourfront. The vastness extends along the perimeter, providing visual rejuvenation and connectivity that envelopes all major areas. In contrast to the flexible operable walls is the semi-enclosed VIP lounge. The dark timber feature walls are crafted with precision on both sides to convey an exclusive atmosphere. Carefully curated light and shadow balance corresponds to the natural sun movement, further enhancing the overall ambiance.
LEFT: Breakout areas are strategically placed along the glass windows to offer an unobstructed view of the outdoor area.
47
48
SINGAPORE
SAMSUNG LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
THE BRAND PRESENCE Samsung’s distinctive brand attributes claim the look and feel of the space. The elliptical theme, a proud marker of Samsung identity, cohesively pervades the design expression from carpet patterns to the 300mm timber wall dividing the reception and VIP lounge. A central feature to the theme is an elliptical wall that ultimately enfolds the amphitheater. With a seating capacity of 64 people, the amphitheater is built to suit Samsung’s theater systems. The consistent theme is fluidly expressed with an elliptical plaster and acrylic ceiling that mirrored the patterns on the carpet. Careful attention is paid to the lighting and distance between seats to ensure a conducive learning environment. Natural palette finishes with blue accent are cohesively applied to surface materials to convey stability and diffuse distractions. A mix of carpet patterns laid in curvatures and slopes are designed to infuse dynamism, unity and a sense of movement. Despite the compressed timeline, the project was completed successfully and has been open for corporate use as intended.
TOP: Dark timber is used in the pantry walls to give the room a warm touch. An impressive key feature is the Samsung logo shape, etched on the wood. LEFT: The most impressive feature is the operable walls in the training rooms, which can fully open the space and fit a maximum of 250 people.
49
50
A HEALTHY CHANGE When the client and design firm have a lively relationship, a positive change takes place.
51
McDonald’s Singapore | 14,500 square feet | Design & Build
52
SINGAPORE
53
MCDONALD’S
UNDERSTANDING THE CLIENT
There is always room for change, and this is always good within a workplace. Before this happens, one has to first understand the clients’ needs, work styles, and how change might be good for them.
“In the beginning, we engaged a wide representative of employees on all levels in work-shopping sessions. This is to ensure positive communications about the “change” were broadcasted to everyone, a crucial step to make people feel involved in the process,” said Phillips Connor, the lead designer in this project. Findings through a series of dialogues revealed that McDonald’s new workspace needed to meet employee satisfaction, cater for frequent travellers and feature a variety of “social” zones that would improve staff collaboration and integration. Working with this brief, the design firm came up with a holistic proposal that pushed the envelope of design, brand integration and new ways of working. DB&B developed a range of alternative work settings for initial review and helped McDonald’s understand the features and benefits of each. “We accomplished this with the help of the client’s feedback to these ideas,” said Jason Pang, Project Director.
ALL: DB&B developed a range of alternative work settings to cater to their employees’ different work habits.
54
DESIGN FOR THE PEOPLE DB&B’s original proposal was to create a homely office that is comfortable and conducive to the different work needs and style. The idea stemmed from McDonald’s brand leading association to comfort and personal services. The design firm realised this idea by planning the office according to the activity and noise levels. Herein, the different business units were plotted in different zones that are optimised to their comfort level. Open, interconnected workspaces and clear enclosed rooms lend a sense of connectivity and inclusion. Modular furniture supports interactive activities and personal flexibility. Common areas, such as ‘family tree’, breakout spaces and meeting bays are designed to cater for different work preference. The vibrant workspace is also permeated with indoor greeneries for refreshment and rejuvenation. A ‘jungle corner’ equipped with solo pods were designed for private work lounge overlooking scenery at the window. “The completed office offers a new definition to space that extends beyond traditional ways of working and challenges the pyramidal corporate hierarchy. It celebrates shared community spaces that are accessible to all,” says Connor.
ALL: Organic elements are infused with the graphics to create a distinct design throughout the space.
SINGAPORE
MCDONALD’S
55
56
BUILDING EVOLUTION DB&B Shanghai transforms the expo pavilion into a world-class commercial hub.
