Office Concept V8N1 | Workplace Interior Design and Modern Office Furniture

VOL.8 NO.1 FEB - MAY 2015 SGD13 (Incl. GST) BND13 AUD13.95 HKD80 THB295 PHP295 IDR90000 MYR15/18 (W.M/E.M) INR395

DESIGNTONE: QUESTIONING THE STEREOTYPED MOVE WITH IT | JOINT EFFORT | GETTING BUGGY | FLOW LINES ALL SYSTEMS GO | ART MEETS SCIENCE | SILENT TREATMENT | TILE CHIC

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

10

INSPIRATION IN THE EVERYDAY

C

alling attention to the nuanced dimensions of everyday life, design surrounds us, existing in virtually every shape and form. Its incredible power to transform the commonplace makes it a fundamental yet, at times, unacknowledged part of our lives.

The designer has the allimportant task of eking out awkward gaps in our quotidian rituals, remedying these with thoughtful solutions that beautify as much as systemize.

In this as well as every other issue of Office Concept, we endeavour to highlight projects and products that hinge on this benchmark. At any given opportunity, we celebrate individuals who daringly devote copious amounts of time and energy into making everyday moments at home and in the workplace count. In this edition, that honour belongs to Designtone, a local interior design firm whose impressive portfolio is bringing renewed focus on Malaysia’s burgeoning design scene. Helmed by its ambitious young management team (see our interviews with the firm’s founders on Page 91), the Kuala Lumpur-based practice’s approach is not only dictated by a reverence for context – more than that, its designers make it a point to push the limits of spaces, regardless of whether the project in question is commercial, residential or institutional in nature. This creative investigation into spatial typologies is a necessary process, one which enlivens how we experience our immediate surroundings.

Employing equal parts sensitivity and dexterity, the designer has the allimportant task of eking out awkward gaps in our quotidian rituals, remedying these with thoughtful solutions that beautify as much as systemize; he or she assigns new meaning to what was previously underemphasized, enabling us the ability to see the banal in a new light, one intelligent design at a time.

We hope that the following pages will prove inspiring in this sense, offering you, our dear reader, a chance to reflect on how design has changed or continues to change your life.

Kenneth Khu kenneth@officeconcept.asia Variable by Teknion

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OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

12

CONTENT

16

21

26

50

64

70

10

PUBLISHER’S NOTE INSPIRATION IN THE EVERYDAY

16

ENTRÉE

24 26 30 38 44 50 56 64 70 74 82

SMALL IS GOOD DESIGNTONE THE POWER OF WATER REDEFINING THE ‘PANTRY’ RE-BRANDING INTERIOR WITH A “DROP” OF MILK PROPAGATING “AWE”SOMENESS GRAND AND EXPRESSIONIST RE-THINKING LEARNING SPACES DESIGNING FOR “LIFE” WHEN LEARNING IS DYNAMIC THE DESIGN STUDIO FOR CSM ARCHITECTS

88

LEADERSHIP VIEWPOINTS

106

OFFICE CONCEPT

13

V8N1 | FEB - MAY 2015

30

38

44

100

104

108

90

RE-THINKING THE STEREOTYPED

98 100 102 104 106 108 112 114 116 118 124 126 130

FITTING INTERIORS MOVE WITH IT JOINT EFFORT GETTING BUGGY FLOW LINES ALL SYSTEMS GO TRANSFORMATIVE MEASURES BLUEPRINT FOR EFFICIENCY ART MEETS SCIENCE SILENT TREATMENT TWO FOR ONE BENEFITS OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN TILE CHIC

133 138

THE SOCIAL CIRCLE MASTER MIX

110

CONTENT & TEAM

14

92

126

RE-THINKING THE STEREOTYPED

by Designtone, Joe Chan

BENEFITS OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN

by Interface

CONTENT MANAGING EDITOR Kenneth Khu EDITOR Pang Yin Ying ASSISTANT EDITOR Mandy Chin CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Adele Chong CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Dorothy Lung ART DIRECTOR Eric Phoon SENIOR DESIGNER Sandy Liew

Camiro by Girsberger

EMAILS ADVERTISING advertising@officeconcept.asia EDITORIAL editorial@officeconcept.asia CONTRIBUTION ideas@officeconcept.asia SUBSCRIPTION subscribe@officeconcept.asia WEBSITE www.officeconcept.asia MAGAZINE OFFICE CONCEPT is published three times a year and is circulated throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Opinions expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily endorsed by the publisher.

CONTACT MEDIA EDGE PUBLICATIONS 1001 Block D Tiara Kelana, Jalan SS7/19 Kelana Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

T: +603 7887 4525

COPYRIGHT NOTICE All rights, including copyright, in the content of this publication are owned by Media Edge Publications, Malaysia. You are not permitted to copy, broadcast, download, store in any medium, transmit, show or play in public, adapt or change any in any way the content of this publication for any other purpose whatsoever without the prior written permission of Media Edge Publications, Malaysia.

PERMIT NUMBER KDN PP15689/11/2013(033144), MCI(P) 029/01/2015

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

MASTER MIX

by Space Furniture

COMPANY PUBLISHER Kenneth Khu BUSINESS MANAGER Edmond Lee BUSINESS EXECUTIVE Kelvin Ong

PRINTER GRAMEDIA PRINTING GROUP Kompas Gramedia Building Jl. Palmerah Selatan no 22-28 Jakarta 10270 - Indonesia.

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138

PHOTO CREDITS COVER: DESIGNTONE SECTION OPENER: DESIGN & BUILD DESIGNTONE LEADERSHIP VIEWPOINTS DESIGNTONE FITTNG INTERIORS TEKNION THE SOCIAL CIRCLE SCHIAVELLO & INTERFACE

[ magazine ] | print + online

ENTRÉE

16

MOVING ON Mobility and style come together in this compact table design by Doshi Levian. In designing On The Move, the objective was in creating a piece that shunned the look of office equipment. Showcasing a departure from conventional laptop tables, OTM’S sleek finish and aluminum materiality make it a welcome presence in every space. Its twist-grip function is especially ideal. www.schiavello.com

EXTRA EXTRA Kartell’s Front Page is a magazine holder for the whimsically minded. Designed by Swedish studio Front, this unusual rack takes inspiration from the movement of newspaper pages rifled by wind. The result is a dynamic interior piece animated with a humorous feel. Rendered in punchy pop-inspired shades, available colours pay homage to famous publications such as Time and National Geographic. www.spacefurniture.com

FLEX APPEAL An ergonomic chair with a plastic shell might sound like a contradiction but office furniture manufacturer Teknion has made this otherwise with the recent launch of Variable, its new multi-purpose seating collection. Crafted with an elastic backrest, designer Alessandro Piretti’s brilliant piece is an adaptable wonder that can be assembled to virtually any chair frame, offering versatility in the home and office. www.teknion.com

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OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

ENTRÉE

18

BUILDING BLOCKS When it comes to smart, space-saving seating, Italian brand Kastel is truly an innovator. Kenion, its newest modular system feature large cube-like armchairs that give rise to lively seating arrangements. With the option to choose from monochrome or bi-colour upholstery options, users can mix and match to their hearts content. Regardless of the space, the results are sure to be unique. www.kastel.it

SHAPING UP The arresting shape of this one-of-a-kind dining table from B&B Italia is anything but typical. From its cantilevered top to its sleek satin finish, virtually every aspect of this poetic piece by designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby defies convention. Its name, Tobi-ishi, refers to ornamental stones found in traditional Japanese gardens, heightening the design’s conjoined feeling of mystique and symmetry. www.spacefurniture.com

THE NEW STANDARD If the HAL chair appears run-of-the-mill, that’s because designer Jasper Morrison intended it that way. Reinforcing his concept with the statement that “special is generally less useful than normal”, HAL, a reinterpretation of the multifunctional shell chair, was conceived as a tribute to the “super normal”.

Boasting a clean, modern look, Morrison’s versatile range accommodates a wide variety of seating positions and can be used for indoors and outdoors. www.spacefurniture.com

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OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

ENTRÉE

20

COOL CONTOURS Perpetually changing up our view of everyday objects, iconic designer Philippe Starck does it again with this eggshaped swivel chair. Be it the provocatively composed seat or the polished aluminum swivel base, it’s hard to say which is the most striking aspect of the Ero[S]. This remarkable piece also offers the option of transparent and coloured seating, a four-legged structure and a castorwheel base. www.spacefurniture.com

LEARNING CURVE Offering a nifty solution to evolving workplace trends, Teknion’s Learning Table easily sets a new benchmark for versatile work and study tables. Sturdy and sensibly equipped, this exceptional rolling table was made with both perpetual configuration and collaborative activities in mind. Ideal for the classroom and office, users will benefit from thoughtful features such as built-in tablet holders and clips for hanging backpacks or personal items. www.teknion.com

SEAT FEAT A topnotch office chair is hard to come by, especially when looking for a hardworking model that can accommodate staffers over an extended period. The answer can now be found in the Camiro, a well-equipped chair that comes with automatic height adjustment and a swivel base. Featuring a strong geometric frame that calls to mind the classical Da Vinci symbol, the Camiro is equal parts function and aesthetics. www.girsberger.com

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21

BUBBLE POWER Those on the lookout for a statement light with pep needn’t go any further than the Prop light by Moooi.

A cluster of transparent LED bulbs steals the spotlight by emulating the look of cartoon bubbles, brightening up spaces with a fun, effervescent vibe. Equipped with a dimmable switch, Prop is a quirky alternative to enhancing lacklustre areas. www.spacefurniture.com

MAKING LIGHT Stunning architectural silhouette aside, light and shadow play lies behind the appeal of this distinctive hanging lamp from Zava. An eloquent intersecting of two mirroring shades made from a sequence of wire thread, the Grown lamp impresses with its artful form, coming across as something of an interior optical illusion. A standing version is also available within the range. www.zavaluce.it

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

24

SMALL IS GOOD! The practice of Designtone Comprising of a small team of dedicated and innovative architects, designers and project managers, Designtone ventures to achieve their goals with great emphasis in design creativity, research and development in the discipline of interior architecture.

