BANGKOK, THAILAND
TOYOTA LEASING
The Japanese philosophy of Kaizen or “change for the best” is at the heart of Toyota’s 37,000-squarefoot leasing office in Bangkok. This truly is an office that combines the company’s work ethos with its design guidelines. The brief to Space Matrix was to integrate Toyota’s branding — from the reception to the back operation areas — and create a workspace that would serve as a benchmark for their other 12 offices and retail locations across the region. Despite the challenge of using only three brand colours, Space Matrix brought to life the company’s promise of “Together Toyota” across the three floors that accommodate 450 employees. Designers drew inspiration from the distinctive ellipse shape of Toyota’s logo and applied the motif to wall finishes, floor patterns, privacy films and ceiling design. God is definitely in the details in this office, as even the door handle panels and workstation designs reflect the subtle application of curvilinear elements. To maximise efficiency and productivity, Space Matrix incorporated workstations that lend themselves to variations in seating and storage, while worktop finishes help to differentiate the hierarchy within the organization. The open-plan layout — with its clean and simple lines and plenty of natural light — promotes an energetic work environment. This friendly and approachable look, appropriate for a service-oriented business, can be translated easily to Toyota’s other retail outlets.
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