57
Shanghai Expo Shanghai, China | 300,000 square feet | Design & Build
58
SHANGHAI
59
SHANGHAI EXPO
Though DB&B is known for their commercial interiors expertise, they are always up for a challenge. The chance came when they were tasked to refurbish The World Expo Central and South American Pavilions in Pudong, China. Considered as one of DB&B’s most significant undertakings, the project revealed not only their expertise in design and build but also their unique approach to the business. LEFT: Formerly a steel mill, the design team decided to retain its structural charm and aimed for the old and new to co-exist.
60
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI EXPO
DESIGN TRANSFORMATION To many people, the expo building signifies a major moment in history. In particular, the north facing pavilion is affectionately associated with the prolific skeletal exteriors, which was salvaged from an old steel mill structure. Well aware of the cultural significance of this project, the DB&B design team in Shanghai was tasked to design a building that would be sensitive to the public’s reception and would also represent the new business prospects. Aptly given the momentum, they came up with a concept that captured the essence of time – “Evolution” is a discourse between the old and the new. The design team’s intention was for the old and the new to co-exist. Their main design objective was to capture the transformation experience through symbolism and spatial applications. The first application that took place on a surface level suggested “transformation”, which could be found on polygon landscaping at the exterior, polyline-shaped reception desk and the lobby ceiling models. The second application was a subtle metaphoric expression of “time conversion”, which took place on the long light bars at the public atrium ceiling.
LEFT: ’Transformation’ is symbolised with the somewhat unpredictable polyline-shaped ceiling elements. BOTTOM: Common recreational facilities such as cafeteria and outdoor lounges in the building are fitted with the highest quality finishes.
61
62
STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATION
BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION
Respecting the grandeur of the original design, the team preserved the building’s exteriors whilst transforming the interiors into a functional commercial space. The original structure consists of two adjoining blocks - A and B. For holding exhibitions, the halls exist with minimal interiors marking that accompanies a double volume atrium at Block B.
As an up and coming business hub, the site benefits from numerous incentives. Geographically, it is located within a short drive to Shanghai’s Financial Hub. This translates into benefits from rental savings and close proximity to city centers. Furthermore, central planning has also revealed future development for public recreational amenities in the area.
When DB&B stepped in, an additional level was built to split the vertical space to maximise the real estate. Shuttling between the levels are newly fitted guest elevators, further enhancing the theme of progress and movement within the grand space.
Seizing this opportunity early, the project team marched on the mission to transform this location into a lively business center. Leasing the entire building from the government, the plan was to lease back the real estate with an added interiors built to suit to the customers. The team capitalised on DB&B’s established networks and in-depth commercial expertise to develop the pavilions into an attractive commercial hub.
Apart from planning for the commercial offices, DB&B also planned for public spaces such as the café, guest lounge and the food court. A distinct touch from the Singapore born design firm is a bench style seating at food court, which was an adaptation from Singapore’s space efficient food court.
RIGHT: The team preserved the building’s exteriors while transforming the interiors into a functional commercial space.
Common recreational facilities such as cafeteria and outdoor lounges in the building are fitted with the highest quality finishes with regard to efficiency and internal flow. For the tenants and clients, the office interiors are designed to suit their vision by the award winning DB&B Shanghai studio. One of the happy clients is China’s largest communications agency, Blue Focus. The project is a commercial success, boasting full occupancy rate by September 2014.
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI EXPO
63
64
CLEAR EXPRESSION DB&B connects over 600 employees in a vibrant workspace.
65
HIBU Taguig City, Philippines | 42,000 square feet | Design & Build
66
HIBU is a global provider of internet services. Their range of expertise starts from web building to leads generation. When the company reached out to DB&B Philippines to fit out their office, the team took the challenge with positive enthusiasm. They were tasked to accommodate a headcount over 600 people. Inter-level connectivity as well as space planning were the key focus of this project.