The strength of Designtone lies in the team dynamics which strikes a balance between designing and constructing. From the ideation of a project, to the problem-solving, the negotiation between how design is conceived and how it is put together, forms the starting point of design. It is by maintaining a small

practice that the design philosophy and values can be executed in each project.

In attempting to re-think, Designtone begins with precedent studies, drawing from what is known, and what is practiced currently. With that basis, it questions the brief and offers a convincing conviction of design through 3D visualization. Interior space is about human experience, and it is only through the 3-dimension that space can be comprehended.

The details on spatial layout and efficiency of spaces are then negotiated and executed in the floor plans.

DESIGN & BUILD

We do not need to be big to take many projects; rather we need to be efficient.

RIGHT & BOTTOM: Director’s Officer

DESIGNTONE

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DESIGNTONE A creative factory for interiors

Designtone operates from a small office in Dataran Prima, Klang Valley. A strong propagator in pushing the boundaries of design, their office operates as a small design incubator inspired by the idea of a creative factory. The former suggests the values of design and the whole idea of re-thinking interior spaces, and the latter relates to the systemized and efficient design process and execution of projects.

By drawing reference to the affinity for the past, the office exemplifies the retro character; by drawing inspirations from the broader genre of graphic design, the office takes inspiration from pop culture through the use of strong graphics in the form of typography and images.

Emphasis is also given to the details, from the detail of the chain on the corrugated metal door to the use of motivating texts in the form of graphical typography.

Together, they form an eclectic assemblage that offers an energetic workspace, creating work environment that encourages critical thinking, fun and play.

Designtone, an environment of critical thinking, fun and play

PHOTO CREDIT: Grace Thang Photography WRITING & COMPOSITION: Dr. Veronica Ng FP

LIFT & RIGHT: Office Interior, work and play

KLANG VALLEY, MALAYSIA

DESIGNTONE

27

28

KLANG VALLEY, MALAYSIA

29

DESIGNTONE

OVERALL: Designtone Office & Its Idea Factory

30

THE POWER OF WATER Workspace inspired by water Inspired by the notion of water, the foyer of Healthy Homes Marketing is transformed into a fluid space characterized by the undulating white ceiling lined by black stripes, and the carpeting floor with a large arc that creates a powerful centric space. The space is softened by the backdrop of the reception that is lined by a curtain of water echoing the sound and texture of water. Against the backdrop of black and white, transparency, translucency, and patterns of the walls is played out in an interesting manner to reflect the character of ‘water’.

MALAYSIA

HEALTHY HOMES MARKETING/RAINBOW

31

32

The “fluid” space, breaking the box Being one of the pioneer projects that set the design thinking of Designtone, the Healthy Homes Marketing, the sole distributor of Rainbow Cleaning System in Malaysia, offers a canvas for creativity. The client’s brief calls for the design of a corporate office that requires spaces for stylish, avant-garde and unconventional approach for an office.

Inspired by the motto of the Rainbow Cleaning System, The Power of Water, the design of Healthy Homes Marketing draws inspiration from the motion of ‘water’ and space (these form two significant elements of Rainbow cleaning system). The design reflects a unique and fluid layout that is articulated by spiral effect of water ripple and its fluid qualities. Indeed, the plan becomes the basis of the generator of interior form and space.

A space need not just be pragmatic, it should be phenomenal

The design on the office sought to break the rigidity and monotony of common corporate interiors. To break away from the rigidity of the existing plan and space planning to incorporate many different usages of space, fluid space is achieved with circular and oval space and each space is connected with each other with a central working area in the middle of the floor plan acting as a ‘core’.

MALAYSIA

33

HEALTHY HOMES MARKETING/RAINBOW

TEL

DB

F

F

TEL

DB

TOP: Curvilinear corridor

b.

SH

wc

separated the Training Facilities from the Account Dept LEFT: A cozy lounge for the Director to unwind and entertain.

Notes: This drawing is a property of Design Tone. and we reserve the copyright to all our designs which cannot be reproduced (whether part/whole) or modified without first obtaining our written consent.

This drawing is subjected to modification of it's design & measurements from time to time to suits construction purposes

Project

Project No:

HEALTHY HOMES MARKETING CO. OFFICE

P2011-DT-008

Drawing title:

Scale:

FURNITURE LAYOUT PLAN

Proposed by:

Date:

Drawn by:

Accepted by:

Sheet name:

Client

As Shown

OCTOBER 2011

100-FP

Date:

Rev.

Date

Remarks

Design Tone Interior Practice Dateran Prima, Block D2 Unit 7-3, Jalan PJU 1/39 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

T: 603 - 7886 3383 F: 603 - 7886 0383

34

TOP : Suspended glass writing board and ceiling feature at Boardroom, exudes an air of loftiness RIGHT : A breakaway from the everyday workspace. An oasis to recharge and touch base with colleagues FAR RIGHT : Privacy ensured for meetings and making important phone calls without interruption with such facilities provided

MALAYSIA

HEALTHY HOMES MARKETING/RAINBOW

Reflecting contemporary workplace culture

The client’s brief calls for the design of a corporate office that requires spaces for stylish, avant-garde and unconventional approach for an office.

While drawing inspirations from water is part of the artistic manifestation of design, it is also imperative to define spaces in relation to the workplace culture. The large built up space of approximately 10 000 sqft with a host of programmatic requirements is laid out neatly and organized by circularly organized spaces and curvilinear walls that offers fluid space, and breaks the formality of the corporate office amidst the otherwise large space.

With the paradigm shift in the culture of “work”, there are varied forms of work spaces defined by hot-desking spaces, breakout spaces, telemarketing spaces and others.

35

36

While corporate branding is important, we take personalization as an impetus to design.

TOP: MD’s room is personalized to reflect his bold and dynamic personality TOP LEFT: MD’s personal collection of exquisite guitars TOP RIGHT: MD’s customized table and cabinet BOTTOM LEFT: The Director’s Lounge BOTTOM RIGHT: PA’s Room with the same avant garde touch

MALAYSIA

HEALTHY HOMES MARKETING/RAINBOW

37

Style: Geometric formality with a negotiation of black and white The avant-garde and stylish expression of the office interior is explored through a play of formal geometry, and the contrast of the sophisticated black and white. The expression of space is further reinforced by richness of materiality, the use of fluid lines on the floor and the ceiling.

While the overall design takes on the notion of ‘water’ as the design inspiration, the director’s office is designed to reflect the director’s passion for music and guitar.

38

REDEFINING THE ‘PANTRY’ Themed chillout spaces for Nestle (Malaysia)

The pantry and the breakout areas are servant spaces to office interiors which are significant but often overlooked. Turning this servant space as a core for design, Designtone transforms an otherwise typical and mundane pantry to a chillout space to encourage staff to relax and unwind. It also forms informal meeting, discussion and interaction spaces for social integration amongst staff. Different levels were conceptualized by diverse approaches, to offer an eclectic pallete of chillout spaces within the office tower.

MALAYSIA

THE CHILLOUT SPACES FOR NESTLE (MALAYSIA) BERHAD

Level 20 Chillout Young and trendy The pantry is designed as a casual and informal chillout space. Designtone explores colours and vibrancy defining a young, trendy and energetic space. The large graphic draws metaphor to a “window with blue sky” offering a breath of fresh air.

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40

MALAYSIA

THE CHILLOUT SPACES FOR NESTLE (MALAYSIA) BERHAD

Level 24 The “lounge” Designtone defines the level 24 pantry as a lounge space. It draws inspiration from the modern Victorian homes, to offer a domestic character of space within the office interiors. The composition of the natural timber and the pastel colour palette creates a calm space for chilling.

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MALAYSIA

THE CHILLOUT SPACES FOR NESTLE (MALAYSIA) BERHAD

Level 25 Chillout Contemporary Vintage CafĂŠ-like spaces explored through the hybrid between contemporary and old vintage. The design elements of colours and textures form the basis of defining the chillout space.

LEFT: Rustic living is accentuated with raw finish design and modernised with punch of fun colours.

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RE-BRANDING INTERIOR WITH A “DROP” OF MILK Designtone adds vibrancy to the office interiors of Fonterra Headquarters

The interior design for Fonterra Headquarters, located within the Industrial Park, was generated based on the intention of creating a vibrant and cheerful space. As Fonterra Headquarters is a key driver for Malaysia’s growing appetite for yoghurt and UHT dairy products, the design takes into account Fonterra’s corporate identity and branding. The basis of the design is inspired by Fonterra’s emphasis on “dairy for life”, whereby Designtone draws metaphor from “a drop of milk”, and the core colours of Fonterra corporate logo, expressed through the “dairy” white, green and tones of blue.

MALAYSIA

FONTERRA BRANDS

45

46

MALAYSIA

FONTERRA BRANDS

The circular shape representing a drop of milk and core colour to its company values was amplified in the overall design scheme.

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Breaking monotony Visually vibrant colours and circular shapes speckle around the office interior giving an otherwise monotonous interior a playful and cheerful mode.

FAR RIGHT: Chic and quirky office bistro.

RIGHT: Brainstorm room designed to be fun and vibrant to promote creative thinking.

BOTTOM: Simple space planning to the overall workspace provide a spacious and open feel.

MALAYSIA

49

FONTERRA BRANDS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

±225 sqft

±150 sqft

m²

MEETING (S) 1

Female

±215 sqft

Male

FEMALE SURAU

MALE SURAU

±180 sqft

±180 sqft

STORE

D4

IS OFFICER

±70 sqft

PRE-LOUNGE

PANTRY

PABX

±350 sqft

MDF

Disa.

FIRST AID RM

STORE

±225 sqft

±40 sqft

±120 sqft FILING CABINET

CORRIDOR BEVERAGE TABLE

RECEPTION

3 PAX

MEETING (M) 1

wooden block

±400 sqft

marble block

±680 sqft

deck oven

BOARDROOM (48 PAX)

FOOD SERVICE KITCHEN

Operable Wall.

