Workspace
pHoTos: roBerTas riaBoVas
THe eNTraNce is THe Teaser They say you cannot judge a book by its cover. But you do! Just as you judge how established a company is and its level of professionalism from the state of its reception and waiting area. Michele o’reilly adds those touches that really make a visitor feel welcome, comfortable and in the right place.
eNTraNces to offices are often overlooked – the dumping ground of old furniture, uncomfortable chairs and outdated magazines – and decorating them can prove to be a headache. This is usually because they come at the tail end of a mega renovation – when budgets have been exceeded and the coffers run dry. in the case of old buildings, which have lots of character, the train of thought is often that the appreciation of their history will overshadow the final ‘look’ of the entrance. so old pieces of furniture find new homes here and the outcome is a space that lacks soul and warmth. Waiting rooms, receptions, foyers, anterooms, lobbies and halls can leave a positive or negative impact on a visitor, who ends up creating a first impression of the professionalism of a company, how established it is and the level of service it can offer.
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But it goes beyond that too: the first impression begins even before entering the building. and in the case of this office space, when you turn into the street. st Frederick street has all the charm and quaintness that you can hope for, so it is important not to be disappointed once you walk into the building. The entrance sets the tone not only for those working there, but also for any visitor who has an appointment in the building. The bar is already raised and one can only hope for a continuation of professionalism. overall design is very important and an entrance should be aloof without being too daunting – a ‘teaser’ for want of a better word!
DesigNer Michele o’reilly. DesTiNaTioN conversion of a palazzo to serviced office space in a narrow alley in Valletta.
DescripTioN after an extensive renovation, the final touches are often left by the wayside and, in this case, while the major structural works were completed, i came in to give it my interpretation of what i thought would be appropriate for a lasting first impression when entering the building. although the double-fronted, large, wooden doors are imposing, the alley is too narrow to actually stand back and appreciate the façade, so i envisaged an entrance whereby the double doors would always remain open, inviting you into a space that was ambiguous in its function, yet sophisticated and enchanting in its outcome. i wanted the passer-by to wonder what went on beyond closed doors, so there are no obvious telltale signs to give the game away.
the fine leather hand-stitched door handles, the antique polished silver light switches and the silk handmade shades are all small touches that help create this sophisticated space 52
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The contrast between the old and the new is obvious, and while the focal point is the statue in the alcove in the background, i wanted to attract the viewer to the foreground. so i concentrated mainly on this area and that’s where the quirky ‘lollipop’ chandelier makes you do a double take; the statue is quickly forgotten and the fine details of the pieces of furniture in the entrance are worth noting. The desk, where the receptionist sits, appears to be floating as the oak top sits on glass legs. The idea here is that, as you look up the stairs, you then focus on the statue beyond. i think it is imperative to allocate a substantial budget for the finishing touches of the entrance to any property as this is the calling card to any business. in this case, the fine leather handstitched door handles, the antique polished silver light switches and the silk handmade shades are all small touches that help create this sophisticated space.
FroM THe DraWiNg BoarD Nowadays, when we present designs to clients, the end result is very much a true representation of what was proposed on paper. This makes everyone’s life much easier because the client can visualise the end result from the outset. in terms of hindrances in the execution of the project, humidity was one area that needed to be addressed because, very often, these building have wells below them, which are a nightmare to keep under control where rising damp is concerned.
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