PHILIPPINES
HIBU
DESIGNING FOR ONENESS From the beginning, the client was very specific about their needs. They wanted an open space where artists and executives could collaborate freely. While this may sound simple, to execute three levels with consistent connectivity took careful planning. Internal dynamics, work routines and personal spaces were considered in the plan to retain the sense of ownership. The company occupies level 27, 28 and 29. The main reception can be found on level 27, while level 28 and 29 are agent floors. Executed in phases, the project completed the lower levels before moving on to the next level. In the duration of the project, communications through internal and other feedback channels were open so that client’s decision makers, employees and designer would take away an equally positive design experience. In the design process, the designer considered HIBU’s 24 hours, 6 days a week business operations. There are many users sharing the furnishings on a daily basis, as such lockers are provided to keep personal belongings. This means the space must be built for durability and ease of use, which narrows the choice of materials as well. For instance, carpet of the general area is made of nylon. Other durable materials such as leather were used for the meeting room seating. TOP LEFT: Layers of textures stacked against light, minimalist vertical surface to direct eyes away from the ceiling height. TOP RIGHT: Open break out area for employees to chill.
67
68
TRANSPARENCY AND RICH TEXTURES In maximising the full space capacity, the number of enclosed rooms were reduced. Glass and transparent materials, together with low panel partitions, maintain visual connectivity and openness. Nevertheless, the office is far from plain. Wall decals and branding elements are splashed strategically to bring out HIBU’s corporate expression. In addressing the low ceiling height, DB&B’s designer used light touches on the furnishings and design elements to avoid ‘heaviness’ in the built environment. As a result of the minimal colours used, HIBU’s corporate purple stands out consistently, achieving unity throughout the floors. The use of glass allows daylight to penetrate to the general work area, which are parked along the windows. In keeping with a rectilinear concept, workstations were kept low and frameless, complementing the clean lines from the general work area to the carpets. Designed as point of interests to showcase their broad range of business, hallway panels with circle glass were furnished with decorative stickers that represent the small to medium enterprises that HIBU caters to. Overall, the workspace is rich in textures and layers of shapes that understand the internal dynamics. Upon the success of this project, the design firm has continued to design for HIBU’s expansion in other locations. RIGHT: Agent’s workstations are fitted with low partitons so that they retain some privacy in the open concept.
PHILIPPINES
HIBU
69
70
LOFT EXPANSION DB&B Beijing designs China’s NCF Group with growth in mind.
71
NCF Group Beijing, China | 31,000 square feet | Design & Build
72
BEIJING
73
NCF GROUP
Designing for a client at the height of their expansion is a vital moment for any design company. It presents them with a chance to positively influence the users’ behaviour through a thoughtfully planned workspace. When NCF Group, a bourgeoning financial IT company, approached DB&B Beijing to design and build for their expansion, the design firm took the challenge and came back with a game-changer.
A BLANK SLATE DB&B was presented with a simple brief to meet NCF Group’s new headcount. From a traditional office cladded with high panels and dark wood, the company was shifting to a two-level space at the city central. Optimising the added vertical advantage, DB&B built a mezzanine level for additional meeting spaces. The client’s open brief allowed the design firm to work with a blank canvas. After a closer look into their nature of business, current work culture and the space itself, the Beijing studio helmed by Warren Wee proposed a completely new take from their traditional office. “The CEO is very young, he’s 36 years old and his team is very energetic. The dynamic spirit of the company, together with the bustling city inspired us to move away from the previous compartmentalisation. As we continued to discuss the vision ahead, it became clear to us that a transformation was needed,” says Wee. LEFT: DB&B came up with a vibrant concept to capture the dynamic beat of the users.