±1050 sqft

convection/ steam oven

V32

V33

V5

V8

V31

V34

V4

V9

V30

V35

F12

IS3

IS1

F1

F6 IS2

F2

F4

F3

AUTOMATION AREA 1

O1

F7

OP HOD ±240 sqft

F11 F8

DISC 1 ±120 sqft F10 F9

F5

NPD5 NPD6

NPD9 NPD10

NPD4 NPD7

NPD8 NPD11

FS1

±240 sqft

OFFICER

V3

O4

NPD DEPT. 11PAX

FOOD HOD

FS7

FS4

FS6

V2

FS2

V3

FOOD SERVICE DEPT. 8 PAX

FOOD MGR 1

FOOD MGR 2

±120 sqft

±120 sqft

FILING AREA

FOOD MGR 3 ±120 sqft

NPD MGR 2

±120 sqft

±120 sqft

NPD HOD ±240 sqft

incubator DRY BLENDING LAB 30C work table incubator 30C

NPD LAB

±990 sqft oven 40C

fridge 1

Consumer Switch Room

Pump Room

fridge 6 homogenizer

E AREA (sq ft) Current ( sq ft)

Total

1,650 1,050 215 225/400 1,395

1 1 1 2 1

FIRST AID LACTATION STORAGE DISCUSSION ROOM

Current ( sq ft)

Total

120 150 70/40 120

1 1 2 1

BUILT-IN FURNITURE TAG DESCRIPTION BF1 BF2 BF3 BF4 BF5 BF6 BF7 BF8 BF9

RECEPTION COUNTER@RECEPTION RECEPTION BACKDROP@RECEPTION INTERNET KIOSK@PRE-LOUNGE FEATURE WALL@BISTRO & LOUNGE BENCH COUNTER@BISTRO LOUNGE BENCH SEATER@BISTRO & LOUNGE SERVING COUNTER@BISTRO & LOUNGE SERVING BACKDROP@BISTRO & LOUNGE CUTLERY COUNTER@BISTRO

TAG DESCRIPTION BF11 BEVERAGE CABINET 1@BOARDROOM BF12 BEVERAGE CABINET 2@BOARDROOM BF13 MEETING TABLE@BOARDROOM WRITING BOARD@MEETING (M) 1 BF14 KITCHEN BACKDROP@DEMO SERVICE KITCHEN

BF15 BF16 KITCHEN COUNTER@DEMO SERVICE KITCHEN BF17 WRITING BOARD@MEETING (S) 1 BF18 PANTRY CABINET@PANTRY BF19 FILING CABINET@FINANCE DEPT

work table CHILLED LAB water water water bath 1 bath 2bath 3

TAG DESCRIPTION BF21 FILING CABINET@FINANCE FILING BF22 FILING CABINET@HR DEPT BF23 UTILITY CABINET@AUTOMATION 1 FILING CABINET@OPERATION DEPT BF24 BF25 BF26 BF27 BF28 BF29

sensory table

cabinet

extra cabinet mixer 1 mixer 2

Sub-Station

fridge 5

cabinet

fridge 2

fridge 4

HR DEPT ±400 sqft

FILING AREA

NPD CONFIDENTIAL LIBRARY

HR2

FILING CABINET

A/C Cmt R. m²

HR1

HR3

±125 sqft

full height cabinet

fridge 3

O2

4PAX

NPD MGR 1

vacuum sealer mini blender

O3

OPERATION DEPT.

cabinet

SERVING COUNTER

NPD3

FILING CABINET

FS3

FS5

NPD1

D

RECEPTION / WAITING BOARDROOM MEETING ROOM - S MEETING ROOM - M BISTRO (CANTEEN)

HR HOD

±460 sqft

±175 sqft

cutlery station

TOTAL 12 16 5 14 5 4 17

±230 sqft

12PAX

KITCHEN

±240 sqft

EXE 8 11 3 12 4 3 17

FINANCE FILING Finance document workdesk

FINANCE DEPT.

NPD2

FS8

MGR 3 4 1 1 NIL 1 NIL

±240 sqft

BISTRO

±935 sqft

HOD 1 1 1 1 1 NIL NIL

FINANCE HOD

±120 sqft

±120 sqft

±680 sqft

BISTRO & LOUNGE

V7

SERVER

BEVERAGE TABLE

C

V6

FILING CABINET

B

IS DEPT.

±380 sqft

INTERNET KIOSK

FINANCE MGR

FILING CABINET

±120 sqft

DIVISION FOOD SERVICE DEPT. NPD DEPT. HR DEPT. FINANCE DEPT. OPERATION DEPT. IS DEPT. VACANT

9

MEETING (M) 2

LACTATION

A/C Cmt R.

A

8

MEDICAL COLD RM

MEDICAL STORE ±490 sqft

Staircase 04 Metal m²

Outdoor Terrace Tiles m²

±120 sqft

SENSORY LAB tap

tap

tap

tap

sensory booths

TAG DESCRIPTION BF31 WASH BASIN COUNTER@NPD LAB BF32 FULL HEIGHT CABINET@NPD LAB BF33 FILING CABINET@FOOD SERVICE DEPT FULL HEIGHT CABINET@HOD ROOM BF51 FILING CABINET 1@OPERATION DEPT BF52 OPEN SHELVE@MANAGER ROOM FILING CABINET 2@OPERATION DEPT BF53 WORK TOP 1@NPD LAB CABINET 1@NPD LAB BF54 WORK TOP 2@NPD LAB CABINET 2@NPD LAB BF55 CABINET 5@NPD LAB CABINET 3@NPD LAB BF56 SENSORY BOOTH@NPD LAB

REAR EXIT

FURNITURE LAYOUT PLAN GROUND FLOOR

SCALE 1:200

50

MALAYSIA

EKOVEST PROPERTY GALLERY

51

PROPAGATING “AWE”SOMENESS Bold expressions for Ekovest Property Gallery The Gallery for Ekovest Property is designed to portray its dynamic and steadfast position as an emerging property developer within the nation. The design seeks to generate the emotive response of “awe”. While many projects of Designtone take on a restraint and modest approach to interior space, the design approach for Ekovest Property Gallery is one of exaggeration and expressionism.

LEFT: The feature staircase made of steel and glass radiates a presence of virility.

RIGHT: The main reception and backdrop provides a majestic entrance to greet visitors

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A foyer with a ‘bang’ What it takes to design the ‘expressionist’ foyer? Designtone explores the use of steel to create a masculine space. The foyer is designed as an overwhelming reception framed by a skeletal steel frame as the foreground and a glass staircase at the background.

MALAYSIA

EKOVEST PROPERTY GALLERY

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Reflective masculinity

The ancillary spaces adjacent to the reception are designed with spatial clarity and do not overpower the main display models. Reflective materials are used extensively to give depth to the space and sense of sophistication and elegance.

LEFT: Feature ceiling at construction area to break the rigidity of the low ceiling soffit beams RIGHT: Wall exhibit and interactive models display ample information to clients

MALAYSIA

EKOVEST PROPERTY GALLERY

55

56

GRAND AND EXPRESSIONIST Ikhasas Property Gallery

MALAYSIA

IKHASAS PROPERTY GALLERY

57

58

C1

C2

C3

C4

C5

PRIVATE DISCUSSION

±30 sqft

C6

C7

±30 sqft

C7A

SCREENING ROOM

±187 sqft

±475 sqft

Cf

A/C

a/c

A/C model stand

Ce

RECEPTION

model stand dp100

dp100

interactive screen

RAMP

ft

LOUNGE

model stand

model stand

MALE

FEMALE

model stand

DN

MAIL ROOM

SHOW GALLERY ±3,400 sqft

model stand

VOID dp50

Cd

model stand

BAR COUNTER

dp50

CONTROL ROOM ±105 sqft

Photocopier at below staircase

LIFT LOBBY

Main Signage

Cc

GRAND LOBBY

STORE ROOM

±3,960 sqft

RECEPTION CONTROL ROOM / SECURITY

SPACE FOR MOCK UP'S SHOW UNIT

FIRE LOBBY

±3,960 sqft dp100

Cb

ramp 50

Ca

TERRACE

BUILT-IN FURNITURE TAG

DESCRIPTION

GROUND FLOOR

TAG BF8

DESCRIPTION

TAG BF16

BENCH SOFA@PANTRY

TV PANEL@SCREENING ROOM

BF17

FILING CABINET@COMPACTUS /STORAGE

BF18

BACK CABINET@MANAGERS

BF9

BENCH SOFA@LOUNGE

MEZZANINE FLOOR

BREAKOUT COUNTER@BREAKOUT

BF11

WRITING GLASS BOARD@MEETING ROOM

BF4

MODEL STAND 1@SHOW GALLERY

BF12

BACK CABINET@MEETING ROOM

BF5

MODEL STAND 2@SHOW GALLERY

BF13

FULL HEIGHT CABINET@PANTRY

BF6

MODEL STAND 3@SHOW GALLERY

BF1

BF7

DESCRIPTION

BENCH SOFA@SCREENING ROOM

RECEPTION COUNTER@RECEPTION

BF2 BF3

BF14

FULL HEIGHT CABINET@STORE

BF15

PANTRY CABINET@PANTRY

Notes: This drawing is a property of Designtone. and we reserve the copyright to all our designs which cannot be reproduced (whether part/whole) or modified without first obtaining our written consent.

This drawing is subjected to modification of it's design & measurements from time to time to suits construction purposes

Project Shaftsbury Square

APPROXIMATE AREA

Project No:

Drawn by:

Accepted by:

Rev.

Date

Remarks

P2013-DT-030

Drawing title:

Scale:

Proposed by:

Date:

GROUND FLOOR FURNITURE LAYOUT PLAN

LAYOUT P L A N FP FURNITURE GROUND FLOOR@SHAFTSBURY SCALE 1:150

Sheet name: As Shown

GF-100-FP

Client Date:

(SHOW GALLERY) ±4,125sq ft (GRAND LOBBY) ±4,790sq ft

Designtone Sdn Bhd Dataran Prima, Block D2 Unit 7-3, Jalan PJU 1/39 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

T: 603 - 7886 3383 F: 603 - 7880 0383

10-07-2013

Ikhasas Property Development is one of the brands of Ikhasas Group. Building on the group’s visionary and dynamic drive, the grand and expressive property gallery is designed to portray the commitment of Ikhasas as property development.

As majority of their up coming property development projects are sited in cyberjaya and Putrajaya, the interiors for the property gallery expresses grandeur and dynamics through the play of expressive patterns and forms.

RIGHT: Main display area overlooking the circular AV room

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IKHASAS PROPERTY GALLERY

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“ The circular pendant lamps adds to the grandeur spatial quality�

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IKHASAS PROPERTY GALLERY

TOP: Monumental feature lamps and wall screens amplify the vastness of the gallery.

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MALAYSIA

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IKHASAS PROPERTY GALLERY

Private discussion space

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MALAYSIA

SUNWAY GRADUATE CENTRE

RE-THINKING LEARNING SPACES Breaking the monotony of learning LEFT: The courtyard area flooded with sunlight and greens provide a natural setting within the interior spaces.

BOTTOM: Pre-function area with warm ambience.

environment for Sunway Graduate Centre

The learning environment for Graduate studies has always been perceived as a formal educational setting. While this perception is acknowledged, Designtone attempts to break away from the conventional formal perception of ‘graduate school’; rather it perceives the graduate school as an arena for intellectual stimulation.

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De-materializing boundary While learning is commonly bounded by fourwalls-and-a-door, the de-formalisation of the space is achieved through the unbounded spatial layout. The foyer fronts a landscape courtyard and its space is defined by a marble and glass reception table wrapped by timber panels that act as a backdrop and screen towards the courtyard. The controlled randomness of the floor tiles breaks down the formality of the educational setting.

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SUNWAY GRADUATE CENTRE

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TOP: Simple and comfortable setting for the students’ lounge.

TOP RIGHT: Semicircle auditorium with a punch of colours for the seating against the earth tone overall ambience.

Energetic, vibrant and dynamic spaces break the monotony of the otherwise serious educational setting.

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SUNWAY GRADUATE CENTRE

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Pragmatic planning and spatial heterogeneity The brief was to design a Graduate Centre for Sunway University that accommodates the following spatial requirements: Function / Lecture Rooms, 3 auditoriums in tiered semi-circle seating formation. There is also a landscaped breakout courtyard, prefunction areas, discussion and student’s lounge.

The concept for the Sunway Graduate Centre is derived from the intention of creating a formal yet an energetic and dynamic environment for education. The approach is simple, clean lines

with an expression of earthy tones i.e. usage of light coloured timber blending with the use of colours and signages / graphic to create energetic, vibrant and dynamic spaces which break the monotony of the otherwise serious educational setting.

The natural hues of timber and fabric panel are contrasted by carefully positioned splashes of colours such as red, blue, green, and orange from the furniture and signage to give the overall ‘punch’ to the ambience.

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DESIGNING FOR “LIFE” Expressing AIA’s motto of “the real life company”

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AIA CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE

In tackling the brief by AIA Malaysia to design their main Customer Service Centre located at its head office in Jalan Ampang, Designtone took the opportunity to bring to life the concept of “understanding people and their needs” which forms the core of AIA’s brand positioning The Real Life Company. Contrary to the fixed and static environment found in many customer service centres, Designtone created an environment which offers a sense of freshness, giving “life” to the space.

Spatially, the 5000 sq ft area is fluid, offering unobstructed visual linkages and permeability. To define each space, special attention was given to the careful selection of finishes for the floor and ceiling as well as lighting.

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Typography is used as spatial elements in defining the interior

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AIA CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE

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The importance of a relationship-based approach is also evident in the design concept of the AIA Customer Service Centre, one that considers the work environment for the staff and the comfort of the customers. To further enliven the space, an array of colours was used to complement AIA’s corporate colour of red, which was used generously throughout the service centre. Typography was also used to creatively articulate the space.

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WHEN LEARNING IS DYNAMIC Exploring typography and graphics in Nestle Learning Centre

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NESTLE LEARNING CENTRE

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The Nestle Learning Centre explores the idea of typography, graphics and colours to activate the commonly static and mundane learning spaces. The design brief calls for the design of an efficient, engaging and motivating space for training and seminar for Nestle (Malaysia)

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“Colouring” interior spaces Use of bold colourful graphics and typography gives ‘life’ to the the neutral pallette of timber tones. The messages reinforce the Nestle brands complimentng popular products such as Milo and Maggi , amongst others.

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NESTLE LEARNING CENTRE

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Colours are used generously to pep up an otherwise humdrum training session.

Graphics and patterns adopted an important role in animating the space.

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NESTLE LEARNING CENTRE

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NESTLE LEARNING CENTRE

Reflecting core values and corporate business principles Though the use of texts narrates the core values and principles whilst keywords such as pride, learn, trust and involvement emphasise the values of Nestle Brands.

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THE DESIGN STUDIO FOR CSM ARCHITECTS Designtone, in collaboration with CSM Architects, executed the design of the workspace for CSM’s office. The design brief of CSM Architects, a small and energetic architectural practice in d7, Sentul emphasizes the need for the creation of a design studio rather than a corporate architecture office. This intention emphasizes the nature of CSM’s practice, not as a production house, but as a work space that stimulates creative inspirations. The common reception area is interpreted as a “bar” or a lounge area that forms an informal meeting space. Using bare finishes, the design captures the essence of aesthetics through the marriage between the raw and the industrial. The raw finishes are also complemented with graphics. In particular, the graphics of the skyline is meaningful to the office as it marks the locations such as Cyberjaya, Putrajaya, Bentong and Kuala Lumpur by which their projects are sited.

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BARE AESTHETICS

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OVERALL: Interior of studio designed with simplicity in mind to maximize utilization of space

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BARE AESTHETICS

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LEADERSHIP VIEWPOINTS As the world of design transforms and transitions, industry leaders are constantly challenging themselves to innovate. We go up close and personal with these leaders to uncover their plans.

DESIGNTONE > Joe Chan > Tony Len > Shirley Chin

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I don’t believe anyone can claim originality in design unless he invented the wheels.

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DESIGNTONE

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WORKPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS

RE-THINKING THE STEREOTYPED Questioning the common, the everyday and the banal interior spaces

How do we put the “re” into the design thinking and exploration of interiors?

The works of Designtone attempts to challenge this question. Undoubtedly, designing spaces focusses on the considerations of needs, context and time.

What can one do more? And, what does thinking out of the box mean? Why should the café look like a café?

While, attempting to respond to the fundamental expectations of clients, the works of Designtone push the limit of how user’s commonly perceived space.

With magazine and books being published each year, the typologies of spaces based on its programmatic function—institutional, commercial, residential, food & beverage, and educational amongst others—are documented and the vocabulary of such spaces defined. In recent years, the spatial programmes, together with the spatial qualities have been more fluid and open-ended resulting in many cases, the hybridization of spaces. Unlike practices that specialize and focus on type, Designtone practices its opposite; it questions the type, hence liberating the stereotyped perception of spaces.

Re-thinking what the stereotyped typology of space remained the core value that drives the works of Designtone. Such spirit is reflected in the versatility of this interior practice within a short span of 3 years, ranging from corporate offices, residential, food & beverage, retail and commercial, showroom, hospitality and education spaces. Seemingly, two things are important in the process (1) the questioning of fundamental use of spaces is key to their practice and (2) educating the clients in their awareness and appreciation of spaces.

The breath of works of Designtone offers a breath of fresh air, to the so-called banal and common everyday perception of space and function, and opens up alternative possibilities by adding constantly re-thinking the notion of space. www.designtone.net

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Joe Chan, Founder / Creative Director, Designtone

ABOUT JOE CHAN Architecturally trained in Australia, Joe found his calling in interior architecture. After spending more than a decade working at senior level for established and award winning design firms, Joe founded Designtone to seek further creative freedom and to create more sense to space making. His strength lies in his versatility, both in designing and project implementation. He has undertaken various role and designation from business development, interior designing to project management.

His passion in interior architecture has motivated him to pursue different challenges and genre of design. This passion has also mooted him to spend time besides his practice to actively contribute to the interior architecture academic fraternity where he lectures extensively in design at various university and colleges in the country.

“We can’t be winning all the time, but we can be memorable at most time.�

Joe Chan

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JOE CHAN | FOUNDER / CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Q: HOW DO YOU APPROACH CORPORATE OFFICE DESIGN? AND DOES YOUR APPROACH TO THE DESIGN PROCESS DIFFER WHEN WORKING IN A LOCALE OUTSIDE YOUR OWN? A: I would first conduct an in-depth study to better understand a client’s business nature. From there I would look into their corporate identity and branding and see how value can be added from the perspective of interior design. From here forward, the space planning comes in as a narrative form which tells the story in a collective format. The approach is universal; henceforth it doesn’t really matter where we apply it.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE OR MOST MEANINGFUL CORPORATE OFFICE PROJECT THAT YOU HAVE COMPLETED TO DATE? DESCRIBE THE KEY DRIVERS OF THE DESIGN CONCEPT. A: Healthy Homes Marketing (Rainbow) Office, without a doubt, will always be my favorite and most meaningful corporate office project. The key driver for the design concept was actually the client himself, who is extremely passionate about good design, not only in terms of interior design, but everything visual. That allows me to push boundaries and allow me a lot of creative freedom.

The project also produced a dream team, something I’m sure all designers wish for, besides an understanding and supportive client who always listens, is open to exploration of ideas, and does not stinge on fees. In essence, a dream client is one who really appreciates and sees the value of a designer. I take this opportunity to specially mention this client of mine, Mr. Roland Tan, for giving Designtone its first ‘break’ He is not only a client but a friend and a mentor. This project has recently clinched us an interior award in the corporate office category.

Q: HOW CAN BUSINESS AND STRATEGY BE IMPROVED BY WORKPLACE DESIGN? A: There is a lot of research done and it has been proven that a well planned and designed workplace will increase productivity.

This is due to better flow of communication internally and externally where staff becomes more efficient and alert with their subconscious becoming happier as they react positively to the designed space. Bear in mind that workspace design does not only deal purely with interior design but also science and technology.

A well-illuminated space outfitted with ergonomic furniture and proper ventilation, etc. also contributes to staff efficiency and well being.