74
BEIJING
NCF GROUP
75
A DYNAMIC HUB Split into two levels and a mezzanine, the office space is a holistic hub that contains general work area on both levels, meeting spaces, a gym and training hall. The concept aims to inspire fun and spontaneity through the juxtaposition of random shapes and expression forms. Apart from being a space for dayto-day business activities, the new office focuses on providing conducive spaces for mentoring and peer-coaching. The general work area adopts a flexible configuration for easy expansion. Break out spaces are scattered in various areas, forming touch points for the users within the vicinity to network and converse. A juxtaposed seating plan is a playful take that breaks away from the conventional rectilinear arrangement. Ceiling patterns and fixture detailing further amplify the vibrant atmosphere. As one settles in the office, the vibe is open and transparent, thanks to an open ceiling and use of glass material. In addition, low panels are applied to maintain visual connectivity with coworkers. While the design projects an image of an energetic company for external guests, it fosters cohesion and team spirit internally. LEFT: Playful detailing and colours amplify the energy in the office
76
URBAN OASIS DB&B designs Setia Alam’s sales gallery & platinum lounge.
77
Setia Alam Selangor, Malaysia | 11,000 square feet | Design & Build
78
DB&B Malaysia was commissioned by SP Setia BHD Group to design and construct the interiors of the Welcome Sales Gallery at Setia Alam. Located within the bustling 2,500-acre Shan Bandar, a nature-inspired township development in the Klang Vallley, the design firm thought of an organic concept of marrying the existing interior with the interior.
INSPIRED BY NATURE SP Setia Bhd Group’s masterplan at Shah Bandar is an all-inclusive development with mix conference, retail, commercial and residential areas. Within the township, several plots of neighborhoods have been designated and will be constructed at the same time. This urban hub is developed to embody SP Setia’s LiveLearnWorkPlay philosophy. As the main destination to showcase their masterplan, the Welcome Centre Sales Gallery is a significant project. To house all the commercial functions that represent the development, the sales gallery was conceived to contain project displays, mock ups, seating lounge, kid’s area and also the marketing office. Pinning the experience together is a connection to nature, which inspired the start of the masterplan development. To showcase this organic relationship, the design team proposed ‘Urban Oasis’, a concept that combines urban design with natural elements. The layering of organic forms, materiality, textures and lighting are integrated to subtly illustrate a tropical garden fit for relaxation and rejuvenation.
RIGHT: The sales gallery was conceived to house project displays, mock ups, seating lounge, kid's area and marketing office.
MALAYSIA
SETIA ALAM
79
80
MALAYSIA
SETIA ALAM
AN INTERCONNECTED DEVELOPMENT Greeting users from the entrance are ‘tree’ pillars of different heights and sizes, which visually and structurally connect every part of the building. The acrylic columns cladded in stainless steel are fitted with custom lighting to create the mood and ambiance for an outdoorindoor impression. At the reception, a wall that features ascending timber trellis infuses a sense of movement and liveliness. This stylistic detailing prevails from the curvilinear reception counter to the aerodynamic wave wall along the viewing gallery, forming an immersive organic feel throughout the space. On the mezzanine level, the façade that leads to the marketing office is cladded with timber waves; woven together with gallery lights that exude an exclusive atmosphere to the premium lounge. The application of natural palette to the finishes and wall to furniture furnishing further amplifies the look and feel of a nature-inspired environment. BOTH: Inspired by nature, DB&B proposed the Urban Oasis a concept that combines urban design with natural elements. The result is a visual treat where guests can witness modern design elements such as walls with ascending timber trellis and avatarish trees.
81
82
FACILITATING EXCLUSIVE SERVICES The mezzanine lounge was a newly raised floor to cater to premium customers. Served with a viewing gallery, this is an exclusive space that offers a panoptic view of the overall development on the first floor. Consistent with the theme, this level is furnished with curvilinear detailing to connect with the adjacent feature wall. While the customers converse and inquire in the lounge, their convenience was also taken into consideration. A kid’s corner is provided for parents with children. This mini playground was designed to mimic a backyard so that children may play as if they were outdoors – connecting freely with nature. Soft turf carpet and timber finishes were carefully selected to ensure comfort and safety. With these features, the design aims for maximum interactivity so that clients may receive a comprehensive “SP Setia experience” during their visit to the sales gallery; consistent with the experience these users would get in one of their developments.
RIGHT: Customers’ convenience was also taken into consideration. Hence, a kid’s corner designed like a backyard is provided for parents who brought their children to Setia Alam.
www. dbb.com
MALAYSIA
SETIA ALAM
83