Q: IS THERE A WAY TO DEFINE YOUR OVERALL DESIGN STYLE? A: No. I don’t believe in having a design style. To me a designer should be versatile and be like a chameleon which adapts to the design brief. Having a style is restricting one’s creativity and attests to a designer’s inability to work outside his/her comfort zone.

Please note that this is my personal view and it is not offered to offend other designers who may believe otherwise.

A: This may sound weird or cliché, I would say my wife, who is intelligent, articulate and calm. To me this character is important when one is a designer. Admittedly, I’m very chaotic most of the time.

Then, there are my students, who are my other source of inspiration. I’m constantly surprised with their creativity and passion.

I admire notable architects such as Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma, as well as those from Morphosis Architects and smaller local design studios. However, they are not my source of inspiration. People are!

Q: HOW DO YOU DIVIDE YOUR TIME BETWEEN RUNNING AN INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE FIRM AND YOUR STINTS AS LECTURER AT LOCAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND AS MEMBER OF THE ADVISORY PANEL FOR FORMULATING THE ACADEMIC SYLLABUS FOR INTERIOR DESIGN? A: I make it a point to spend at least once a week to share my experience with students. I don’t really know how I do it, but I know I have to do it. Lecturing in a way becomes a priority as lecturing is therapeutic and inspiring too. When it comes to work, I do not procrastinate as things need to move fast and decisions have to be made quickly. To me, a good or bad decision is better than no decision at all.

Q: WERE YOU ALWAYS INTERESTED IN ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN? A: Yes, as far as I could remember, though not limited to A&D only.

I’m interested in everything related to design: graphic, fashion, art.

I think I would be a hairstylist if I wasn’t in architecture and interior.

Q: WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE COMPANY IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS, AND WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEAVE AS YOUR LEGACY? A: My partner and I always wanted our company to be ‘grounded.’

We are very proud to be a local Malaysian company and are very comfortable with the size of our company. We want to maintain this status quo so as to maintain our focus. We are big believers in the personal touch. But having said that, I would still like to see Designtone take on a more diverse mix of projects here and abroad. I love the idea that we have been involved in different genres of design, such as designing a museum, stadium, airports and, even a yacht. We don’t need to be big to do big projects and we don’t need to be everywhere to do projects everywhere. We only need to be passionate, efficient and to believe in our own work processes.

Legacy is such a strong word for me. I have never really thought about this. Since this question is posed…well, I hope to be remembered as a genuine and sincere designer rather than a designer which runs a business.

Q: WHO AND WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST SOURCES OF INSPIRATION?

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“There is no such thing as perfect, but we constantly strive to be as close to perfection as possible.”

Tony Len

Q: HOW SELECTIVE CAN YOU AND YOUR PARTNER BE WITH CLIENTS THAT YOU BOTH WORK WITH? A: Since the company’s inception, we have been lucky in that we have been receiving a lot of referrals. Not only do most of these clients have successive projects, they have also referred us to their friends or business associates. Therefore, there has been a continuous flow of work which has allowed us to be selective. Having said that, it’s vital we work with clients who provide us with creative license and a realistic budget.

Q: AS CO-FOUNDER OF DESIGNTONE, HOW DOES YOUR ROLE DIFFER FROM THAT OF YOUR PARTNER’S? A: Both of us have been great friends before forming this partnership. Hence, we are well aware of our strengths and weaknesses as well as our likes and dislikes. My strength lies in project management and implementation, which is the role I currently undertake in the company, whereas my partner is responsible for business development and design.

This arrangement works out very well for us.

Q: HOW ARE BUSINESS CONDITIONS IN MALAYSIA NOW IMPACTING DESIGNTONE? A: We are fortunate enough not to be affected in any way as we have a solid client base.

Some of these clients are Fortune 500 companies, local conglomerates and the who’s who in society. They have been very supportive of our practice.

Q: ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR WORKPLACE DESIGN TRENDS OR THEMES THAT YOU ARE SEEING YOUR CORPORATE CLIENTS WANTING TODAY? A: We see a lot of modern vintage theme being incorporated into workspace design in the past 2 years. Also, a client is more receptive towards an open layout concept as well as a design incorporating collaborative spaces. As people are spending increasingly more time in the office, workplace designs tend to be trendier nowadays.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR APPROACH TO ENGAGE WITH A CLIENT IN THE EARLY STAGES OF A CORPORATE OFFICE PROJECT TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE CLIENT WANTS IN THE PROJECT? A: Well, my approach is fairly simple. I listen attentively to my clients so as to fulfill as much of their wish list as possible. I also tell them what is possible and what is not. It’s all about managing their expectations. We never oversell what we can’t deliver.

Q: WHAT, IN YOUR OPINION, ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES FACING DESIGN COMPANIES TODAY? A: Obvious challenges are the low design fee, the limited time for the design process and the competition from interior decorators claiming to be interior designers.

Q: WHAT ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY DO YOU FEEL WORKPLACE DESIGN HAS COME TO HAVE OVER THE YEARS, IN BENEFITING PEOPLE AND MAKING A LASTING IMPRESSION? A: Workplace design is a lot about common sense to me. Good planning and utilization of space is always a key factor. There is no point in having a wonderfully-designed office, but which is devoid of the basic fundamentals. You certainly do not want an office to be a ‘white elephant.’

Q: WHAT CORPORATE OFFICE SPACE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, DESIGNED BY ANYONE, INSPIRES YOU? WHY? A: Can I say that of my partner’s? He’s constantly evolving. I can’t really pinpoint a particular project as there’re always bits and pieces here and there which are not only elements of surprise for me but to our clients as well. There is a lot of underlining space narrative that he considers to be more than pure aesthetics. The poetry of space and design is critical to him.

DESIGNTONE

TONY LEN | CO-FOUNDER / PROJECT DIRECTOR

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Tony Len, Co-Founder / Project Director, Designtone

ABOUT TONY LEN Tony brings with him more than 17 years of experience in project managing interior fit-out projects not only in Malaysia but also abroad. He has extensive familiarity managing projects of various types and scale, from hotels, retail right to residential.

Tony is a perfectionist; he is both detailed and meticulous. His strength lies in his in-depth technical understanding, project execution flow, project adaptability and solving skill. He adopts and practices hands on approach in managing every project he undertakes, delivering projects to the utmost satisfaction of our clients.

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Shirley Chin, Senior Manager, Designtone

ABOUT SHIRLEY CHIN Shirley brings with her a decade of experience in the industry. She has vast experience handling high profile corporate clientele and also worked on a few high profile projects in the Middle East. Though trained as a QS, her work experience and exposure has enable her to have very sound understanding toward interior design space planning, practicality and technicality. She monitors the micro aspect of every project from contractual, costing and project cash flow and deliverance of every project. Her role compliments the Project Director and this play an important role in the organization, ensuring successful delivery of every project.

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SHIRLEY CHIN | SENIOR MANAGER

Q: TALK ABOUT A RECENT CORPORATE OFFICE PROJECT THAT DESIGNTONE COMPLETED. WHAT WERE THE CONCEPT, SOLUTION, LOCATION AND HIGHLIGHTS? A: A recent project was the Nestle Learning Center, located in Petaling Jaya, where we revamped the existing design concept which was a little conventional to an entirely more energetic and vibrant one. We blended in a lot graphics and the company’s corporate colours so at to reflect its business philosophy and core values. The highlight was seeing the excitement and positive reaction from the staff when the center was reopened.

“The work is only completed when there is nothing else to complete.”

Shirley Chin

Q: AS SENIOR MANAGER OF DESIGNTONE, HOW INVOLVED ARE YOU IN EACH PROJECT? AND WHAT IS THE MOST FULFILLING PART OF YOUR JOB? A: I am roped in from inception to completion of each project. More specifically, I am also responsible for the cost control of the project. The most fulfilling part of my job will always be getting the project completed on time with no cost overrun, zero defects and, of course, the smiles on the face of a satisfied client.

Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF OVERSEEING A CORPORATE OFFICE PROJECT? A: I would say managing a client’s expectations is the most challenging part. As we have established a very good design process, methodology and communication flow chart for every project, we are able to troubleshoot and pre-empt issues from arising.

Q: DOES WORKPLACE DESIGN DIFFER FROM REGION TO REGION? IF SO, HOW? AND DO BASIC SIMILARITIES EXIST? A: To me, work place design differs very little from region to region, where the local cultural beliefs and elements come into play. I would say the nature of a business contributes to greater variations in workplace design.

Q: WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS LACKING IN WORKPLACE DESIGN TODAY? WHAT AREAS NEED MORE ATTENTION, AND WHY? A: In general we have noticed that modern workspaces tend to have a smaller footprint and are denser. This is attributed to the high office rental. I would say workspaces of today, in general, lack ‘breathable’ spaces such as larger rooms, circulation spaces, and more spacious workstations. Due to space limitation, more attention should be given to communal spaces. Examples include a bigger pantry, a breakout space, open collaborative area and even a staff welfare zone.

Q: WHERE DO YOU THINK IS THE FUTURE DIRECTION OF WORKPLACE DESIGN? A: Like I have mentioned, due to the rising rental costs for office spaces, I foresee more shared spaces, open-plan layouts where there are fewer rooms, hot desking, and employees clocking in at different hours of the workday.

Q: YOU WERE TRAINED AS A QUANTITY SURVEYOR. HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN INTERIOR DESIGN? AND WHAT IS THE BEST THING YOU’VE LEARNED IN YOUR 10 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS? A: The ever-evolving design trends and the variety of materials used in ID attracted me to this business. Teamwork is the key driver of success of a project as no project regardless of size, can be delivered successfully without the cooperation of the entire team. That’s the best thing I’ve learned in these 10 years. To me, teamwork is absolutely essential.

Q: AS A WOMAN, WHAT SPECIFIC CHALLENGES, IF ANY, HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER IN THE INTERIOR DESIGN BUSINESS? A: With the huge strides made in gender equality in the workplace, I don’t believe there is a limitation in our industry. There are just too many inspirational success stories of women in the ID business to render these specific challenges irrelevant.

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FITTING INTERIORS Discover the right fit & balance with careful material selection SCHIAVELLO | Krossi Collection GIRSBERGER | Finn HOWE | Munkegaard Chair SPACE FURNITURE | East River Chair KOKUYO | Saibi HAWORTH | Infinity HAT EURO | Blueprint AM OFFICE | Genidia TAZ | Ekous ZAVA | Freccia INTERFACE | Net Effect & Human Nature NIRO GRANITE | Belleza Porcelana

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Thesis by Teknion

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SIT- STAND DESK SYSTEM

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KROSSI COLLECTION | SCHIAVELLO

MOVE WITH IT Flexible workplaces hinged on comfort and wellbeing are indispensible to productivity. The Krossi Collection directly addresses this need, offering an all en-compassing solution that surpasses expectations.

LEFT: Pleasant to look at and easy to use, the Krossi Collection encourages movement at the workplace to promote overall wellbeing.

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hile the notion of manning a desk from nine to five might have been a run-of-the-mill notion back in the day, more offices are beginning to change their tune, expressing a renewed concern for worker wellbeing. Bringing this into focus, Schiavello has introduced the Krossi Collection, an innovative sit-stand desk system that attests to the Australian company’s international reputation for delivering sound, high-quality products that resonate with the shifting dynamics of dayto-day life.

Showcasing an audible emphasis on functionality and cutting edge design, Krossi, like many products within Schiavello’s diverse range, comes as a direct result of the company’s long-term research into the evolution of the modern workplace.

Based on Schiavello’s findings, staffers tended to thrive when movement was encouraged at work while studies showed that long deskbound periods heightened individual discomfort. Acknowledging this issue, Krossi’s user-friendly design allows for ample flexibility, offering full control of one’s physical position at the workplace. With an electric and manual mode at hand, staffers are at liberty to adjust their positions accordingly, alleviating discomfort and thereby enhancing physical and mental wellbeing. The former comes equipped with an LCD screen displaying the table’s height as well as a memory setting based on different heights. A height range of 610 to 1200mm - the first of its kind created by an Australian company – is fundamental to Krossi’s enhanced capacity to adapt to different users. www.schiavello.com

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JOINT EFFORT A new furniture range from Girsberger, succeeds in bridging the gap between engineering and design.

PICTURE: Finn’s unique qualities lie in its simple design as well as a discrete corner joint construction.

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OFFICE SEATING

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FINN | GIRSBERGER

hen it comes to highlighting the virtues of traditional craftsmanship through examples of innovative construction, Swiss furniture manufacturer Girsberger is hard to beat. Having long sustained a revered international reputation for developing and producing groundbreaking seating solutions, the company recently stepped up its game with the introduction of Finn, an eye-catching product range that literally hinges on an arresting steel corner joint from the 1970s. For inspiration, Munich-based designer Alexander Rehn drew directly from Bruno Rey, the Swiss designer who first dreamt up the idea of using the corner joint construction as a resourceful means of connecting a chair’s legs to its seat.

The results, a cohesive collection of chairs and tables, are well worth a second glance. Bare-bones simplicity reigns supreme with Rehn’s take on Rey’s construction principle, culminating in a dis-

tinctive design that relies heavily on strong dynamic lines to deliver an audibly modern sensibility. According to Rehn, the secret is in the way in which the connectors bring together the seat and the legs to give rise to a shadow gap. In achieving this, a feeling of lightness - an impression of a floating seat - is conveyed through the combination of clean lines and beveled edges. Materiality also plays an important role in the inspired manifestation of Finn. Composed of beech wood, the chair comes in an upholstered version and is available in a natural shade. Coloured wood stains, such as the bold black version shown here, are also options within this unique range. www.girsberger.com

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GETTING BUGGY Otherwise known as the Mosquito Chair, the Munkegaard is a classic statement piece that dresses up spaces with its punchy silhouette.

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MUNKEGAARD CHAIR | HOWE

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omething old and something new – these appear to be the key ingredients in Howe’s re-envisioning of Arne Jacobson’s Munkegaard chair. Emerging in 1955 as a commissioned design for the Munkegaard school in Denmark, this versatile piece has been cleverly adapted for life beyond the classroom by the forward-thinking furniture brand, making it an elegant addition to the home or office. With its stylish original aesthetic intact, improvements made in Howe’s version are subtle yet significant, manifesting themselves in the chair’s construction and engineering - flamboyant structure aside, the Munkegaard smacks of modern functionality (an upholstered version comes decked out with fire-retardant cushioning) thanks to an overarching emphasis on recyclable materials and ergonomics.

A light, sturdy steel frame and the incorporation of durable, high-quality materials also take the chair’s stackable capabilities into account, foreshadowing its use in medium to high capacity events such as large meetings or conferences. That said, it doesn’t mean that the Munkegaard can’t turn heads as a standalone piece. An eloquent marriage of edge and elegance, this visual appeal of this unique chair lies primarily in its triple curved form, composed to support and complement the body’s natural contours. True to Jacobson’s sensibility, comfort and cool are one and the same here. Available in classic finishes such as ash, oak, walnut, the Munkegaard also comes in stained black, white, grey, ensian blue, coral and wine red. www.howe.com

PICTURE: Stylish yet functional, the Munkegaard’s sure-fire appeal comes through in its form and make.

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FLOW LINES Debuting at last year’s Salone del Mobile, Vitra’s East River Chair is quickly becoming one of the renowned furniture manufacturer’s most talked about pieces, making it a welcome presence in homes and offices alike.

OPPOSITE AND BELOW: A combination of whimsical forms and bold colour-blocking, the East River chair comes into its own.

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LOUNGE SEATING

EAST RIVER CHAIR | SPACE FURNITURE

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deft example of high-tech functionality and fine craftsmanship, this unconventional design by Dutch-born designer and long-time Vitra collaborator Hella Jongerius offers a boldly colourful twist on everyday seating options. Initially conceived for the United Nations North Delegates’ lounge in New York, the striking, proportionally sound model is making waves beyond its prominent first commission thanks to Jongerius’ particularly dexterous way of merging playful forms with a starkly contemporary palate. The considered combination of materials, namely metal, leather, fabric and wood, is instrumental to the chair’s daring yet understated look and feel, as is the technique of colour-blocking which gives rise to a strong sense of definition throughout the structure.

With a wide range of colours and materials to choose from, the East River takes on a different vibe depending on how hues and tones are juxtaposed – from pop-inspired shades to neutral grays, Jongerius ensures that there’s something for everyone. As with many of the designer’s key pieces, functionality plays a prominent role in the design of East River, aligning itself with the chair’s aesthetic features: armrests are protected with a highquality leather cladding while the thicker padding of the seat cushion extends sensibly into the backrest, optimising lumbar support. The thoughtful addition of a strap handle behind the backrest also allows for easy handling, making East River a cinch to transport. www.spacefurniture.com

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ALL SYSTEMS GO The Saibi desking system is sure to pull its weight in the modern workplace while remaining true to good craftsmanship.

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DESKING SYSTEM

SAIBI | KOKUYO

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PICTURE: The inherent flexibility of the Saibi provides for an open bench installation in a collaborative setting.

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RIGHT: The Saibi possesses a warmth and materiality that will find a place in almost any office.

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s the walls of contemporary workplaces continue to come crashing down giving way to the open-plan offices that encourage collaboration and serendipitous encounters, designers at Kokuyo have responded to longstanding calls for furniture that meets today’s evolving workplace demands.

Enter the Saibi, a system of click-together desks and pop-up panels, which offers a range of applications, aesthetics, technology support and ownership adaptability.

Staying true to Kokuyo’s modernist DNA, the Saibi is also emblematic of “monozukuri,” a centuries-old ideal of perfection in craftsmanship, featuring precise joinery and spot-on proportions, both in height and depth. While the Saibi possesses a warmth and materiality that will find a place in almost any progressive office, designers at Kokuyo are even keener to offer solutions to balance collaboration and privacy, support mobility and optimize workplace real estate.

With its built-in flexibility and interconnectivity, this workplace wonder can be easily configured to accommodate open bench applications to more individual private space. For a setting that promotes collaboration and communication, the Saibi can be rigged up be a standard setting comprising of a two-sided workbench, or a booth setting that functions comfortably for its respective users and facilitate all types of work. The Saibi can also be quickly assembled into vessels of workplace sovereignty: a personal table or a personal booth for the person needing some level of privacy and concentration.

Aiming at a consistent design language to ensure integration into any contemporary office environment, the Saibi boasts melamine desktops with slim panels framed in simple aluminum trim, and tapered legs that take up less floor space, thus producing a visually light effect.

The Saibi not only comes with a bench that pulls double duty as storage space and informal perch, it is also tricked out with storage solutions that suitably make use of vertical space. From a personal caddy installed onto the desktop panel and a hanging business card-sized name plate with acrylic cover to an aluminum hook attached to the slit at the top of the desktop panel, this desking system has literally brought smart storage to a whole new level.

This Saibi solution is also intended to support the digital revolution without the chaos of a cable-cluttered desk — the power and data access tray and cover integrate into the work surface, allowing users smooth connectivity to digital devices. www.kokuyo.com

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SAIBI | KOKUYO

LEFT: The Saibi’s wood-grained desktop and sleek aluminum legs are clearly connected to Kokuyo’s modernist DNA.

The wide cable tray and soft-closing cover allow smooth access to power and data.

Clad in aluminum and soft urethane leather, the personal caddy is a sleek and smart storage solution.

Monitor arms and mounting brackets serve to pull their weight.

The wood-grained melamine worktop provides textural contrast.

The bench storage also functions as informal perch.

Slim in silhouette, the desktop panel is framed in aluminum trim.

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TRANSFORMATIVE MEASURES Haworth’s people-friendly office furniture designs have been garnering accolades for years. This healthconscious, adjustable table brings the manufacturer’s reputation to new heights.

RIGHT: Haworth’s fully customisable design was made with different workstyles in mind.

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HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE TABLE

INFINITY HAT | HAWORTH

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ith far too many staffers falling prey to health-related issues stemming from the workplace, it is little wonder that worker wellbeing is increasingly becoming an important concern in offices the world over. Over the last few years, a growing number of conscientious companies have been paving the way towards new and improved workplace fundamentals, giving rise to a plethora of available market options. An acclaimed industry leader, Haworth hasn’t disappointed us in this category.

Its newest innovation, the Infinity Height Adjustable Table or Infinity HAT, deftly reinforces the brand’s penchant for sleek aesthetics and sensible design while putting the focus on wellness. With user height adjustability and technician height functions solidly in place, the design was conceived with freestanding and work cluster applications in mind. Seamless incorporating a variety of useful features, Infinity HAT’s smartly streamlined construction underscores a devotion to day-to-day practicality. Having multiple devices at one’s disposal is an organised affair thanks to the thoughtful addition of a centralised cable channel as well as an under-desk cable tray for proper cable management. A fully customisable system made for individual and group workstyles, the model also offers both motorised and manual adjustability via hand crank, allowing users the option of incorporating the universal rail and Infinity system-compatible accessories. Ample legroom also emerges as one of Infinity HAT’s perks, making the table more than ideal for extended periods of standing or sitting. www.haworth.com

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BLUEPRINT FOR EFFICIENCY With a distinctive design aesthetic that blends adaptability and functionality, the Blueprint looks poised for workplace success.

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BLUEPRINT | EURO

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ith the open plan office here to stay, Euro, manufacturer of office seating and furniture, has literally brought the solution for creating flexible workspaces to the table.

A marriage of sleek design and clever engineering, the Blueprint range is a fluid and intuitive desking system offered in a set arrangement or customised variations using an array of modular components to create six distinctive workspace models that are at once elegant and efficient. From a conference desk application to cluster-based workstations or the more private manager desk, the Blueprint helps organisations balance collaboration and privacy, support mobility and optimize workplace real estate.

Combining a central metallic beam with a light-weight structure which is available in a variety of finishes and materials, the Blueprint makes a refined statement with its open base and die-cast aluminium legs poised on levelling glides for added stability.

To provide versatile storage and inject practical and customisable elements, this desking system can be outfitted with open shelves, planter boxes, divider panels, and even, drop-leaf modesty panels for some semblance of privacy.

In acknowledging the importance of digital technology in the workplace and an intention to keep the work surface clear of cable clutter, Euro designers have incorporated a savvy design feature to allow cables to be routed along the beam and base assembly.

Available in pristine white melamine and high-pressure laminate resembling finegrained wood, the clean-lined work surfaces are in keeping with Euro’s contemporary design aesthetic. www.eurochairs.com

TOP: The linear and 120° workstations create workspaces that encourage collaboration and serendipitous encounters.

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ART MEETS SCIENCE A marvel of adjustability, the Genidia melds easy-on-the-eye aesthetics and intuitive ergonomics for an ultimate sitting experience.

LEFT: The armrests can be moved fluidly to allow the sitter’s arms to rest comfortably with the shoulders relaxed.

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OFFICE SEATING

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GENIDIA | AM OFFICE

LEFT & RIGHT: The Genidia has an adjustable seat that can slide back and forth as well as adjustable back and height features.

Three-layer hybrid support

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good chair, ergonomists tell us, should offer features of flexibility, adjustability and back support that promotes good sitting posture and general back health.

Heeding the experts’ advice, the furniture company AM Office has introduced a desk chair that may well avoid the dreaded effects of the insidious office sit-in.

Visually emotive of comfort, the Genidia comes with adjustable armrests and dynamically-positioned headrest. And recognising that a position that is comfortable at 9 in the morning may not necessarily be comfortable at 3 in the afternoon, the designers of the Genidia saw to it that the swivel chair would offer a full range of dynamic seating postures.

By adjusting the seat angle adjustment, the deskbound user can choose a horizontal or forward-sitting position while the seat recline mechanism allows deeper recline with tension adjustment and four locking positions. Add to these is the seat edge adjustment that tweaks seat depth without altering the seat and back position. These adjustments, which are regulated by a single lever control mechanism that locks settings into position, provide neutral positioning for the body.

Better yet, the Genidia’s central spine mimics the shape and the articulation of the human skeleton, This structure allows the chair’s back to embrace the spine’s curves and to move effortlessly with the body while the adjustable back and lumbar support contribute to further ergonomic comfort and stability, giving the sitter continuous support.

Yet another performance innovation is the multi-directional sensors that cover the dynamic surface structure. Made of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), these sensors help to distribute pressure evenly and act as a suspension layer that allows the backrest to respond intuitively to all body shapes and sizes as well as promote blood circulation in every seated position.

Pressure sensor support

Lumbar tracking support

www.amoffice.com.my Spine curves morphing support OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

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SILENT TREATMENT

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ACOUSTIC SOLUTIONS

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EKOUS | TAZ CORPORATION

Engineered for providing acoustical privacy. Ekous acoustic solutions aim at tuning out office buzz. www.ekous.net

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kous is not just a brand that manufactures and sells acoustic products for walls, ceilings and screens, it prides itself as an acoustic solution provider. Every team members of Ekous shares a passion and conviction that room acoustics is an integral component of a great work environment that benefits employees well being. The collective knowledge of Ekous shares in this area is far greater than “just” the product, quality and innovation.

Acoustic knowledge is so important to Ekous that it has a pool of dedicated people who manage and develop internal training sessions for its team, brand associates, designers, and clients. On top of establishing various knowledge-sharing networks and conducting e-learning modules, lectures and seminars, Ekous is the 1st Asian product who has been tested and measured under Swedish standard through acousticfacts.

Acoustical privacy, after all, is something the company does not take lightly. Ekous does not only strives to educate its customers about acoustic design but to reach as many people as it possibly can because the company thinks everyone deserves a good acoustic environment: School children deserve to hear what their teacher is saying; office workers should be able to concentrate on their task , as well as communicate with colleagues without noise.

Indeed, every employee deserves to protect his or her hearing and no one should have to risk his or her health safety due to a noisy work environment.

With office landscape changing more rapidly than ever before, Ekous takes inspiration from the evolving modern office and is focused on providing products that help to embrace a sustainable tomorrow.

The company’s products are designed to bring work into a new kind of office setting which uses only sustainable materials.

Innovative, acoustically efficient, and collaboratively functional – these acoustic products have a unique story to tell.

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ColPod

Short for “collaboration pod,� it is designed for communal activities, offering an ideal environment for collaboration and communication in a variety of settings. It can be used for meetings, interviews, or for any activity where some level of privacy is needed. The ColPod is structured with extruded aluminum frame, and finished with a highly-absorbent and recycled acoustic material for both its interior and exterior. It is ideal for environments with high ambient noise levels, such as open plan offices, breakout areas, or exhibition spaces.

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ACOUSTIC SOLUTIONS

EKOUS | TAZ CORPORATION

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E-Wall The current interior design trends in modern commercial buildings can often include hard surfaces on ceilings and walls. These hard surfaces can cause problems with reflected sound, rendering interior spaces difficult to be fully utilized simply because the noise level may be unacceptably high or reverberations may cause speech and music difficult to be clearly heard or to sound distorted.

By incorporating the E-Wall acoustic panels either as a new feature or by directly fixing them to the existing wall, the reduction of unwanted noise can be quiet significant. Made from recycled polyester fibre, the panels are environmentally friendly and acoustically effective.

ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE Ekous’s E-Wall panels have been tested under ISO0354 and Swedish Standard SS25269 using a full reverberation chamber test, and are certified to have an NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) of 0.80.

This means that 80% of the sound that hits the panel is absorbed. A further increase in low frequency absorption can be achieved by adding air gaps or by increasing the thickness of the panel.

ADVANTAGE

• Excellent sound absorption.

• Fabric finish which is easy to clean.

• Humidity and moisture resistant • Recyable

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Abby Mobile Screens

IMPROVE PRIVACY & PRODUCTIVITY Abby screens absorb sound to create a quieter working environment, which helps to increase concentration and productivity by reducing noise and distractions.

FULL WIDTH SCREENS They turn open-plan offices into private workspaces by serving as ideal space dividers and are available in a variety of widths and heights.

NARROW WIDTH SCREENS Act as ideal solutions for corners and curves, awkward pillars and posts and can be easily arranged.

EASY TO ASSEMBLE Tapping screws, tools or other fixings are used to construct multiple screen layouts. They can be completely freestanding and configured to be an optional screen link for longer runs. If two or more screens are purchased, a linking strip is recommended to keep the screens in a tight configuration.

STURDY The screens come with an adjustable leg, which is available in widths of 600 – 1500mm, and heights of 1000 - 1500mm.

ADVANTAGE Acoustic floor screens are designed to dampen the noise level and screen off the office landscape. Available in several formats and colour combinations, they are suitable for many types of work settings.

Geo Baffles ACOUSTIC CEILING Ceiling accent product that allows you to unleash your creativity while reducing noise and reverberation reflected from the ceiling.

Geo baffles are suspended with mounted cable and wire rope fittings.

ACOUSTIC SOLUTIONS

EKOUS | TAZ CORPORATION

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Acoustic Panels E-SCREEN Simple desk-mounted acoustic screen.

• This desk mounted screen is pinnable and is available in desk-up or fly-by variations.

• This sound-absorbent desktop screen is quick and easy to install on any type of desk, creating a personal space and reducing noise propagation in an office environment.

G-CLIP Side to side clip.

• Can be placed anywhere on the desk, and is especially useful on long bench desking.

• This sound-absorbent desktop screen is ideal for semi privacy. With this acoustics partition, private workspaces are created for full concentration and productive work.

Cabby Workstation Cabby is an innovative mobile workstation that allows the user to reconfigure his or her workspace on demand. Developed specifically for today’s flexible work environments, the Cabby consists of a worktop and a sound-absorbing partition poised on castors, allowing it to be easily moved single handedly.

The units can be combined to create a number of configurations ranging from collaborative team-based arrangements to individual workstations.

AVAILABLE SIZES The screen is available in two standard heights of 1000 and 1600 mm, depending on the desired amount of privacy.

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TWO FOR ONE Quirky yet utilitarian, this dual-purpose table lamp from lighting manufacturer Zava comes as a cozy godsend for bedside readers.

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TABLE LAMP

TOP LEFT& RIGHT: Sensibly fusing a table lamp and reading light, Freccia is a multi-tasker’s dream come true.

FRECCIA | ZAVA

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hose inclined to take multi-tasking to another level will surely take a shine to the Freccia, given its manifold functionality. Created by Italian industrial designer Lorenzo Damiani, this unusual table lamp brims with humour and utility by literally drawing from the idea that two heads are better than one. Grafted as two separate entities sharing the same base – a miniature ‘head’ protrudes from the main lamp shade supported by a thin adjustable rod – Damiani’s eye-catching design features twin illuminations, doing double duty as a table lamp and reading light. An added feature comes in the form of separate on and off switches that allow each light entity to operate independently depending on need or mood. Rendered in metal, Freccia gives rise to an understated whimsicality that comes through despite the lamp’s conventional, no-nonsense form and somber colour palette one can choose from an opaque or glossy black exterior finish complemented by a stark white interior component.

Most notably, the impressionable design remains true to Damiani’s enduring habit of imparting an element of surprise through his work. Having collaborated with brands such as Campeggi, Cappellini and Aqua di Parma, the designer’s previously exhibited products have included classically shaped vases composed of grey plastic pipe connectors and Pyrex glass as well as a caged metal fan that simultaneously functions as a table when upturned. www.zavaluce.it

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BENEFITS OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN Can the office make you healthier and more productive, simply by having a nature inspired biophilic design?

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n the knowledge and innovation driven economy of today, people and their talents are a company’s most critical asset. Innovation naturally requires people and it requires people to be engaged, something that usually only happens when you are feeling good at work. In order to protect their investments, companies consciously seek ways to engage and retain their human capital.

How do companies enhance creativity among their workforce and how can companies gain the ability to maintain attention in today’s distracted, stress-filled world? How do we ensure that our people are fully engaged, so that in addition to being highly productive today, they’re also optimizing their well-being over the long-term?

Many business leaders do not know that there’s an existing, straightforward strategy that has been shown to improve the productivity and wellness of employees by decreasing stress and irritability, and increasing our ability to concentrate. This same strategy can result in lower blood pressure, improved cognitive functioning, enhanced mental stamina and focus, elevated moods, and increased learning rates.

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CARPET TILES

NET EFFECT & HUMAN NATURE | INTERFACE

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PICTURE: Emulating the moment when sea foams into the shore, Net Effect One creates a stunning floor design in the conference room at Milwaukee Art Museum, Wisconsin USA. (Net Effect One: B601, B602, B603 - Pacific, Atlantic)

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RIGHT: Elongating the room with its skinny plank shape and ashlar installation, Net Effect Two is here installed in only our North Sea colour. Just as the sea itself, the floor surface shifts in colour tones that creates a visual movement in the floor.

(Net Effect Two: B703 - North Sea) FURTHER RIGHT: Like ripples on the surface of a calm sea, Net Effect Two is designed to visually move across the floor and infuse calmness.

(Net Effect Two: B701 - North Sea)

TOP: Find a path in nature and you will see how its edges flows organically. Bring the same concept inside by creating natural paths in your flooring design.

(Net Effect One: B601, B602, B603 - North Sea)

The answer is literally all around us: improving the design of our built environment. Our offices, it turns out, could do more than convene us. These spaces can be more than a place to work: They can actually work for us at a deeply biological level.

While many architects and designers have intuitively known this all along, we now have scientific evidence concluding that our surroundings affect us deeply, physically and emotionally. We now know that exposure to nature, or spaces that are evocative of nature, offers an amazing wellspring of renewal for our bodies and our minds.

Our brains and bodies evolved over tens of thousands of years without buildings, and we now realize that we are at our best when we can recreate physical and psychological reminders of our most ancient home. By incorporating elements of biophilic design we can leverage the powerful intersection of neuroscience and architecture to enhance our own well-being and productivity.

As the Human Spaces report states; the ‘Biophilia Hypothesis’ suggests that there is an instinctive bond between human beings and other living systems. It literally means a love of nature, and suggests an ingrained affinity between humans and the natural world. Therefore, biophilic design is a response to this human need and works to re-establish this contact with nature in the built environment. Ultimately, biophilic design is the theory, science and practice of bringing buildings to life and aims to continue the individual’s connection with nature in the environments that we live and work in everyday.

To be clear, biophilic design isn’t an aesthetic; it’s a methodology. This isn’t just about bringing the outdoors inside. It’s about bringing the proven benefits of being outdoors into our spaces. Elements of biophilic design can be found in many examples of our most iconic architecture — Grand Central Station in New York, the Taj Mahal in India, Parkroyal on Pickering Hotel in Singapore — to name a few.

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NET EFFECT & HUMAN NATURE | INTERFACE

This scientific understanding couldn’t have come at a more important time, as more than 50 percent of people worldwide now live in urban environments, and in the industrialized world we spend more than 90 percent of our time indoors. As more and more of us become separated from the biological benefits of contact with nature, now is the time to act on this knowledge that our buildings affect us, and have the potential to either enhance or diminish our well-being and our productivity. Leading companies like Google are beginning to incorporate echoes of nature into their spaces, ensuring their employees can leverage on stimulating environments that either infuse calmness or inspire creativity.

Clearly, having an office with a view is no longer just for the elite few.

At Interface we are using biophilic designs for our modular carpet tiles to help interior designers create environments that benefit the occupants in aesthetic as well as physical ways. By installing carpet, the office environment gets an acoustic enhancement through noise reduction, underfoot comfort is improved, and studies have shown an improvement in indoor air quality.

Additionally, Interface offers a varied range of floor designs that has evolved from the first ever biomimetic carpet tile range called Entropy™, to some of our most popular collections such as Urban Retreat™, Net Effect™ and Human Nature™.

These collections all draw their inspiration from nature and in

addition to their biophilic benefits, they allow designers to create path like directions in the floor driving traffic in a desired direction, create organic break out spaces, or just letting the floor roll across a corridor.

The benefits of being in a biophilic environment are measurable and positively affect the occupant’s well-being and productivity. In an ever more stressful and competitive work environment it is crucial to not only attract but also retain your talents. Biophilic design does exactly that for you. Designers love it, and so do we.

REFERENCES: • FastCompany.com URL: http://www.fastcodesign.com/1671269/neuroscience-says-buildingscan-reshape-our-brains#1

• GreenBiz.com URL: http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2014/10/14/biophilic-architecturegoogle-government-nature

• HumanSpaces.com URL: http://humanspaces.com/report/

www.interface.com

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TILE CHIC Kick a tile installation project up a notch with Niro Granite’s Belleza Porcelana collection.

PICTURE: Walk the floor in style with the Sandstone polished tiles in large format.

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PORCELAIN TILES

BELLEZA PORCELANA | NIRO GRANITE

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ike furniture, floors are a basic design element with the size and scope to be a room’s star attraction. And with the move toward clean, architectural interiors, what could be better than Niro Granite’s Belleza Porcelana series for architects and designers looking for to inject style, practicality, and longevity all in one to living spaces where active lifestyles are celebrated.

Lunched in October 2014, Niro Granite’s newest series features rectangular porcelain tiles that give a new lease on life to porcelain with its visual effect of marble and wood. The tiles are offered in four exclusive designs in warm and cool palette. The Sapwood, Calacatta, Sandstone and Burbon Beige all provide a refined and contemporary striated look that will add timeless dazzle to workplace interiors.

The Sapwood design features wood-look tiles in 80x20 format.

Available in four finishes, which take inspiration from the smooth and glossy surface of the “youngest wood” of a tree trunk, the Sapwood will provide plenty of options to play with looks. Consider using Sapwood tiles to liven up moderate to high-traffic floor areas.

The Calacatta White, Sandstone and Burbon Beige designs are especially ideal for horizontal and vertical installations aad come in larger sizes of 80x80 and 80x40, allowing for easy clean-up and a seamless installation.

Calacatta White is perfect for any tile project in desperate need of some classic chic. An Italian take with a contemporary sensibility, the Calacatta White tiles display just enough bluish-grey veins to create visual interest while the Sandstone and Burbon Beige depict cross cut and onyx motifs, which add a luxurious refinement to any urban setting. www.nirogranite.com

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TOP: Mimicking the look of stained wood, the Sapwood Mid-Grey lends a modern and vibrant ambience to personalized spaces.

BOTTOM: Classically elegant, the Calacatta White is produced to emulate veined Italian marble stone.

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THE SOCIAL CIRCLE Get the latest scoop from the region’s latest social circle

SCHIAVELLO

SCHIAVELLO CLIENT CHRISTMAS EVENT

INTERFACE

THE HUMAN SIDE OF NATURE

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SCHIAVELLO THEME:

SCHIAVELLO CLIENT CHRISTMAS EVENT

VENUE:

MS COLLINS, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

WEBSITE: SCHIAVELLO.COM

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EVENT

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INTERFACE THEME:

INSPIRE BEAUTIFUL THINKING

VENUE:

THE RAUM, SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

WEBSITE: INTERFACE.COM

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EVENT

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SPOTLIGHT

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MASTER MIX

ometimes the past is the best place to look for future-forward solutions. This is apparently the route that Philippe Starck and Eugeni Quitllet took in their envisioning of an exceptional new chair for high-end furniture brand Kartell in what appears to be a team effort made in design heaven. The French wunderkinds have created a daring piece – aptly named the Masters chair - that offers a space age take on the iconic works of design’s most prolific mid-century luminaries, namely Arne Jacobsen, Eero Saarinen and Charles Eames, describing the product as a “stylistic sum”.

By reinterpreting visual components from each key work, the chair’s one-of-a-kind design draws directly from Jacobsen’s 7 Series chair, Saarinen’s Tulip armchair and the Eiffel chair by Eames. Simultaneously infused with a prevailing sense of history, the chair, a generously spaced seat raised on four slim legs and defined by a criss-crossing backrest, comes tinged with a contemporary je ne sais quoi, staying true to Starck and Eugeni’s respective sensibilities. The perfect blend of substance and good looks is undoubtedly part of the attraction – at once utilitarian and visually arresting, the Masters’ durable, lightweight structure entails not compromising on comfort for the sake of style. www.spacefurniture.com | | | | | |

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA