Office Concept V11N3 | Workplace Interior Design and Modern Office Furniture

V11N3

DEC - MAR 2019

SGD13 BND13 AUD13.95 MYR22 HKD99 THB295 PHP295 INR395 IDR100000 VND150000

SPACE MATRIX: CONNECTING DIVERSE AND COLLABORATIVE BUSINESS COMMUNITIES ORGATEC 2018 | WORKSPACE DESIGN + BUILD: DESIGN & THINKING + PEOPLE & ENGAGEMENT + STRATEGY & INNOVATION DEFY GRAVITY | PERFECT MATCH | PRIVACY BY DESIGN | HOORAY FOR HORRA | THAT’S ONE POWER FLOOR

Purposeful working space deserves meaningful office furniture’s that blend design, materiality, performance and lifestyle — from contemporary desk system, height adjustable collaboration to focus pod.

C&R Interiors Pte Ltd

HQ: 57/59 Defu Lane 9 Singapore 539295 Showroom: 100 Pasir Panjang Road #07-01 Singapore 118518 T: +65 6488 0577 F: +65 6488 0588 E: export@cnrinteriors.com.sg www.cnrinteriors.com.sg

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

OFFICE CONCEPT

NEW YEAR, NEW VISIONS The wheels of design innovation are constantly turning with practitioners, both on the emerging and established sides of the spectrum, diligently churning out clever products that rectify and resolve everyday hurdles whilst arousing the imagination.

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ere at Office Concept, we are lucky enough to bear witness to these exciting proceedings firsthand, as and when they happen. I’m speaking specifically now about this year’s Orgatec in Cologne, Germany, a memorable event I was fortunate to attend in person at the gracious invitation of its accommodating organisers.

Here are a few highlights that left myself and many fellow attendees reeling with excitement: Orgatec’s thoughtfully designed booths certainly lent an element of flair to the event, functioning as a striking framework for a gorgeous array of covetable products, including the enhanced height adjustable tables designed by key industry figures that I foresee whetting the public appetite for more pieces in this range. The event’s refreshing colour palette was a sight for sore eyes, adding a pop of cheer to all things serious and technical. For more details, feel free to scan through the next few pages for our curated selection of Orgatec’s finest in product and booth design. As we look forward to what 2019 brings ie. potential collaborations with established European brands, plans are in the works to bring more wondrous products your way come next year’s event.

Last but not least, I’d like to tip my hat to Space Matrix, the star featuree in this edition. A daring international firm we’ve had the pleasure to showcase before, Space Matrix never ceases to amaze with high profile projects that celebrate diversity, context and modern aesthetics. Read on!

Wishing our readers a productive and prosperous new year ahead till next time…

Kenneth Khu k@kennethmedia.asia

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MOOD TUBE by ABV

H+R ISSUE 10

DECEMBER EDITION 2018

LEGACY OF LUXURY

SOFITEL DAMANSARA KUALA LUMPUR BY WILSON ASSOCIATES

BESPOKE AUTHENTICITY WITH ITS NOSTALGIC YET YOUTHFUL DESIGN, RENAISSANCE XI’AN REDEFINES THE ORIENTAL DESIGN PHILOSOPHY INTO A STUNNING MIX OF PAST AND PRESENT. CITY ACCENTS ORIGINAL ART, EXQUISITE MODERN DESIGN AND HIGH-TECH FEATURES ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF HILTON JINAN SOUTH HOTEL & RESIDENCES. FRENCH AFFAIR CHIC LAVISH DESIGN AND CLASSIC FRENCH RIVIERA STYLE EFFORTLESSLY COALESCE, ENGENDERING ELEGANCE AT SOFITEL DAMANSARA KUALA LUMPUR. HRDESIGN.ASIA

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ORGATEC 2018 EDITOR’S CHOICE ORGATEC 2018 BOOTH DESIGN DYNAMIC WORKSPACES VIEWPOINT

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WORKSPACE DESIGN + BUILD DESIGN THINKING THEBRIDGE TO THE FUTURE: CONNECTING DIVERSE AND COLLABORATIVE BUSINESS COMMUNITIES SPACE MATRIX COMBINES LUXURY WITH HOMELY FEEL IN PIRAMAL GROUP’S NEW MUMBAI OFFICE

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PEOPLE & ENGAGEMENT HOW PRUDENTIAL SINGAPORE CREATED A NEXT GENERATION WORKPLACE TO INSPIRE INNOVATION SUMMA by HUMANSCALE

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3 WAYS GARAGE SOCIETY’S NEW OFFICE DESIGN IS REDEFINING CO-WORKING SPACES EPAM: CREATING AN INNOVATIVE AND COLLABORATIVE WORKPLACE THROUGH OFFICE DESIGN PEOPLE & ENGAGEMENT MICROSOFT’S TAIPEI OFFICE: WORKPLACE DESIGN FOR A STRONG CULTURE AIRBNB’S NEW GURGAON OFFICE: THE JOURNEY BEHIND TRANSFORMING A WAREHOUSE INTO AN INNOVATIVE OFFICE SPACE FITTING INTERIORS DEFY GRAVITY PERFECT MATCH THE ART OF WORKSPACE DESIGN PRIVACY BY DESIGN HOORAY FOR HORRA THAT’S ONE POWER FLOOR

VERTIGO by POLTRONA FRAU

OFFICE CONCEPT

editorial MANAGING EDITOR Kenneth Khu DEPUTY EDITOR Pang Yin Ying EDITOR Christine Lee design ART DIRECTOR Eric Phoon SENIOR DESIGNER Sandy Liew contributors WRITERS Adele Chong, Dorothy Lung, Lily Wong WORKPLACE DESIGN Space Matrix sales & marketing SENIOR SALES MANAGER Edmond Lee SALES EXECUTIVE Kelvin Ong publication PUBLISHER Kenneth Khu

CONTENTS & PARTNERS

048 OF A DIFFERENT YARN CARPETS INTER

enquiries ADVERTISING advertising.oc@kennethmedia.asia EDITORIAL get.featured@kennethmedia.asia CONTRIBUTION join.us@kennethmedia.asia SUBSCRIPTION subscribe.oc@kennethmedia.asia

JET.III by KÖNIG + NEURATH

website www.officeconcept.asia | www.kennethmedia.asia contact KENNETH MEDIA SDN BHD 1002 Block D Tiara Kelana Jalan SS7/19 Kelana Jaya 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia T: +603 7887 4525 photo credits COVER: SPACE MATRIX SECTION OPENER: WORKSPACE DESIGN SPACE MATRIX FITTING INTERIORS HERMAN MILLER printer PERCETAKAN IMPRINT (M) SDN BHD No.538, Jalan 20 Taman Perindustrian Ehsan Jaya, Kepong 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia permit number KDN PP18848/09/2015(034306) MCI(P) 134/01/2018 magazine OC | 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.

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INTERFACE

copyright notice All rights, including copyright, in the content of this publication are owned

by Kenneth Media Sdn Bhd, 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 Kenneth Media Sdn Bhd, Malaysia.

PUBLISHED BY

OFFICE CONCEPT ORGATEC 2018 - EDITOR’S CHOICE 018

ING

MOVE WITH THE TIMES

Research shows that the human body ought to be kept in constant movement for the sake of one’s long-term health and wellbeing. Luckily for the modern office worker, the typical task chair that keeps one’s behind strapped behind the desk for eight hours a day will soon be a thing of the past, thanks to the ergonomically minded furniture designers doing their part to alleviate unnecessary aches and pains.

Kokuyo fits right into this category. Created to support one’s mental and physical wellbeing, the renowned Japanese brand’s ing chair has users singing its praises. Imbued with a 360 degree gliding mechanism and a seat that disperses body pressure, ing insures that joints and skeletal nodes are constantly in motion, priming one for an optimal sit-down.

KOKUYO-FURNITURE.COM

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KAPPA

STREAMLINED ELEGANCE

Advocates of modern and simple furniture design will instantly find themselves drawn to the Key Line mesh swivel chair and stool by Kastel.

Featuring a fiberglass reinforced polypropylene structure, this gorgeous piece is all about lightness and subdued style. A somber yet flattering palette gives the Key Line utmost versatility in any backdrop while complementing its unique silhouette. The PLUS version, with added upholstery and detachable seat, can be had for added comfort and ease.

Also by the Italian brand, the elegantly configured Kappa gives good face as a multifaceted piece that works equally well as a task, visitor or conference chair. A hidden feature, the self-weighing sycron mechanism inside the seat and the adjustable lumber support combined within the backrest, are key selling points.

KEY LINE

KASTEL.IT

KEY LINE

KAPPA

Via Friuli, 35/37 - 31020 San Vendemiano (Treviso) - Italy | +39 0438 401380 | www.kastel.it

OFFICE CONCEPT ORGATEC 2018 - EDITOR’S CHOICE

TAMA DESK

ENCOUNTERS OF A STYLISH KIND

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CONFERENCE-X

JAAN SILENT

FOSTER 620

Moving away from the humdrum format of dreary cubicles and restricted seating, modern office furniture is indeed undergoing a renaissance of sorts. German brand Walter Knoll is riding the wave by devising smartly designed solutions that give way to zones for private as well as formal encounters. Versatility seems to be name of the game, whether one is hankering after a swanky table system or an upholstered lounger by the brand.

For fans of dapper surfaces, products of note at Orgatec 2018 included the Tama Desk and Conference-X table system. Described as a ‘sculpture for visionaries’, the former’s slyly hidden accessories compartment is a gamechanger while the latter’s flexible nature allows for unrestrained adaptability. Exhausted from a hard work session? Both the Jaan Silent sofa bench or Foster 620 provide a chic respite.

WALTERKNOLL.DE

A SCULPTURE FOR VISIONARY THINKERS. Tama Desk is applied art. Sculpture, statement, commitment. A balancing act of horizontal and vertical surfaces, lightness and strength, dynamism and calm. Masterly crafted veneer, bronze blade legs, elegant lines and tiered layers. The redefinition of the desk as a think piece. Design: EOOS. www.walterknoll.de

OFFICE CONCEPT ORGATEC 2018 - EDITOR’S CHOICE 024

PUREis3

SHIFTS IN PERSPECTIVE To keep moving while sitting may sound like a contradiction, but for the designers at Interstuhl, it’s just another day at work. The progressive German brand’s latest gem is aptly reflective of its belief in the benefits of constant movement.

Dubbed Pureis3, the ultra-innovative swivel chair is an absolute must-have for enduring extensive work sessions at the office. Dynamic, agile and lightweight, Pureis3’s specially developed fibrereinforced plastic composition is a world-first, providing exceptional elasticity in the upper area of its backrest.

Responding intuitively to the sitter’s needs via smart spring technology, this hard-working chair can also be combined with a Garmin-developed app which offers the user an all-encompassing ‘active sitting solution’ in addition to instructions for easy on-the-spot workouts. Promising uncompromised active sitting comfort as well as a rectified seated posture, Pureis3 is pure gold.

INTERSTUHL.COM

AURAY

PRIMED FOR SUCCESS Making a splash at this year’s Orgatec, the König + Neurath company’s latest selection of high-end pieces is characterised by elegance and functionality. Take the impeccably formed and subtly aristocratic AURAY office chair.

Shapely and ergonomic, this minimalist yet robust wonder is defined by flowing lines and exquisite materiality.

The AURAY’s feeling of utilitarian opulence is echoed in the JET.III, an ergonomic task chair that promises a special sitting experience for users. Built for all body types, the chair’s unique backrest adapts to the shape of the spinal column, allowing for a fluid movement sequence. Representing the other end of the aesthetic spectrum, the cheery and approachable Net. Work. Place.

Organic is a combinable seating arrangement that imbues offices with a feel-good vibe while accommodating varied working styles and informal discussions.

KOENIG-NEURATH.DE

JET.III

NET.WORK.PLACE

OFFICE CONCEPT ORGATEC 2018 - EDITOR’S CHOICE

CILA GO

OF A GRAPHIC NATURE

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STACY

PARAVAN

CILA

Unflappably upbeat, Arper’s latest range of design solutions was made with fruitful collaborations in mind. Be it at the office or home, the Lievore Altherr-designed Cila Go will put you at ease from the moment you sit down. Offering expanded possibilities for seating, learning and training is a breeze, thanks to useful features such as a base with seat pad that doubles as a stool or a storage option for everything from books to laptops. Its predecessor, the dynamically shaped Cila, is also a winner in the style stakes – with or without comfy armrests.

Those vying for a more conventional silhouette and a stacking option will do well with the architecture-inspired Stacy, a high performance chair that is at once discrete and distinguished.

Paravan, a series of modular room dividers, rounds the collection out, lending rhythm, colour and charm to vast open spaces.

ARPER.COM

ELINOR

POETIC CONSTRUCTIONS Veering towards pieces that reinforce flexible, fluid working spaces, the progressive Pedrali made waves with the unveiling of ‘Poetry of Elements’, an eye-catching showcase designed by the Italian brand’s long-time collaborator Studio Calvi Brambilla. Drawing artistic inspiration from a piece of paper – a simple yet iconic object charged with meaning - new products such the body-hugging, die-cast aluminum Elinor executive chair and the Ypsilon, a tilting and stackable table designed for co-working spaces were received with aplomb.

Created by Claudio Dondoli and Marco Pocci, the minimalist Boxie storage system additionally turned heads, owing to its striking colour palette coupled with modular utility. We are also big fans of the height-adjustable Temps executive chair, a pared-down piece that keeps comfort and ergonomics consistently in check via subtly integrated mechanisms.

PEDRALI.IT

TEMPS

BOXIE

YPSILON

OFFICE CONCEPT ORGATEC 2018 - EDITOR’S CHOICE

INTRA

THE DYNAMICS OF ELEGANCE

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AT

Every sitter is made differently, so why shouldn’t that be the case for a chair? That’s essentially the line of thought that paved the way for the birth of the AT free-2-move by Wilkhahn. This unique office chair’s integrative and coordinated design moves with the times, enabling users customisation options, including a seat shell equipped with a self-centring suspension that makes a full day at the office a leisurely walk in the park.

Another Wilkahn Orgatec highlight is the Intra chair by Phoenix Design. Not just another conference chair, this impressive piece embodies equal parts functionality and polish. Fusing seamlessly with the seat shell, the syncroadjustment mechanism and controls function harmoniously as part of Intra’s fluid lines.

Wonderfully elegant, this chair is suitable for conference spaces, boardrooms and top-tier offices alike.

WILKHAHN.COM

SUMMA

HUMANISING DESIGN If there’s one thing Humanscale is good at, it’s marrying cutting-edge workplace design with good sense and sustainability. On that note, the award-winning brand’s recent presentation of new products at Orgatec did not disappoint.

Summa, its first executive boardroom seating offering, is both an aesthetic triumph as well as an indispensible provider of seamless comfort and support. Building on the company’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing, the Smart Ocean task chair incorporates almost two pounds of NetPlus material.

Highlighting its penchant for cool ergonomics, high-performance design and topnotch materials, Humanscale’s redesign of its monitor arms range reiterated the lengths in which the company is willing to go to optimise how technology can contribute to the completion of everyday tasks.

Built to last, the new monitor arms additionally minimises energy and material usage for the best results.

HUMANSCALE.COM

MONITOR ARMS

SMART OCEAN

OFFICE CONCEPT

SETTING A NEW BENCHMARK An exceptional furniture company that knows how to make the impossible possible, German brand Brunner devises custom solutions that take design innovation to whole other level.

Case in point, the newly launched A-Bench.

Designed by Jehs + Laub, this fabric-clad bench seat comes as a natural extension of the brand’s bestselling A-Collection range. Created for a wide variety of commercial environments, this multifaceted modular system is composed of eight different elements that come together as a perfect whole, whether combined or separated.

Featuring high-quality moulded foam upholstery with pocket-sprung and cut foam inserts, A-Bench’s components are mounted on die-case aluminium or solid oak wood legs. Various linking mechanisms and an alternating seat direction are available, allowing for unending customisation. Sleekly practical, A-Bench ticks all the right boxes.

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ORGATEC 2018 - EDITOR’S CHOICE

A-BENCH

BRUNNER-GROUP.COM

SOFT WORK

PROGRESSIVE COMFORTS New pieces presented at Vitra’s stand at Orgatec maintain the premium Italian furniture brand’s optimistic outlook and envelope-pushing approach. Conceived by Konstantin Grcic, Rookie is not your average office chair. Underscoring flexibility and change, this first-rate piece is fitted with a height-adjustable, spring-mounted swivel seat, a flex backrest and slope-down option to accommodate the user’s shifts in movement.

Breaking past the notion of hierarchies, Rookie is equally suited for students as it is for use in modern offices.

Created by Barber & Osgerby, Soft Work is aptly representative of the British design duo’s characteristic style, which is all about appropriateness and precision. Exuding a fresh outlook and playing up bold shapes and lines, this modular seating ‘landscape’ incorporates table areas that allow for productive work sessions while casually hanging out.

VITRA.COM

ROOKIE

OFFICE CONCEPT ORGATEC 2018 - EDITOR’S CHOICE

CERCLE SEATING + TRUST COLLECTION

FLUID GEOMETRIES

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VERTIGO

Blurring the lines between a variety of scenarios and interactions, the CERCLE and TRUST office collections showcase Poltrona Frau’s ongoing interest in the evolution of contemporary work behaviors. Designed by Lievore-Altherr-Park, the latter luxuriously features saddle-leather and wood, which brings out the beauty and warmth of its organically configured structure.

Eschewing sharp corners and promoting open dialogue, the collection is complemented by the CERCLE series of seats, also by the same designer.

The Vertigo daybed by Austrian design studio EOOS seemingly takes a cue from the convertible nature of the aforementioned collections. A pared-down two-seater which doubles as a bed, Vertigo is equally at home against a domestic or office backdrop, owing to its slender yet extremely comfortable framework and aesthetically flattering gun-metal grey palette.

POLTRONAFRAU.COM

WHALE TABLE

WHALE TAIL CHAIR

MAKING WAVES

PLASTIC WHALE CIRCULAR FURNITURE

Tasteful and good-looking furniture that also happens to benefit the environment is always a winner in our books. With the launch of the plastic whale circular furniture collection, revolutionary Dutch company Vepa has proven its got the right stuff. Made from gathered discarded plastic from Amsterdam’s canals, the collection of high-end pieces draws inspiration from the whale, an endangered creature whose existence has long been threatened by the onslaught of ‘plastic soup’.

Vepa’s chair with pressed felt cover nods to the whale’s robust tail while the ingenious lamps reference the barnacles found living on its skin. The oak boardroom table comes as a highlight, taking on the look of the imposing whale skeleton. Wonderfully imaginative and green-friendly, the collection is an apt aesthetic tribute to the near-mythical sea beast.

BARNACLE LAMP

VEPA.NL

OFFICE CONCEPT ORGATEC 2018 - EDITOR’S CHOICE

SE:FLEX

SIMPLY SUPERIOR SEATING

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SE:MOTION

SE:SPOT

Where office chairs are concerned, Sedus has clearly thought of everything. The German furniture company’s showcase at Orgatec demonstrated innovation and ergonomic appeal as well as multi-use possibilities.

Made for multi-user workstations, the se:flex is a group work must-have. This self-adjusting swivel chair is an asset, thanks to its intelligent automatic weight system and backrest, accommodates ongoing movement and healthy sitting.

For flexible working styles and spontaneous meetings, there’s surely nothing better suited than the lightweight se:motion, a dynamic swivel chair with changeable upholstery that adjusts automatically to the individual user – no tools needed. We love a good all-rounder chair and the ergonomically shaped se:spot definitely has that covered. This one-piece shell seat is cosily suited for the lounge, casino or meeting area while providing optimal lumbar support.

SEDUS.COM

PYRAMID

PERFECTLY PRACTICAL Emphasising form, technology and artisanal know-how, UniFor manufactures purposeful products that stand the test of time. Pyramid, a cable management design by Dante Bonucelli, exudes all of the above and more. Accommodating different workstation configurations with ease, the adaptable system integrates seamlessly with a wide range of UniFor furnishings. Equipped with the ability to absorb disruptive acoustics in addition to a narrow passageway for cables and ample device storage, order is maintained without sacrificing aesthetics.

This sense of elegant functionality is also evident in Signum, an open-space height adjustable workstation characterised by the harmonious blend of selective materials, exquisite details and exemplary finishes. Here, technology is ever-present but never in the way.

Designed by Foster + Partners, the Element 03 modular conference table gels perfectly with UniFor’s sensibility as a hyper-minimalist structure, defined by its lightness of form and practical features.

UNIFOR.IT

SIGNUM

ELEMENT 03

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ORGATEC 2018 - BOOTH DESIGN

INTERSTUHL WILKHAHN

OFFICE CONCEPT

VITRA

KÖNIG + NEURATH

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ORGATEC 2018 - BOOTH DESIGN

WALTER KNOLL POLTRONA FRAU

OFFICE CONCEPT

HUMANSCALE

KOKUYO

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ORGATEC 2018 - BOOTH DESIGN

PEDRALI TECNO

OFFICE CONCEPT

ARPER

UNIFOR

KETTAL DYNAMIC WORKSPACES 042

DEFINE, DIVIDE AND CONQUER KETTAL IS UPPING THE OFFICE FURNITURE GAME WITH THE OFFICE PAVILIONS AND SPACE DIVIDER, WHICH ARE DESIGNED WITH THE NEEDS OF THE MODERN OPEN-PLAN WORKPLACE IN MIND.

THIS PICTURE: The Office Pavilions are made up of movable walls capable of carving out a variety of workspaces to accommodate the diverse ways people work.

KETTAL DYNAMIC WORKSPACES 044

AN ENSEMBLE OF MOVABLE WALLS, COLUMNS AND CEILINGS, OFFICE PAVILIONS CAN BE ASSEMBLED TO CREATE A SPECTRUM OF ROOMS WHILE PROVIDING ACOUSTICAL COMFORT IN OPEN-PLAN OFFICES.

TOP: The Kettal Space Divider not only provides privacy, but delivers on an acoustic meeting environment while promoting flexibility and interaction between staff in an open-plan office.

BOTTOM: Open on three sides and covered, the Office Pavilion’s four columns and roof define an outdoor space for parking bicycles.

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ettal is proving once again it is more than just an outdoor furnishing company with the recent launch of two workplace solutions: Office Pavilions and Space Divider.

The modular and flexible Office Pavilions, which debuted at Orgatec 2018, work especially well in open spaces with high ceilings. Designed expressly to break up sprawling spaces and define areas that serve specific functions, Office Pavilions consist of movable walls, columns and ceilings that offer multiple configurations that will not only work in indoor but also outdoor environments.

An extensive range of colour and material finishes for walls and ceilings, including aluminium, wood, fabric and glass, as well as an integrated cable management system, makes the Office Pavilions easily personalised.

Open on all sides and covered, the Office Pavilion’s four columns and roof are capable of carving out a spectrum of stand-alone rooms that optimise the acoustics in openplan office spaces and enable different personalities to find the work environments for concentration, collaboration and everything in between.

Another Kettal debutante at Orgatec 2018 is the Space Divider. Ideal for more modest-sized workspaces, the Space Divider is as a modular partition system designed to provide temporary or semi-permanent solutions, such as an additional, functional space for meetings or solo work, or as a pop-up lounge, cafeteria, kitchen and breakout zone.

The Space Divider’s smaller footprint is to better address user needs specifically related to flexibility, mobility, and storage, and consists of walls in a range of sizes, materials and finishes to suit any office space.

Accessories such as LED lighting, shelves, sockets and USB ports as well as a generous selection of furniture options can be added inside to make the partially-enclosed space work exactly as you need.

The wide choice of colours available will also enable you to brighten the existing office environment or keep to a colour palate which is already in use. Readily assembled, the walls can be easily dismantled and relocated, thus reducing waste and costs of fixed partitions.

KETTAL.COM

TOP: An Office Pavilion takes centre stage in an open-plan office, providing visual separation and breaking up the sprawling space to create a dynamic workplace.

BOTTOM: A large living area can be enriched by a kiosk for serving lunch or coffee breaks while maintaining connection to the larger room.

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

KETTAL DYNAMIC WORKSPACES 046 THIS PICTURE: The structures can be left open or enclosed with movable walls that come in finishes of aluminium, wood, fabric and glass.

Kettal Pavilion used in a corporate office

HEAD OFFICE KETTAL / CONTRACT : Aragรณn 316, 08009 Barcelona, Spain. T. (34) 93 487 90 90 SHOWROOMS KETTAL: BARCELONA - LONDON - MARBELLA - MIAMI - NEW YORK - PARIS Export Manager Asia: Victor Moncho, victor.moncho@kettal.es T. +86 15001876948

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VIEWPOINT

OF A DIFFERENT YARN

CARPETS INTER

OC SPOKE WITH RICHARD MORRIS ABOUT HOW HE LANDED HIS FIRST ROLE AT THE AGE OF 18 AS A TRAINEE SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR A LEADING CARPET MANUFACTURING COMPANY AT UK’S “CARPET CAPITAL” TO HIS CURRENT POSITON AS GLOBAL BUSINESS DIRECTOR AT CARPETS INTER, WHAT IT’S LIKE TO MANAGE THE MASSIVE, SPRAWLING CARPETS INTER BRAND, THE CLEAR OPPORTUNITIES TO DIVERSIFY AND GROW AS WELL AS THE ROLE OF FIBRES AND PILE TEXTURAL TECHNIQUES IN CREATING VIBRANT, DYNAMIC MODULAR CARPET TILE PRODUCTS.

THIS PICTURE: Carpets Inter provides durable “fit for purpose” floor covering solutions that offer superior underfoot comfort in a multitude of aesthetic styles, colours and textures conducive to corporate facilities.

Project: Belmadar Office Photo Credit: Belmadar / Robert Walsh

WE HAVE BEEN ADOPTING NEW DESIGN LANGUAGES THAT SUIT THE NEW CORPORATE WORLD. WITH 21ST CENTURY OFFICES ADAPTING AND CHANGING LARGELY DUE TO DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY, AN OFFICE TODAY IS MORE THAN A WORKING PLACE, WHERE THE WAY WE WORK AND MEET HAS CERTAINLY TRANSFORMED.

VIEWPOINT

CARPETS INTER

Q: FOR STARTERS, CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF? A: I was born in England in 1963 and grew up just outside a town called Kidderminster, reputed as the “carpet capital” of the UK and aspired to be a graphic designer.

Leaving college at the age of 17, I took an apprenticeship at a unique company applying photographic images onto signage and commercial vehicles for advertising purposes. At the age of 18 I half-heartedly applied for a position as a trainee sales rep for a local leading carpet manufacturing company, where I commenced my lifelong career in carpet manufacturing on February 22nd, 1982.

In late 1989 after being head-hunted by a large Hong Kong based wall-covering and carpet distributor I subsequently relocated to Asia, where I have spent the last 28½ years working between Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore in Sales and Distribution for leading international and Asian firms. In 2004 I was hired by Tai Ping Carpets Limited, former owners of Carpets Inter as their Managing Director – Asia Pacific managing a focused team venturing into high-end hospitality projects such as leading hotel brands, casinos, cruise vessel, airports, etc., where technical performance criteria take precedence over design aesthetics.

On a personal level, as I spend most of my time away from my very understanding wife and two daughters living in Singapore, other than being a workaholic I enjoy regular yoga and swimming to keep my mind and body in good shape.

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Richard Morris Global Business Director Carpets Inter

Q: WHAT ARE YOU DOING AT CARPETS INTER? A: In mid-2016 and prior to the recent acquisition, my former CEO instructed me to basically stop what I was doing in the world of hospitality and get over to Bangkok and resurrect the company’s “corporate sector” modular carpet tile business under the Carpets Inter brand.

Honestly speaking my first reaction was “do I have to...?”, as having engrossed myself in selling high-end woven and handmade carpets into many iconic hospitality projects working with renowned interior designers and architects for over 34 years, the thought of selling “squares” in offices certainly lacked appeal… How wrong I was!

On the contrary it’s been an amazing journey, one that is still very much ongoing with continued product innovation and capacity expansion. This was achieved with a very dedicated product development and manufacturing team supporting our Domestic and Export Sales & Marketing teams. We have been steadily

attracting more global business partners for distribution by bringing appealing modular carpet tile collections at affordable price points all supported by inventory and some very practical product and marketing collaterals.

Q: WE HEARD THAT THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT TRANSITION WITH THE ACQUISITION OF CARPETS INTER LAST YEAR; CAN YOU ELABORATE? A: Having successfully developed the Commercial and Artisan businesses over many years, in early 2017 the Tai Ping HK Board of Directors recognised that the two businesses were very different and that each needed distinct, separate and focused design, marketing, production, distribution and sales resources if they were going to grow and flourish. As a result they decided to revert to their heritage of Artisan Handmade Carpets and the Commercial Flooring Division under the ‘1956 by Tai Ping’ (Hospitality Sector) and sister brand of ‘Carpets Inter’ (Corporate Sector) was sold to TCM Corporation in Thailand.

The formal acquisition by TCM Corporation was

made on October 1st 2017. Listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, TCM Corporation has a diversified investment portfolio and was determined to take the former Tai Ping Commercial business forward to achieve even greater success.

Q: WHAT IS THE STRENGTH OF THE NEW OWNER? A: The major shareholding of TCM Corporation is owned by the Srivikorn family members and understanding the business well having owned manufacturing facilities in Thailand since 1967, they have committed investments into innovation, manufacturing, sales and distribution channels to grow and sustain Carpets International for many years to come. Owning hotel, retail, medical and educational facilities in Thailand, they continue to build TCM Corporation across TCM Flooring as explained in this article, TCM Living with owned international UK based furniture manufacturing under the brands of Alstons, DM Midlands and Ashley Manor and TCM Automotive, a JV with Suminoe Japan manufacturing automotive interior finishes.

TOP & BOTTOM: Carpets Inter modular carpet tile is a practical and budget-conscious floor covering solution that can serve as a canvass to introduce colour and pattern in a corporate office interior.

Project: United States Agency for International Development, Bangkok, Thailand

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

CARPETS INTER VIEWPOINT 052

Q: IS THERE ANY AFFECT TO THE BUSINESS DIRECTION OR DAY TO DAY OPERATIONS? A: Not really. We undertook a smooth transition as the core management team was an integral part of the acquisition, whereby the fundamental structure of the company and business has remained strategically on track with minimal impact during the transition.

The positives have come with the investments of the share holders to date, which ensures that we continue to grow the business under the new ownership. Manufacturing efficiencies have increased and we see our sales volumes increasing above forecast in our US and Asian markets.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN MANAGING CARPETS INTER’ BUSINESS? A: As my Co-CEO says “Better, Quicker, Faster”... so I guess my biggest challenge is needing an eighth day in the week!

To answer the question, like all international businesses there are both internal and external challenges.

Internally we have over 70 years of operating experience and are the most diversified single carpet manufacturing facility bar none anywhere in the world. Whilst we remain dynamic, careful planning is required within the manufacturing facilities for raw material supply chain and production lead times ensuring our customers’ demands are met. I am very mindful that the livelihoods of our export market business partners whom are handling distribution for us is at stake if we fail, so failing them is not an option!

The ever changing dynamic of the competitive marketplace requires constant focus and to combat this we have recently hired two strategically placed Business Development Managers to grow Carpets Inter as the leading Asian brand for modular carpet tile into MNC’s and PMC’s, bringing the best ‘fit for purpose’ products to provide a high ROI to our customers.

In our commercial sectors (Corporate, Healthcare, Education, etc.), again our vast collection based offering brings products with optional hard and/or soft cushion backings. Our EcoSoft® recycled PET felt cushion backed modular carpet tile products are capturing the appeal of educational and institutional facilities in many export markets due to having over double the acoustical suppression of other hard back carpet tiles, which can contribute to major build cost savings with a reduction to invest in other expensive acoustical wall/ceiling materials. We aim to launch and stock a minimum of 4 new modular carpet tile collections each year.

Q: HOW INVOLVED ARE CLIENTS AND YOUR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TEAM IN THE COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT PROCESS? A: With over 70 textile designers in our two design studios, our door is always open for interior designers and architects to visit and develop their inspirations into reality. We regularly get overseas clients visit and workshop with our Hospitality design team for their custom requirements.

Our Carpet Inter corporate business partners & distributors are fully consulted on new modular carpet tile collection developments so as to ensure that textural design, colours, modular size and backing type SKU’s are in line with supporting their respective distribution territory.

Q: HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO YOUR CLIENTS WHEN THEY PREFER HARD FLOORING INSTEAD OF CARPET TILE? CAN THEY CONSIDER A COMBINATION OF THE TWO PRODUCTS?

Q: WHAT IS YOUR RECENT COLLECTION BEING LAUNCHED OR IN THE NEAR FUTURE? ANY NEW DEVELOPMENT? A: Innovation is primary to staying ahead of the competition. Become complacent and you’ll become a follower not a leader, so we are constantly engineering viable product solutions and design based collections in response to what our markets request.

In Hospitality we have new woven and machine tufted modular (1mx1m or 20mx2m) EcoSoft® recycled felt cushion backed products, which can be totally custom designed. Accent feature fibres and application of pile textural techniques mean we are providing customers affordable choices that provide better performance in situ without any restriction to the interior designer’s creative freedom.

BOTTOM: The design of each carpet ‘plank’ with multiple colours tufted through creates a fluid interpretation of indigenous flora and fauna, with the various tonalities adjacent to each other imparting a veneer of vitality and warmth.

Project: Manila Water Business Technology Center, Philippines

INNOVATION IS PRIMARY TO STAYING AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION. BECOME COMPLACENT AND YOU’LL BECOME A FOLLOWER NOT A LEADER, SO WE ARE CONSTANTLY ENGINEERING VIABLE PRODUCT SOLUTIONS AND DESIGN BASED COLLECTIONS IN RESPONSE TO WHAT OUR MARKETS REQUEST.

A: Hard flooring can be more challenging to renovation budgets due to more intensified substrate preparation; otherwise the applied product will generally fail. However the major product type we see becoming more popular is “resilient” flooring such as Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), a product that we at CI are already exploring into supplying for our domestic Thailand market together in partnership with a leading Korean based manufacturer. Our obligation is to explain the pro’s and con’s relative to performance, aesthetics, user experience and ROI of each product as there is no one product that is ultimately the best for all purposes. Transitioning thicker hard floors (e.g. ceramic, homogeneous, wood, laminates, etc.) with wall-to-wall carpets onto underlay generally requires a transition profile in-between to compensate for height variances.

However a typical CI carpet tile can be installed together with 5mm thick LVT providing the two products are directly stuck to the floor.

For more information on the natural characteristics and performance criteria of alternative floor finishes, we invite you to log onto < www.carpetsinter.com > and review the four individual “Sector Brochures” (Hospitality, Corporate Legal Finance, Education & Healthcare) under the Technical section. This will elaborate on the fundamental comparisons between different flooring types relative to investment and performance.

Q: CARPET TILE HAS ALWAYS BEEN CONSIDERED AND USED FOR OFFICE INTERIOR FOR A LONG TIME; DO YOU SEE ANY OPPORTUNITY IN ANY OTHER SEGMENT? A: Absolutely, more so with our unique EcoSoft® recycled PET felt cushion backed modular product. It provides many advantages over some wall to wall carpet systems, hard floor and resilient floor systems and is arguably far more ‘fit for purpose’ and affordable than other flooring systems. Hotels, Service Apartments, Public buildings, Education and Healthcare are all fast growing sectors other than corporate offices considering the advantage to invest into Modular carpet tile systems. The informative “Sector Brochures” (Hospitality, Education & Healthcare) under the Technical section of our website elaborate on best application and performance benefits. With our custom DNA, Carpets Inter can custom design and colour our modular carpet tile offering accordingly to compliment an interior designers aesthetic preference.

THIS PICTURE: Easy-to-clean and robust, a mishmash of Tavola Plank Blu, Azzurro and Grigio carpet tiles with EcoSoft backing boasts a blue and gray colour gradation that looks striking in a contemporary space.

Project: Charles River, Melbourne, Australia Photo Credit: Contour Commercial Interiors

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

CARPETS INTER VIEWPOINT 054 THIS PICTURE: While most of the designs are offered in two standard sizes of 50cm x 50cm and 25cm x 100cm (skinny planks), Carpets Inter also manufactures tiles in 60cm x 60cm, 50cm x 100cm, 91cm x 91cm, 100cm x 100cm and their unique 20m x 2m “MegaPlank®” large modules.

Project: HUBBA Thailand

HOWEVER THE MAJOR FACTOR OF A GOOD CARPET TILE IS THE CONSTRUCTION AND DIMENSIONAL STABILITY OF THE MODULE BACKING. IN ADDITION TO OUR RECYCLED CONTENT ECOSQUARE® HARD BACK, WE OFFER OUR UNIQUE ECOSOFT® PET FELT CUSHION BACK, MANUFACTURED FROM DISCARDED PLASTIC DRINKING BOTTLES. WE ACTIVELY DO OUR PART TO KEEP PLASTIC AWAY FROM LANDFILL AND POLLUTING OUR OCEANS AS CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR WEBSITE SUSTAINABILITY CAMPAIGN

For hospitality sectors requiring custom designed woven and hand made carpet, our main competition originates from Chinese manufacturers who invest in high-speed machines for quick turnaround. With the benefit of experience and communication, the need for meticulous technical understanding of larger Hotel and Casino sites for sequential planning of install and alignment of custom designed components, larger clients will chose to work with experienced partners like Carpets Inter for ‘peace of mind’ to deliver their project on time and in budget with life-time warranty.

For the Corporate sector requiring Modular carpet Tiles, it’s a very different scenario. Commercial clientele see modular carpet tile more as a commodity and as such often price and availability outweigh the aesthetic requirement in choosing what to buy. Our geographical location and ability to ship product quickly without impact of high import duty means we are a preferred supplier throughout Asia Pacific.

However the major factor of a good carpet tile is the construction and dimensional stability of the module backing. In addition to our recycled content EcoSquare® hard back, we offer our unique EcoSoft® PET Felt cushion back, manufactured from discarded plastic drinking bottles. We actively do our part to keep plastic away from landfill and polluting our oceans as can be viewed on our website sustainability campaign.

Applying these optional backings to collection styles that are specifically created to appeal to the Asian markets that we geographically support, provides our business partners with over 200 different SKU’s which can be shipped to reach them within 1 to 3 weeks, far quicker than the 5 to 6 week shipping time from USA or Europe.

Q: SUSTAINABILITY HAS BECOME A MAJOR ISSUE FOR FLOORING BUSINESS. WHAT IS CARPETS INTER’S APPROACH? A: At Carpets Inter, we create modular carpet that does

more than just make the world more beautiful; it makes it more livable. We do this with products that meet stringent indoor air-quality needs, are safe to manufacture and utilize and incorporate recycled materials wherever feasible including our unique EcoSoft® backing fabricated from millions of recycled plastic bottles. Our commitment to ecological sustainability extends beyond our product.

We practice it in everything we do – from manufacturing facilities that maintain the highest environmental standards, to reducing our carbon footprint in every facet of our global business.

Q: HOW DOES CARPETS INTER’S ECOSOFT HELP TO REDUCE THE NEGATIVE IMPACT TO THE ENVIRONMENT? A: EcoSoft uses roughly 50 x 550 ml. recycled PET bottles for every square meter of product. To date, we have recycle over 700 million PET bottles into the manufacturing our unique ‘EcoSoft’ cushion back modular carpet tile, thus reducing the effects of plastic pollution on our planet.

Q: WHAT DO YOU WANT CARPETS INTER TO ACCOMPLISH IN THE NEXT YEAR? A: With the total revamp of our modular carpet tile collections the key area of growth will be into the commercial corporate office sector in the Far East, India and Middle East. In the prior 24 months, we have increased our sales volume in carpet tile by over 35%, and estimate YoY growth at +20% by end 2019.

Our aim is to ensure that the companies brand footprint continues to grow and that we remain known as the leader in providing the best portfolio of customised ‘fit for purpose’ sustainable floor covering solutions for all segments of the market for the next 50 years and beyond!

CARPETSINTER.COM

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

ABOUT SPACE MATRIX

WORKPLACE DESIGN + BUILD

SPACE MATRIX

Founded in 2001, Space Matrix’s design practice has evolved into a dynamic, agile, 21st-century digital enterprise; a design consultancy that specialises in workplace design. They have developed a unique client focus that creates and delivers profitable, sustainable and futureready workplace solutions. It’s their continuing mission aims to continue revolutionising the delivery of design and build services in both Asia and globally. Space Matrix has 14 office locations in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore (HQ), and the United States. The firm has over 400 professionals globally and continues to push the boundaries in workplace transformation.

With a commitment for design excellence, Space Matrix consistently ranks in Interior Design Magazine’s Top 100 Design Giants and has won multiple International Property Awards.

SPACE MATRIX CREATES UNIQUE AND IMMERSIVE WORKSPACES THAT INSPIRE PEOPLE AND IMPACT BUSINESS. SPACE MATRIX INSIGHTS

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From macro strategy to micro design ideas, Space Matrix wants to share with you their insights. Visit www.spacematrix.com to read their latest blogs, research, and case studies that focus on design thinking, people & engagement, workplace strategy and innovation and workplace technology.

WORKPLACE TRENDS AND IT’S IMPACT ON BUSINESS: An interview with Arsh Chaudhry, CEO of Space Matrix How do you increase employee satisfaction and productivity? The overwhelming view is that the biggest influencer of behaviour is compensation.

Whilst this is probably true to a large extent, designing and building a unique and immersive environment plays a significant role in attracting and retaining a strong employee base and increasing productivity. Insights spoke with Arsh Chaudhry, CEO of Space Matrix, to get his perspectives on how workplace design impacts employees, the current commercial design trends and how disruptive technologies will shape future trends.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR SPACE MATRIX OVER THE NEXT TWO TO THREE YEARS? WHAT ABOUT IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS? A: We want to be the pre-eminent design and build firm across Asia Pacific. We will achieve that by being able to add significant business impact to our clients by redefining how they work. We want to be known for our great design and we want to be. Ten years is a too long a timeframe to make plans for. In today’s fast-changing world, I believe you need to be extremely agile and have the ability to change and adapt to market situations very quickly order to succeed. You need to be able to constantly review market conditions, course correct where necessary, evaluate and capitalise on opportunities that come up. We grew our revenue by 51% last year through our 15 offices across the world. The next three to four years should see organic growth of 20-25% every year. Separately, we are also looking at new markets especially across North Asia and the Middle East.

Q: MANY MODERN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE DESIGNS ORIGINATED FROM THE WEST. BUT WHAT CAN THE WORLD LEARN FROM ASIA? WHAT ARE SOME INTERESTING TRENDSEMERGING FROM THE REGION? A: It’s not just been West to East. The wind has been blowing both ways for many years on this one. Australia has led the way in changing workplace trends well before the West. Ten years ago, open workplans were more common in Asia than they were in the U.S. Average space utilisation in Asia came down to 100-125 sf per person when the U.S. was still at 250 sf per person, across most industries. Of course, there are cultural nuances to consider, but generally speaking, Asia has been a lot faster at accepting workplace design changes when compared to the West.

I would go on to say that Asia has taken a lead over the rest of the world in clearly adopting the philosophy that workplace design should be defined by employee expectations and their unique work styles that maximise impact to the business. With regards to interesting trends, the

most interesting trend sweeping the workplace, admittedly from the West, is that of coworking.

If designed correctly and implemented well, coworking facilities offer the worker to be part of a bigger community and benefit from the synergies of the community. These spaces are well-designed, fun and energising environments to work out of.

For the corporate world, coworking options provide a turnkey flexible solution to their space needs. They don’t need to find the space, fit it out or manage the facilities. They can simply ‘check in’, utilise their facilities and “check out” when they outgrow their space. This gives them the flexibility to grow or contract depending on market conditions.

They also offer a unique solution to the long commute times that office workers face in many Asian cities: Beijing Shanghai, Bangalore, Delhi, Jakarta, Manila. Having coworking environments spread across the city will give many companies the ability have one ‘hub office’ while using multiple third-party coworking environments closer to their employees homes as a ‘spoke’ office.

Q: WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT RECENT COMMERCIAL DESIGN TRENDS (OPEN PLAN OFFICE, IOT, “FUN SPACES”)? ARE THEY NECESSARY FOR THE MODERN COMPANY OR ARE THEY ONLY SUITABLE FOR CERTAIN TYPES OF COMPANIES? A: Expecting an introvert researcher who needs quiet spaces to research, analyse and interpret data in an open office or say, an extrovert millennia graphic designer to sit behind a high partitioned office will only lead to low productivity and low morale. Offices need to be built based on the need of the work and the worker, and not based on what is trending.

The objective of a good office design should be to create spaces that help engage employees and increase productivity. It is therefore critical to understand the needs of different workers and provide spaces that work for the diverse workforce.

To your question on IoT and sensors, they are part and parcel of today. While a lot has already been done, I believe that this is still just the beginning phase of creating smart buildings and smart cities.

SPACEMATRIX.COM

SINGAPORE THEBRIDGE 058

THEBRIDGE TO THE FUTURE: CONNECTING DIVERSE AND COLLABORATIVE BUSINESS COMMUNITIES

DESIGN THINKING

THEBRIDGE BY ASCENDAS-SINGBRIDGE GROUP 30,000 SQUARE FEET | DESIGN & BUILD

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THEBRIDGE SINGAPORE

Traditional office designs are often rigid and segmented, leading to uninspiring work conditions, and thus, a lack of efficiency and output. Whereas, modern work cultures are built on improvisation and collaboration. To reflect this, workspaces have to be designed to be agile, flexible and inclusive.

T

o better cater for modern work culture, AscendasSingbridge, Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest business space planner, has formulated a new community workplace: thebridge.

Located on Science Park Drive, the space connects a powerful network of science, tech and business communities.

ENABLING LIVING COMMUNITIES THAT WORK, CREATE, INNOVATE AND INSPIRE The idea for thebridge is to promote a culture of work communities. Such workplaces also reduce the carbon footprint, energy consumption and monotony associated with isolated physical workspaces.

Work communities may comprise varying number of people, working on diverse projects with different objectives. Office spaces must be flexible enough to adapt to these different situations - an enabler instead of an enforcer of work patterns.

To help make the thebridge a reality, AscendasSingbridge enlisted the workplace design services of Space Matrix.

Here, we take a look at the specific strategies that Space Matrix employed to bring the community workplace concept to life.

TOP & LEFT: The Social Hub

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

“THE DESIGN TEAM STUDIED LOCAL MARKETS, CULTURES AND CONTEXT TO GIVE THEIR SPACES A FRIENDLY, FAMILIAR AND INDIGENOUS FEEL. SOME OF THESE THEMES IN THE MEETING ROOMS INCLUDE BATIK ART INFLUENCES FROM SOUTH ASIA, AS WELL AS GRAPHICS DEPICTING MOTIFS FROM SINGAPORE’S WONDERFUL MELTING POT CULTURE, WITH INDIAN, MALAY, CHINESE AND PERANAKAN INFLUENCES.”

THEBRIDGE

SINGAPORE

Richard Baker, Lead Designer at Space Matrix

INFORMING AND GUIDING PATRONS THROUGH AN INTERACTIVE LOBBY The entrance lobby does more than just welcome patrons. Flanked by large, interactive media screens, a patron is inspired to explore.

In the words of Matthew Chisholm, Director of Flexible Workspaces, Ascendas-Singbridge, “Visitors are likely to have their curiosity piqued and veer towards the content on these screens. Apart from useful information on the workspace or listings of events, these screens could also include content about offers at different retail or hospitality stores at thebridge.”

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MIXING WORK AND PLAY FOR A MORE PRODUCTIVE DAY Agile workspaces, entwined with recreational zones, promote a culture of interaction and collaboration in a relaxed, informal setting. These include standing workstations, informal amphitheatres and seating areas, as well as a variety of themed breakout zones.

Speaking of the interior design strategy behind this,

TOP LEFT: The Social Hub

BOTTOM LEFT: The building lobby transformed into an extension of the coworking facility, with a cafe and additional meeting rooms

Richard Baker, lead designer at Space Matrix says, “The choice of colours and textures, as well as the proportions of a space, help affect mood and productivity in a workplace. The lack of physical barriers and interspersing regular recreational zones, encourage people to interact.

This fosters a culture of collaboration.”

BECOMING IMMERSED IN THE LOCAL CULTURE The meeting rooms are all designed to a choice of themes that reflect local culture and work patterns. These help to create a unique and inspiring ambience, making work enjoyable.

Speaking about the curating process, Mr. Baker says, “the design team studied local markets, cultures and context to give their spaces a friendly, familiar and indigenous feel. Some of these themes in the meeting rooms include Batik art influences from South Asia, as well as graphics depicting motifs from Singapore’s wonderful melting pot culture, with Indian, Malay, Chinese and Peranakan influences.”

TOP RIGHT: Agile seating adjacent to private workspaces and meeting rooms

BOTTOM RIGHT: The thebridge offers different size coworking spaces to accommodate different size groups. This space can seat 35-40 pax

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

SINGAPORE THEBRIDGE 064 TOP, BOTTOM LEFT & RIGHT: Agile seating along the window periphery, adjacent to private work spaces and meeting rooms

ACCOMMODATING INTIMATE EVENTS FROM 10 TO 100 PAX The event spaces and convention centres within thebridge are fitted with elegant concertina screens. Besides serving as a fine architectural ornament, these screens are movable and find use as partition walls.

“This helps to reconfigure layouts based on expected attendance for events – another hallmark of flexible workspaces”, adds Mr. Chisholm.

OPTIMISING PLANNING, MAXIMISING SPACE “thebridge is structured on the business model of Space as a Service,’” said Mr. Chisholm.

He explains that the allocation of individual suites to tenants leads to wastage of space. Instead, fully equipped work-desks within a collaborative space will facilitate maximum space utilisation.

The abundance of space thus freed up can be put to use as breakout zones, recreational spaces, and utility areas. Thus, within the tenancy model, a patron will pay only for his immediate work premises, but have access to a host of other services by extension, greatly improving work-life quality.

The space savings made using this model are exemplary. Mr. Baker explains that the normal square footage accorded to a patron in an average company is about 40 sq.ft but thebridge nearly doubles that statistic, with a minimum of 70 sq.ft available to every patron. This gives rise to a healthier and more sustainable work model.

EXPERIENCING THE WORKPLACE OF THE FUTURE By enabling a culture of work communities, thebridge paves the way for an office space typology that is effective, sustainable and future-oriented at its core.

LEFT: Booth seating located in the Social Hub

TOP RIGHT: Large boardroom

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

MUMBAI, INDIA PIRAMAL GROUP 066

SPACE MATRIX COMBINES LUXURY WITH HOMELY FEEL IN PIRAMAL GROUPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW MUMBAI OFFICE

DESIGN THINKING

PIRAMAL GROUP 146,000 SQUARE FEET | INTERIOR DESIGN

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PIRAMAL GROUP MUMBAI, INDIA

A modern office with work zones modelled after self-sufficient Indian neighbourhoods. Luxurious interiors with elements of nature incorporated within the four walls. These are some of the standout elements of a new, integrated facility that Space Matrix, a leading office interior design and renovation firm, has designed for the Piramal Group in Mumbai.

T

he Piramal Group is a business conglomerate with operations in over 30 countries and a presence in more than 100 markets around the world. The new facility brings five existing offices of the company in Mumbai under one roof.

OFFICE DESIGN THAT REFLECTS THE COMPANY’S VALUES The mandate for our design team was to create an office space that was “modern and exudes warmth.” Piramal wanted the office to radiate a cosy, nurturing vibe that went with its corporate values of “knowledge, action, care and impact.” Running parallel to this theme was biophilia, or the concept where natural materials and green elements are used to promote well-being, creativity and productivity.

Piramal wanted us to also create a cohesive office space in which people from seven departments and diverse cultural backgrounds could work together.

Space Matrix used these guidelines to turn the 146,000 square feet space into a contemporary workspace for over 900 people. We chose bright and warm tones for the finishing and warm natural materials like wood, used glass walls to play with sunlight, recreated scenes from daily life on the walls to create a pleasant office setting, and brought the Indian courtyard concept for social gatherings.

TOP & LEFT: Pantry area & collaboration zone

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

An analysis of data from these workshops helped us answer questions such as: • How important was acoustic privacy in meeting rooms and training rooms?

• What features did employees look for in a collaborative space?

• How often was a department likely to use an informal or formal collaborative space?

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PIRAMAL GROUP

MUMBAI, INDIA

WORKSHOPS HELPED THE DESIGN TEAM DEFINE WORKSTYLE REQUIREMENTS A tough challenge was to incorporate the needs of different user groups and employees across various bands into the planning. For instance, we needed to understand the ratio of users for the formal and social spaces, or which business units needed to have proximity to each other.

We conducted a series of workshops to capture the teams’ requirements for workstations, reprographics and storage, meeting rooms, training rooms and collaborative spaces.

LEFT: Workstations and focus work zone

FROM HIERARCHICAL OFFICE INTO SEMI-OPEN SPACE WITH COLLABORATION ZONES The insights enabled the team to get employee buy-in for the big transition from a hierarchical office environment to a semi-open space with multiple collaboration zones.

Each work zone follows the concept of a selfsustaining Indian neighbourhood. Each cluster (neighbourhood) has collaboration spaces, meeting rooms, and storage and repro units that cater to each team’s requirements. And in between these clusters, there are spaces where employees can socialise, much like a courtyard in an old Indian home. A courtyard can be used for informal meetings and mini town halls, or have an open library.

During the planning stage, we received multiple change requests from Piramal on headcount. Using the modular concept of standardised workstations, Space Matrix has given Piramal a flexible solution to accommodate changes in the future without having to break down walls. For example, within the footprint of a

THIS PICTURE: Waiting area next to the boardroom

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

THIS PICTURE: Child daycare

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PIRAMAL GROUP MUMBAI, INDIA

cubicle for management, Piramal can accommodate four linear workstations for employees.

Meeting rooms, pantries and collaboration spaces maximise space utilisation and the use of natural light.

The workstations face the glazing side to maximise natural light. Collaboration spaces act as natural dividers between neighbourhoods. The meeting room walls are not of full height, which gives the area a sense of height and openness.

To incorporate nature, we have provided space on top of the storage units in the aisles for planters and have used plants in open boxes for the library and pantry. The reception also has multiple planters.

Piramal wanted a luxury hospitality ambience in the lobby and a homely feel in the office space. For that, we have used design elements in such a way that the lobby and the office space do not look distinct from each other and yet have a different feel. We have replicated certain elements to maintain continuity between the two zones.

For instance, in the lobby, the team has used the key feature in wood and bronze for a luxurious feel, and repeated the same design in a lighter wood for a homely look. In the reception, the wood work is in the form of vertical rafters that merge into the ceiling to create continuity. The intermediate bronze panels graphically represent leaves to reinforce the nature theme. The two-storeyed columns are clad with light veneer for a complementary contrast.

The end result is an expansive office with zones that are clearly defined but well integrated into the whole workplace. It is an office in which employees can work, play and socialise in a contemporary, relaxed environment.

TOP: Private office

BOTTOM: Internal staircase

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

SINGAPORE PRUDENTIAL 074

HOW PRUDENTIAL SINGAPORE CREATED A NEXT GENERATION WORKPLACE TO INSPIRE INNOVATION

PEOPLE & ENGAGEMENT

PRUDENTIAL 76,000 SQUARE FEET | DESIGN & BUILD

SINGAPORE PRUDENTIAL 076 THIS PICTURE: Collaboration zone adjacent to agile workstations

Prudential Assurance Company, one of the top life insurance companies in Singapore, wanted to revamp their Singapore office. Their goal for the new workspace was to infuse their company values to create a ground-breaking, tech-enabled workspace that consistently provided breakthrough opportunities and experiences for staff, customers and distributors.

T

he company then partnered with Space Matrix, a leading office interior design and renovation firm, to develop a concept that incorporated these values into the project and achieve the company’s business objectives.

Moving towards the trend of activity-based working, Prudential’s new facilities would need to cater to their more than 900 staff, offering more than just the typical office environment they had grown accustomed to, with standard workstations and meeting rooms. Their new space would provide more collaboration areas, relaxation zones and an aesthetically pleasing décor that encapsulate their brand values and create an exciting destination for employees to come to.

The idea was to create an office space that was open, inspired by nature and encouraged collaboration on-the-go.

PLACING EMPLOYEES AT THE HEART OF DESIGN Before developing the concept, Space Matrix spoke with Prudential employees to find out their preferences, and likes and dislikes when it came to an office space. Space Matrix also observed employees’ work patterns and style. By combining the insights from the employee interviews and observations, Space Matrix developed a concept that incorporated the company’s four brand values, in an environment that was conducive to the employee’s preferences:

TOP RIGHT: Four massive timber dome structures house a barista and collaboration spaces underneath

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

SINGAPORE

TRUST & EMPOWERMENT. The new workspace included an open concept with fewer allocated seats, allowing staff to work anywhere within the office. For instance, collaboration zones were incorporated throughout the space to facilitate short brainstorm and other types of group meetings.

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PRUDENTIAL

ACCOUNTABILITY. For accountability, there were meeting rooms that allowed for virtual meetings with projectors. Further, the open-desk policy meant that the space was clean and neat in terms of design, with a minimal requirement of desks that one would normally find in a traditional office space.

COLLABORATION. For easier collaboration, there were zones which had certain elements of workstations. They were placed next to group stations or meeting rooms.

In addition to quiet relaxation zones, a Zen garden and other nature-inspired elements allow for a tranquil setting to have a quick discussion.

INNOVATION. The final and most challenging aspect were incorporating a sense of innovation into the design.

Some key design features include: A large video wall comprised of 16 display units along with the other digital signage and displays spread across the two floors. Events at the auditorium could be livestreamed onto these displays with the push of a button.

A water-feature tunnel and meeting rooms surrounded by a reflection pool allowed for an aesthetically peaceful setting. The other floor mimics the same design but instead of a reflection pool, it features a Zen-garden.

Four massive timber domes that house a barista and collaboration spaces underneath. These features were strategically placed to welcome employees from the main lift lobby and are accessible from the featured staircase connecting the two levels. The design was inspired by cocoon seeds a found in nature.

TOP: Amphitheatre for large townhall gatherings

TOP: Agile workstations

BOTTOM LEFT & RIGHT: Collaboration zones

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

SINGAPORE PRUDENTIAL 080 TOP: Meeting rooms surrounded by a reflection pool

BOTTOM LEFT & RIGHT: Employees have the option to change the color of the lights to suit their mood

“OFFICE DESIGN PLAYS A PIVOTAL ROLE IN ATTRACTING AND RETAINING TALENT BY INCORPORATING NEW AMENITIES SUCH AS A GYM, GAME ROOMS AND RELAXATION ZONES. IF STAFF ENJOY SPENDING TIME IN THE OFFICE, THEY WILL, IN TURN, BE MORE PRODUCTIVE, INNOVATIVE AND CREATIVE.”

Benjamin Breen, Managing Director at Space Matrix

A cantilevered staircase was not only an internal connection between the two floors but also a design feature that incorporates and showcases the company’s branding.

Speaking about promoting employee wellness within the workspace, Benjamin Breen, Managing Director at Space Matrix, said “Office design plays a pivotal role in attracting and retaining talent by incorporating new amenities such as a gym, game rooms and relaxation zones. If staff enjoy spending time in the office, they will, in turn, be more productive, innovative and creative.”

CREATING A NEIGHBOURHOOD ENVIRONMENT Each of the floors had four work “neighbourhoods,” with each having an open collaboration lounge for informal meetings and collaboration. Also, these neighbourhoods had enclosed meeting rooms that ranged anywhere between one to six pax and had additional facilities such as utility and printing zones, coffee refreshment points, lockers and staff personalisation walls along with branding.

The overall design gave a unique and homely feel to the office where employees could feel at ease, as well as relax and work according to their schedules.

By involving staff and the Prudential’s key values in every step of the design and build process, Space Matrix

LEFT: A nature tunnel that features a green wall with bird chirping sound effects

was able to develop a next-generation workspace that inspired innovation.

INTRODUCING EMPLOYEES TO THEIR NEW ENVIRONMENT To orientate their staff with their new office environment, which transformed the area from a traditional setup to an activity-based workplace. Space Matrix conducted a change management programme engaging employees at each level. Through a series of workshops, training sessions, guided tours and learning activities spread over eight weeks, Space Matrix helped staff quickly become familiar with their new workspace.

Prudential’s vision of a flexible office that contained all the right accessories, including a clean desk policy, dedicated desks for teams, easier collaboration zones and an ambiance of calm and tranquillity were realised.

Speaking about the new workspace, Gaurab Banerji, head of digital and office transformation at Prudential Singapore said “The new office design and enabling technologies empower our employees with highly flexible work options. The impact on productivity and motivation is immediate.”

RIGHT: A water-feature tunnel with cascading water alongside the corridor walls

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

HONG KONG GARAGE SOCIETY 082

3 WAYS GARAGE SOCIETYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW OFFICE DESIGN IS REDEFINING COWORKING SPACES

PEOPLE & ENGAGEMENT

GARAGE SOCIETY 14,000 SQUARE FEET | DESIGN & BUILD

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GARAGE SOCIETY HONG KONG

When it comes to coworking spaces in Hong Kong, the competition is stiff with 283 such spaces.

Generally, the battle has been between rising office space costs and the ability to build creative working environments. For Garage Society, they have consistently stood out from the crowd through their modern and innovative designs -- breaking away from traditional office layouts.

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ow with the desire to expand their current network of coworking spaces within Asia, Garage Society set out to develop a new workspace at Beverly House Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

Elaine Tsung, founder and CEO of Garage Society said, “As a shared workspace operator, we need to build spaces which are commercially effective but also visually appealing. Hence, we need a partner that understands our business needs, as well as our clients’ taste and preferences.”

Through a strategic partnership with Space Matrix, a leading office interior design and build firm, a bold design vision swiftly took shape. Consisting of hot desks, meeting rooms, an in-house cafe, breakout areas and an outdoor terrace, here are three ways the all new Garage Society redefines coworking spaces in Hong Kong.

CREATING A DEDICATED INVESTOR HUB While startups tend to be the main occupants in coworking spaces, Garage Society wanted to provide a private space for investors and venture capitalists as well. Considering the nature of their discussions, a dedicated floor on level 2 was designed with investment firms and VCs in mind.

LEFT: Multi-function floor with event space, coffee shop and free coworking seatings

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

AS A SHARED WORKSPACE OPERATOR, WE NEED TO BUILD SPACES WHICH ARE COMMERCIALLY EFFECTIVE BUT ALSO VISUALLY APPEALING. HENCE, WE NEED A PARTNER THAT UNDERSTANDS OUR BUSINESS NEEDS, AS WELL AS OUR CLIENTS’ TASTE AND PREFERENCES.”

HONG KONG

Elaine Tsung, founder and CEO of Garage Society

Divided into private suites and meeting rooms, the hub caters to holding sensitive discussions away from the noise and distractions at the open-plan work area on level 1. Along with flexible furniture on wheels, the area can be easily re-configured for different types of conversations, meetings and events -- based on expected attendance.

GARAGE SOCIETY

INTRODUCING OUTDOOR ELEMENTS TO ENCOURAGE WELLNESS Increasingly, discussions about workplace design have been revolving around creating a space that enhances the health, well-being and productivity of occupants.

Such biophilic design can also aid in reducing carbon dioxide emissions, resulting in better air quality for everyone. Taking that into consideration, a sizeable outdoor terrace formed part of the design concept for Garage Society.

Similarly, the open pantry and coworking area on level 4 is fitted with a variety of natural materials and green elements. By incorporating planters and encouraging natural light to seep through, these outdoorsy spaces provide tenants with a calming refuge to unwind when needed.

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RE-IMAGINING THE PANTRY WITH CAFE-STYLE FACILITIES Instead of having to jostle with the lunch crowd on Hong Kong’s busy streets, Garage Society brought a chic cafe experience right into the office -- instead of a typical pantry space.

By combining the pantry and workspace area with an open plan concept, the design provides easy access to both zones. The quaint food corner further opens up to a spacious breakout area to form an alternative collaboration space for tenants and foster a stronger sense of community.

As much as the kitchen is the heart of the home, here the pantry has become the heart of the office fueling conversations and serving up barista-style coffee.

By acknowledging the growing coffee shop culture, these overlap zones provide a comfortable space to eat, relax and work at the same time.

TOP: Coworking floor

BOTTOM: Meeting room

THIS PICTURE: Seminar setting on event floor, with operable partitions

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

HONG KONG GARAGE SOCIETY 088 THIS PICTURE: Outdoor terrace on multi-function floor used for events

WORKING CLOSELY TO DELIVER ON TIME Throughout the entire process, a close-working relationship was established between both teams. This helped facilitate communication and ensured everyone was on track to deliver the project within three months - from design to build.

The use of professional rendering helped Garage Society’s team better visualise the outcome of the space and suggest tweaks wherever needed. “We really appreciate the professional yet friendly Space Matrix team. Our projects are delivered on time, within budget and at solid quality,” said Tsung.

Tenants at Garage Society were just as pleased. With members that range from freelancers to international companies, SMEs, VCs and technology firms, it was imperative to design a space that would appeal to everyone and address key needs. No doubt, both staff and members are now completely at home with the space -- here they can socialise, network and collaborate with other companies and brands in a fully serviced environment.

At the end of the day, Garage Society maintained their creative persona with a workspace that’s well suited to the digitally-savvy and design-conscious population.

All of which further bolsters their competitive advantage in the industry.

TOP & BOTTOM: Garage Society’s coworking space in Sheung Wan

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

HYDERABAD, INDIA EPAM 090

EPAM: CREATING AN INNOVATIVE AND COLLABORATIVE WORKPLACE THROUGH OFFICE DESIGN

PEOPLE & ENGAGEMENT

EPAM 203,256 SQUARE FEET | DESIGN & BUILD

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EPAM HYDERABAD, INDIA

Often, the most challenging aspect to design is not providing the solution but determining what question you are trying to answer. And that’s what our clients look for with our design experience and expertise – to help identify the gaps and fill them in.

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s a product development, digital platform engineering, and top digital and product design agency, EPAM’s global teams work in collaboration with its customers in over 25 countries around the world.

Driving digital excellence across so many regions is not an easy task, but EPAM has cracked the code to success. The company’s motto is simple – value each individual employee and go the extra mile to turn every complex business challenge into a real business outcome. This helps the company maintain a strong focus on customer satisfaction.

So when the company opened a new digital engineering centre in Hyderabad, they reached out to Space Matrix for help in creating an office design concept to spark creativity and drive innovation. Here’s how we designed the space to bring EPAM’s vision to life.

A STRONG FOCUS ON WELLBEING EPAM places strong importance on employee wellbeing and collaboration – and its office space reflects that. The cafeteria is a great example of how a space can be designed to promote a feeling of community and teamwork. This cafeteria is not simply where colleagues come together for

TOP & LEFT: Reception and collaboration area

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HYDERABAD, INDIA EPAM

a cup of coffee or a bite to eat – it’s also a space to host larger gatherings like town halls, celebrations and viewing parties for live sporting events.

We incorporated several wooden elements to give the place a warm, natural look and added bright lanterns and accent seating for a playful pop of colour. In fact, the wooden baffle ceilings and wood-panelled columns have another function too – they help control the acoustics of the room, making it suitable for when the cafeteria brings together over 300 employees for larger company events.

The recreation room, the cafeteria and the library are all located on the central level of the three-floor office, making them easily accessible for employees on every floor.

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DYNAMIC AND COLLABORATIVE WORK AREAS FOR EMPLOYEES In keeping with EPAM’s values, we wanted to create a space that would cater to the needs of employees, individually and as a team. We designed an open work area that’s divided into smaller ‘neighbourhoods’ for each team.

Each neighbourhood consists of several workstations and collaborative spaces. From our initial conversations with EPAM employees, we learned that the majority of teams rely on brainstorming sessions and in-person discussions to further their work. To encourage this collaboration, these neighbourhoods are sectioned off with movable screens that also serve as writing walls. So when an employee or team needs some privacy, they can move the screen to create a semi-enclosed space and then open the area up again.

TOP: Open workstations

LEFT: Corridor in front of the library, connecting the neighborhoods

TOP: Board rooms with operable wall

BOTTOM LEFT & RIGHT: Collaboration zones located in each workstation neighbourhood

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

HYDERABAD, INDIA EPAM 096 TOP & BOTTOM LEFT: Cafeteria

BOTTOM RIGHT: Customer breakout

We also included small meeting pods in each neighbourhood for teams to have fully private discussions.

Designed to look like islands throughout the open work area, each pod is surrounded by glazed partitions instead of solid walls. This affords enough privacy without compromising the openness of the space.

VISUAL REMINDERS OF BRAND IDENTITY The top floor of the office houses the boardrooms, client-facing areas, various VIP and interview rooms, and The Garage, which is EPAM’s innovation lab. Customers and guests who come to the office arrive here first when they visit. EPAM’s brand is incorporated into the design to enable any visitor to immediately recognize the logo and brand colours. The main reception area features stunning, hand-painted artwork of Indian monuments to represent engineering excellence.

The hallways and sitting areas throughout the office feature 3D installations, thread work and anamorphic graphics with words that capture EPAM’s culture and values, like ‘perspective’ and ‘dynamic’. As a nod to the company’s value of creativity, an interactive magnetic wall enables people to create origami artwork.

These are just a few ways in which we helped EPAM stand out with its design strategy. Wondering how you can better optimise your workspace? Reach out to us for a consultation.

TOP: Recreation zone

BOTTOM: Visual reminders of Epam’s brand values

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

TAIPEI, TAIWAN MICROSOFT 098

MICROSOFTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TAIPEI OFFICE: WORKPLACE DESIGN FOR A STRONG CULTURE

STRATEGY & INNOVATION

MICROSOFT 75,000 SQUARE FEET | INTERIOR DESIGN

TAIPEI, TAIWAN MICROSOFT 100 THIS PICTURE: Reception area adjacent to large board room

When Microsoft transcended into a new generation of innovations, they wanted an office that encapsulated this refreshed design thinking - one which humanises technology and innovation.

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ith that goal in mind, they partnered with Space Matrix, a leading office interior design and renovation firm, to capture this aspiration for their 75,000 square foot Taipei office. The new office space showcases how their technology can enhance and elevate the human experience.

Modelled after Taiwan’s neighbourhoods and natural landscapes, we asked the project team how the Microsoft office was designed to foster a stronger work culture, while creating a more comfortable and personal work environment.

BRINGING EMPLOYEES ONBOARD WITH THEIR NEW OFFICE SPACE The main challenge for us: introduce Microsoft’s workplace design guidelines to a team who has worked successfully out of the same office for over a decade. These teams had grown accustomed to the existing infrastructure. Microsoft’s guidelines would replace the traditional office layout with new spaces that fit each team’s working requirements.

Through the use of formal and informal spaces, we designed an environment that would accommodate a variety of agile functions. This includes a mix of seating options and surface heights to cater for different working styles.

Along with that, the design consists of spaces for both individual and collaborative work. Some examples include team rooms, phone booths and open discussion areas.

TOP: Interactive welcome screens located at the reception

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

TAIPEI, TAIWAN

COLLABORATING WITH THE CLIENT FOR A SMOOTH WORKPLACE DESIGN An emotionally invested design journey is key to successful change. We defined a spatial experience that was unique to Taipei, bringing forth the people’s fortitude and diversity. We engaged with stakeholders at every step to synergize their requirements. This helped us to customise solutions that aligned to the organisation’s new workplace guidelines.

Moira Boullé, Senior Workplace Strategist at Microsoft International commented, “The design team on this project were extremely committed to our project and it’s been a pleasure working with them!”

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MELDING COMPANY CULTURE WITH LOCAL CULTURE The cultural alignment of an organisation is often a key to its success. Taking this into consideration, we developed a soulful “Formosa” (beautiful island) experience that reflects Taiwan’s rich culture and heritage.

Several cultural references were taken from Taiwan’s landscape and re-imagined into design elements throughout the office. For instance, take Taiwan’s popular and bustling night markets. Through flashy signs and wall paintings, you can imagine being in the market while seated in Microsoft’s kitchenette. Daily life and images of the Nanfangao Fishing Port were also recreated on other walls around the workplace.

TOP & MIDDLE: Meeting rooms

BOTTOM: Semi-private collaboration area

SEVERAL CULTURAL REFERENCES WERE TAKEN FROM TAIWAN’S LANDSCAPE AND RE-IMAGINED INTO DESIGN ELEMENTS THROUGHOUT THE OFFICE. FOR INSTANCE, TAKE TAIWAN’S POPULAR AND BUSTLING NIGHT MARKETS. THROUGH FLASHY SIGNS AND WALL PAINTINGS, YOU CAN IMAGINE BEING IN THE MARKET WHILE SEATED IN MICROSOFT’S KITCHENETTE. DAILY LIFE AND IMAGES OF THE NANFANGAO FISHING PORT WERE ALSO RECREATED ON OTHER WALLS AROUND THE WORKPLACE.

THIS PICTURE: Corridor from the lift-lobby into the work area

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TAIPEI, TAIWAN MICROSOFT 104 TOP: Theater

BOTTOM LEFT & RIGHT: Different themed lounges with small kitchenettes located on each floor

Together with the use of greenery and communal spaces, the design for meeting and waiting areas created an inviting and homely environment. All in a bid to encourage a warm, sociable vibe to both visitors and the team.

MAKING A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION First impressions can often make or break a design project.

Fortunately, the initial Microsoft pitch concept made it to the final design with no further amendments. While that tends to seem impossible on paper, this project shows that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always wise to make the pitch count. With the green light, ultimately, the Space Matrix project team invested 18 weeks to detail and deliver our vision for this 75,000 square foot project.

The end result? An expansive and collaborative work environment that takes inspiration from Taiwanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neighbourhood and daily life. Seamlessly, the overall design infused local culture into office life.

The all new Microsoft Taipei is an office where employees can be efficient, productive and relax in a comfortable environment they identify closely with.

TOP: Taiwan Riverfront themed lounge and kitchenette

BOTTOM: Large board room

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

GURGAON, INDIA AIRBNB 106

AIRBNBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW GURGAON OFFICE: THE JOURNEY BEHIND TRANSFORMING A WAREHOUSE INTO AN INNOVATIVE OFFICE SPACE

STRATEGY & INNOVATION

AIRBNB 7,369 SQUARE FEET | DESIGN & BUILD

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AIRBNB GURGAON, INDIA

Airbnb is a community where people can list, explore and book accommodations around the world. The San Francisco-based company has over four million lodging listings and is present in more than 65,000 cities and 191 countries. The brand embodies innovation in the hospitality sector and fun and adventure in its work culture. Their workplaces are a reflection of these qualities.

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n industrial warehouse was the chosen location for Airbnb’s new global facility in Gurgaon, India. They wanted to retain the industrial look and feel of the warehouse while assimilating the company’s values and philosophy into the space. Using Airbnb’s core identity and “Belong Anywhere” brand philosophy, Space Matrix design partners successfully transformed this warehouse into an innovative workspace.

Here are the key considerations that were taken into account when designing this unique and spectacular workplace: REFLECTING THE COMPANY’S GLOBAL IMAGE Airbnb wanted a quirky yet functional workspace in line with its international design standards. Their global offices tend to use neutral and subtle schemes with minimal and clean finishes. However, this space had to speak for itself, as well as defy conventional workspace planning to reflect a unique brand experience.

The biggest challenge was developing a sophisticated and free flow design that exhibited the same language as other Airbnb offices across the globe, while incorporating

LEFT & RIGHT: Reception and multifunction zone

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GURGAON, INDIA AIRBNB 110

elements of local culture into the design features. This was because the warehouse had robust column beam structures. Capacity, area and location were also important considerations in the planning process.

The Space Matrix solution was to work closely with the Airbnb Environments team to address and resolve challenges at every stage. This included stringent quality control and health and safety checks.

A common element in Airbnb offices is to have themed meeting rooms that are modelled after prominent listings. These meeting zones are an opportunity to provide an experiential, design-oriented representation of Airbnb listings across the world. Innovative styling and props that represent the essence of each location were hence essential. Although each listing provides a unique experience, the Goa and Kuala Lumpur listings have received particularly amazing responses from the happy users.

Being in a country rich with culture, it was also important to infuse local essence into the design. Some design elements that incorporate an Indian flavour include intricate hand-painted artwork with ornate floral and geometrical intermixing of patterns and lattice patterns reminiscent of Indian art forms. Additionally, handmade ceramic tiles, terrazzo flooring, bamboo cladding and handpainted local motifs have been used.

FOSTERING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY It was important to have a defined space typology that was specific to function. Yet it was also necessary to ensure interaction and build a sense of community amongst employees. Space Matrix has efficiently achieved this with open community spaces and exciting alcoves like the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chai Barâ&#x20AC;?, caves and duck-ins.

Nature was also extensively incorporated into the workspace. This was achieved with extensive usage of bamboo cladding on the walls and bulkhead. This

TOP: Meeting room

THIS PICTURE: Informal seating located in the corridor along side the meeting rooms

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

GURGAON, INDIA AIRBNB 112 TOP: Collaboration area

BOTTOM LEFT: Refreshment area

BOTTOM RIGHT: Meeting room

BEING IN A COUNTRY RICH WITH CULTURE, IT WAS ALSO IMPORTANT TO INFUSE LOCAL ESSENCE INTO THE DESIGN. SOME DESIGN ELEMENTS THAT INCORPORATE AN INDIAN FLAVOUR INCLUDE INTRICATE HANDPAINTED ARTWORK WITH ORNATE FLORAL AND GEOMETRICAL INTERMIXING OF PATTERNS AND LATTICE PATTERNS REMINISCENT OF INDIAN ART FORMS.

created an outside-in effect whilst maintaining the sophistication of the design. Innovative light fixtures carved out of natural bamboo were also installed and seasoned natural wood was used for furniture and the chai bar counter. Reclaimed wood was used to frame writing surfaces and add more definition to the context.

The mix of various elements and the use of cushions, plants and various props make the collaborative zones more welcoming and warm.

Through this amalgamation of design concepts, Space Matrix was able to transform the industrial space into a unique collaborative workspace for an innovative company.

PROVIDING FLEXIBILITY IN SPACE UTILISATION Warehouses can have immense potential for refurbishment as they offer lots of space. Having ample space and volume allowed the design team to ensure that the workspace planning was flexible and versatile. Airbnb is a large community and it was important to infuse diversity in design and create synthesis between spaces.

This was done by first analysing the work culture and functional demands of the end users.

After gaining a better understanding of the cultural aspects, ethos and attributes of Airbnb, the main task was to incorporate these into the space planning. Space Matrix was able to utilise each nook and corner of the site and present an amazing choice of spaces. These include a sunken collaboration area beneath a rooftop multi-functional zone and a vibrant stepped seating events area.

Each collaborative area sees fresh elements such as different seating types. Other interesting spaces include distinct types of duck-ins for individual focused work.

The obvious exposed structure of the warehouse gives bold character to the overall space. Additionally, smart utilisation of space allows for smooth transitions between one area to the next. Though it was a challenge to incorporate an elite feel into this unique location, careful planning has culminated in a balanced space that stirs the senses of anyone who steps into the office.

TOP: Collaboration zone located in main work area

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

OFFICE CONCEPT

FITTING INTERIORS

FITTING INTERIORS

DISCOVER THE RIGHT FIT & BALANCE WITH CAREFUL MATERIAL SELECTION

HERMAN MILLER | COSM CHAIRS C&R | VT SIT-TO-STAND TABLES & JMESH CHAIRS ARTWRIGHT | STYLISH INTEGRATED SYSTEMS ZENPRO | VIS-A-VIS PHONE BOOTH OASIS | HORRA COLLECTION

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INTERFACE | VISUAL CODE™ & DRAWN LINES™

COSM by Herman Miller

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COSM BY STUDIO 7.5 HERMAN MILLER

DEFY GRAVITY COSM SETS A NEW STANDARD FOR PERSONALIZED ERGONOMIC COMFORT, THANKS TO ITS SOPHISTICATED DESIGN FEATURES THAT ADJUSTS TO YOUR BODY AUTOMATICALLY.

THIS PICTURE: Designed by Studio 7.5, Cosm is Herman Miller’s first task chair integrated with an Auto-Harmonic Tilt™ system.

COSM BY STUDIO 7.5

HERMAN MILLER

TO EXPERIENCE COSM IS TO FORGET GRAVITY. YOU JUST WANT TO SIT DOWN, FORGET ABOUT GRAVITY AND GET PERFECT COMFORT WITHOUT ANY ADJUSTMENTS.

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ou have to sit on a Cosm to believe it: this chair offers more than instant, immense comfort; it intuitively harmonizes with your body no matter how you are seated. Yet another ergonomic masterpiece

by Herman Miller, Cosm is the brand’s first task chair with an automatic tilt that puts people’s comfort first.

Designed by Berlin-based Studio 7.5, the studio intended for Cosm to be a gravity-free experience. “To experience Cosm is to forget gravity,” says Studio 7.5.

“Comfort is the absence of awareness. You just want to sit down, forget about gravity and get perfect comfort without any adjustments.”

Integrated with the Auto-Harmonic Tilt™ system, Cosm instantaneously adjusts itself to the best height and ergonomic position – there’s no need to fiddle with any knobs or levers to get to a comfortable posture.

Unlike conventional auto-tilt chairs in the market which expects the user’s body to follow its mechanism, Cosm does just the opposite – as soon as you sit on it, the chair tilts fluidly to correspond with your body, posture, and seated position. Along with three different back heights and stool options, Cosm also features the industry first’s Leaf Arms™, which precisely cradles your elbow in a variety of positions.

With its “dipped-in-colour” aesthetic, Cosm is a handsome workplace accoutrement for any contemporary office setting. The chair features one hue from top to bottom, creating a cohesive appearance that enhances the sculptural quality of the chair. Cosm is available in six shades – three new saturated hues and three classic Herman Miller neutrals.

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HERMANMILLER.COM/ASIA

TOP: Adjustments using knobs or levers are not required as Cosm intuitively adjusts itself to the best ergonomic position as soon as you sit down.

BOTTOM LEFT & RIGHT: Available in three different back heights, Cosm gives you instant comfort wherever you work.

TOP: The chair features a “dipped-in-colour” aesthetic which gives the chair a single hue from top to bottom to create a cohesive appearance.

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

C&R VT SIT-TO-STAND & J MESH 122

PERFECT MATCH VT SIT-TO-STAND TABLES AND J MESH CHAIRS WORK IN PERFECT HARMONY, OFFERING YOU ULTIMATE ERGONOMIC COMFORT SO YOU CAN FOCUS ON PUTTING YOUR BEST WORK FORWARD. THIS PICTURE: Inspired by fractals found in nature, Drawn Lines™ was designed to be fully recyclable through our recycling system, ReEntry™.

TOP: As with Interface’s entire product portfolio, Drawn Lines™ and Visual Code™ come carbon neutral as a standard at no extra cost.

THIS PICTURE: With their own unique OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA ergonomic features, the VT Sit-to-Stand table and J MESH office chair are designed to complement each other.

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VT SIT-TO-STAND & J MESH

C&R

VERSATILE AS A STANDALONE PIECE, YET COMPLEMENTARY WHEN PAIRED TOGETHER, THE VT SIT-TO-STAND TABLE AND J MESH CHAIR GIVE YOU A FULL RANGE OF ERGONOMIC BENEFITS.

TOP: The VT Sit-to-Stand Table comes in a variety of height-adjustable models to meet different requirements.

BOTTOM: The VT Sit-to-Stand Table helps you transition between seated and standing working postures seamlessly via its user-friendly heightadjustable controls.

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ptimal ergonomic comfort is synonymous with maximum productivity in the workplace.

Thus, office furniture should ultimately ensure good posture and offer comfortable heights – all of which results in higher productivity. However, neither sitting too long nor standing all day is good for health – here’s where office furniture should also help you transition between these two positions easily. With the VT Sit-to-Stand tables and J MESH chairs, you can now have the best of both worlds.

Designed to help you transition between seated and standing working postures seamlessly, the VT Sit-toStand table comes with integrated electric controls that let you quickly and effortlessly adjust the work surface to your preferred height. When used with an ergonomically designed chair like J MESH, you can enjoy the benefits of frequent healthy movement and good sitting posture.

The J MESH office chair offers a well-rounded set of features that ensures superb comfort as you sit and work for hours. These include the streamlined-shape seating pad which alleviates pressure on your thighs as well as an adjustable seat depth and front support for better posture. J MESH also features a double-structure curved mesh back which aligns with the shape of your back without deflecting while allowing air to circulate naturally around your body.

Made to complement each other, the VT Sit-to-Stand table and J MESH office chair give you just the right dose of healthy posture and easy movement. Being more active inherently boosts efficiency and productivity in the workplace, contributing to a better working experience in the long run.

CNRINTERIORS.COM.SG

TOP & BOTTOM: The J MESH office chair features a streamlined-shape seat, an adjustable seat depth and front support as well as a double-structure curved mesh back.

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ARTWRIGHT STYLISH INTEGRATED SYSTEMS 126

THE ART OF WORKSPACE DESIGN CREATIVE INNOVATION AND A KEEN SENSITIVITY TOWARDS TODAY’S WORKPLACE TRENDS PUT ARTWRIGHT IN THE SPOTLIGHT AS A BRAND RENOWNED FOR ITS FUTURE-FORWARD OFFICE INTERIOR SOLUTIONS. THIS PICTURE: Inspired by fractals found in nature, Drawn Lines™ was designed to be fully recyclable through our recycling system, Photographer: Jack, Shea Studio ReEntry™.

TOP: As with Interface’s entire product portfolio, Drawn Lines™ and Visual Code™ come carbon neutral as a standard at no extra cost.

THIS PICTURE: Artwright offers fully-integrated OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA office interior solutions that complement modern workplace culture and dynamics.

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TODAY’S WORKSPACES NEED TO SUPPORT OUR NEED FOR CREATIVITY AND OPTIMAL WELL-BEING. HERE’S WHERE RENOWNED OFFICE FURNITURE BRAND ARTWRIGHT IS LEADING THE WAY TOWARDS HIGHER STANDARDS OF WORKSPACE ENVIRONMENT.

THIS PICTURE: Artwright CubeTM open-spaceoffice system. Artwright’s collections range from office furniture systems, electronic height adjustments desking and ergonomic seating to storage solutions, creative products for collaborative areas and more.

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oday’s office is more than just a utilitarian space to get work done. The modern-day work environment has now evolved to a place where ideas are shared, collaborations are formed and relationships are built. Thus, to be productive and effective, workspaces need to support our need for creativity and optimal well-being. One of the ways to do so is through ergonomic workplace design, and here’s where renowned office furniture brand Artwright is leading the way towards higher standards of workspace environment.

A brand known for its thoughtful and cutting-edge designs delivered by consistently high quality products, Artwright offers fully-integrated office interior solutions that meet current workplace trends. To date, the brand is internationally recognised and installed at leading multinational companies worldwide. This is made possible through the brand’s intensive focus on research and development which results in high quality design solutions that cater to a state-of-the-art office environment.

In its product portfolio, Artwright’s collections range from office furniture systems, electronic height adjustments desking and ergonomic seating to storage solutions, creative products for collaborative areas and more. Recently introduced at the Orgatec 2018 trade show in Cologne, Germany, the T1 Rise and System i3 are perfect examples of Artwright’s innovative workplace solutions. Riding on the design distinction of System T1, the T1 Rise shares the sleek clean lines in an electronic height adjustable desk. The PIEZO anti-collision technology is also built into every desk as a main safety feature to prevent material damage to the desk or injury if collision

TOP: Artwright System B2 desking with EX21 chairs. Artwright’s chairs are designed to respond to specific ergonomic requirements.

BOTTOM: A conducive workplace offers plenty of opportunity for interaction and communication – Artwright’s products align with this evolving need effectively.

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ARTWRIGHT STYLISH INTEGRATED SYSTEMS 130

with a solid object occurs. System i3 on the other hand, offers a series of powerful features including seamless transition functions, two-sided substrate, the full ability to be a pole system as well as full wire management facility at various segregated heights.

Artwright’s VTor chair is the latest ergonomic masterpiece to grace the brand’s impressive product line. Designed to elevate seating ergonomics to a new benchmark with its Limited Tilt Dynamics features, VTor encourages movement to improve the health of its users.

This chair features a revolutionary tilt engine with five easy limited stop functions to align with different work styles, helping users to get into their best productive performance.

Crafted to complement current workplace culture, Artwright’s CUBETM modular open-space-system furniture

TOP: A variety of materials and colours are available, allowing users to match different Artwright pieces with their office interior style.

responds to workplace trends that demand more interactions and collaborations to stay ahead of competition.

Modular, and completely versatile, CUBE offers a myriad of configurations and borderless space.

Quality and the environment are at the heart of Artwright products. Adhering to ISO 14001 environmental control compliance and ISO 9001 quality compliance the Artwright Office Environment policy ensures materials are carefully selected based on whether they are safe and ecologically sound throughout their life cycle. All Artwright products also come with a 10-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

ARTWRIGHT.COM

THIS PICTURE: Artwright CUBE TM open-spaceoffice system with CHESSTM stools. Artwright also provides different furniture types for a variety of purposes in the office environment.

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

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VIS-A-VIS ZENPRO

PRIVACY

BY DESIGN

WHATEVER HAPPENS IN THE VIS-A-VIS, STAYS IN THE VIS-A-VIS. A MUST-HAVE IN EVERY OPEN OFFICE, THIS WORKPLACE PHONE BOOTH GIVES USERS COMPLETE PRIVACY WHEN THEY NEED TO GET IMPORTANT THINGS DONE.

THIS PICTURE: Stylish yet highly functional, the Vis-a-Vis is a relocatable phone booth that resolves the need for a quiet and private place in an open office.

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WHETHER YOU NEED TO MAKE THAT CALL WITHOUT THE WHOLE OFFICE LISTENING TO YOU OR FOCUS ON GETTING YOUR PRESENTATION DONE, VIS-A-VIS IS FULLY-FACILITATED TO HELP YOU WORK PRODUCTIVELY.

THIS PICTURE: To make it comfortable for the user, the Vis-a-Vis is designed with thoughtful features including LED-controlled lighting and excellent ventilation as well as the option to furnish it with a stool and shelf.

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hile open offices promote better collaboration and communication among co-workers, they also contribute to distraction in the workplace. To remedy this, ZenPro has the perfect solution: the that offers total privacy in the workplace.

Whether you need to make that call without the whole office listening to you or focus on getting your presentation done, Vis-a-Vis is fully-facilitated to help you work productively. For starters, Vis-a-Vis comes with acoustic security which means this nifty booth cuts away outside noises while ensuring inside conversations are eavesdrop-proofed. Incorporated into each booth is the option of furnishing it with a height-adjustable upholstered stool as well as a shelf which supports laptops, tablets and other digital equipment. Additionally, there is also an international power socket with USB charger which ensures devices are well-charged at all times.

Designed with a see-through double-glazed laminated safety glass windows at its front and rear, the transparent aesthetic of Vis-a-Vis not only provides clear visibility of its surroundings, it also keeps the booth well-lit along with the help of an energy-efficient LED sensor-controlled lighting. You can also breathe easy in the booth as the Vis-a-Vis comes equipped with a superb ventilation system that reduces unwanted heat inside the booth and ensures good circulation of air continuously.

Available in a variety of modern surfaces and colours, Vis-a-Vis blends in with contemporary office interiors effortlessly. And, if you ever want to relocate the Vis-a-Vis, you can easily dismantle it – thanks to the booth’s standalone sturdy construction which comes with a “knock down” (kd) design.

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TOP: With its see-through double-glazed laminated safety glass windows at its front and rear, Vis-a-Vis’ transparent aesthetic provides clear visibility of its surroundings.

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OASIS FURNITURE HORRA@ARTE COMO 136

HOORAY FOR HORRA COMPACT AND CONSISTENT IN DESIGN, THE HORRAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FLEXIBILITY IN OFFERING MULTIPLE WORKPLACE CATEGORIES MAKES IT AN IDEAL SPACE-SAVING FURNITURE OPTION FOR OPEN-PLAN WORKPLACES.

THIS PICTURE: Zoning with the HORRA furniture series can go a long way in creating spaces that are clearly defined within an open-plan area.

OASIS FURNITURE HORRA@ARTE COMO 138

ACTING AS AN INVITING ZONE AND AS A FOCAL POINT IN THE OFFICE SPACE, THE HORRA PROMOTES CONNECTION AND INTERACTION AS PART OF THE WORKPLACE CULTURE.

TOP: HORRA Gather is a communal zone designed to support creative teamwork and impromptu meetings, and is appropriate for more compact spaces.

BOTTOM: With its generous footprint of 20 sqm, the HORRA Fitness is intended as a touchdown area equipped with fitness equipment to create a fun and interactive space.

T

he biggest change in modern workplaces has been the eschewing of internal walls to create large open-plan layouts. However, thanks to Oasis Furniture’s HORRA collection, these open-plan workplaces can become more flexible to allow for the varied demands of people who work there.

Inspired by mobile “anywhere workers” who are empowered to work in the way that works best for them, the HORRA is a series of furniture systems that transform a fixed and formal workplace into a space that caters for a variety of preferences and work modes.

Designed in 3 different space sizes, the HORRA collection comprises of the HORRA Gather, HORRA Revivify and HORRA Fitness. These modular systems carve out semi-private zones that are clearly defined within an open-plan area, allowing for more than one employee to be in the space at a time.

Specially tailored to be used without shoes, the series can be outfitted with matching seating, tables, whiteboard with stand, and shelves to form flexible, fluid work areas that address the need for contemplation, collaboration and creativity within the workplace. The components can be mixed and matched to form various configurations within a space, while options for power and data further make the HORRA appropriate for an array of workplace applications.

The HORRA Gather has a modest footprint of 9 sqm that can comfortably accommodate 4 to 7 users while the 16 sqm HORRA Revivify is suitable for 9 to 13 occupants. The HORRA Fitness is the most spacious at 20 sqm, and is intended to be an inviting touchdown-cumfitness zone for 7 to 11 users.

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TOP: HORRA Revivify, measuring 16 sqm, is a contemplative space with a soothing ambience for employees to recharge, get light tasks done as well as for collaborative sessions.

BOTTOM: Available in two sizes, HORRA floor tables can be easily stacked and stored away on HORRA shelving.

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INTERFACE VISUAL CODE™ & DRAWN LINES™ 140

THAT’S ONE POWERFUL FLOOR OUR LATEST CARPET AND LVT COLLECTION ARE CARBON NEUTRAL AT NO EXTRA COST TO OUR CUSTOMERS – JUST LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE WE SELL. BETTER PRODUCTS, HAPPIER PEOPLE, HEALTHIER PLANET.

THIS PICTURE: Our LVT collections are designed to fit seamlessly alongside our carpet tile offerings to form an integrated hard and soft flooring system without the need for transition strips.

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PEI DESIGNED DRAWN LINES™ USING A NEVER-ENDING PATTERN, ENHANCED BY A BASE OF SMOKY BRIGHTS, COOL AND WARM NEUTRALS. THE GEO-WOVEN PATTERN IS ACCENTED BY THREADS OF METALLIC, WHICH ADD SHIMMER AND DEPTH.

THIS PICTURE: Inspired by fractals found in nature, Drawn Lines™ was designed to be fully recyclable through our recycling system, ReEntry™.

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he world we live in is globalising, shrinking, technologizing and polarising more than ever before. Now more than ever, business as usual is out. At Interface, we were awoken to this when a customer asked us in 1994 what we were doing for the environment – and we had no answers.

Since then, guided by our audacious promise to eliminate any harm we may do to the environment by 2020, we’ve established a track record of creating beautiful interior spaces which positively impact the people who use them and our planet. Today we are focused on our next mission – running our business in a way that reverses global warming and creates a climate fit for life.

With our eyes on this new mission we call Climate Take Back™, we unveiled our newest carpet tile collection and LVT product, Visual Code™ and Drawn Lines™ during NeoCon (Chicago USA) in June 2018. In equal parts inspired by technology and nature, they’re designed to be displayed on their own or paired together to deliver an uncomplicated, cutting-edge solution for a range of spaces such as corporate offices, healthcare, multi-family living and education.

We also announced that 100% of the products we sell will be third-party verified as carbon neutral. With Carbon Neutral Floors™, our customers can reduce their carbon footprint and meet their sustainability goals with one simple step, at no additional cost.

Two designs. Endless design possibilities. That’s a whole lot to be positive about.

HIGH-TECH, MEET HIGH-TOUCH - VISUAL CODE™ Whereas engaging with computers until recently was a this-or-that proposition – you logged screen time at your desk or stepped away from it – technology is now thoroughly integrated into our lives. What’s more, some makers of technology have begun giving their gadgets a warmth and tactility that humanises their constant presence.

Visual Code™ is designed by David Oakey, a product designer exclusive to Interface, and marries the worlds of high-tech and high-touch. This carpet collection of ten different patterns pulls inspiration from images of glitch graphics and simple textures, which recall traditional woven fabrics and rugs, and is accentuated by a palette comprised of greys and pops of bright, bold colours.

The collection seamlessly pairs with our LVT collection, Drawn Lines™, to deliver an integrated floor design beautifully combining hard and soft modular tiles without the need for transition strips. It boldly sets a new course for design in corporate offices, education and multi-family living spaces by stylistically spanning hand-crafted materials and technological influence. To learn more about this beautiful collection, visit interface.com/SEA/ en-SEA/collections/visual-code.

FRACTALS, MEET FUNCTION - DRAWN LINES™ Drawn Lines™, our latest global LVT product, is designed

by Kari Pei, our lead product designer, and offers a distinct pattern inspired by fractals found in nature. The

TOP: As with Interface’s entire product portfolio, Drawn Lines™ and Visual Code™ come carbon neutral as a standard at no extra cost.

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

INTERFACE VISUAL CODE™ & DRAWN LINES™

VISUAL CODE™ IS DESIGNED BY DAVID OAKEY, A PRODUCT DESIGNER EXCLUSIVE TO INTERFACE, AND MARRIES THE WORLDS OF HIGH-TECH AND HIGH-TOUCH. THIS CARPET COLLECTION OF TEN DIFFERENT PATTERNS PULLS INSPIRATION FROM IMAGES OF GLITCH GRAPHICS AND SIMPLE TEXTURES, WHICH RECALL TRADITIONAL WOVEN FABRICS AND RUGS, AND IS ACCENTUATED BY A PALETTE COMPRISED OF GREYS AND POPS OF BRIGHT, BOLD COLOURS.

collection uses nature’s geometric patterns as a muse to guide layered filament-fine marks in varying weights and rhythms to create a prismatic geometry in an array of scales. Pei designed Drawn Lines™ using a never-ending pattern, enhanced by a base of smoky brights, cool and warm neutrals. The geo-woven pattern is accented by threads of metallic, which add shimmer and depth. Visit interface.com/SEA/en-SEA/campaign/positive-spaces/ Drawn-Lines-Inspiration-Kari-Pei-en_SEA to learn more about our stunning Drawn Lines™ collection.

Alongside our entire LVT portfolio, Drawn Lines™ is produced with a controlled material stream, so it can be reclaimed and recycled into our GlasBac™RE recycled content backing through our recycling system, ReEntry™.

It’s also designed with our Sound Choice™ proprietary backing that is Quiet Mark™ certified for its superior noise reduction qualities and completely free of orthophthalate plasticisers, heavy metal ingredients, added formaldehyde and any other ingredients that could contaminate our recycling system.

CARBON NEUTRAL FLOORS™ During NeoCon 2018, we also announced that every single product across our entire portfolio is now carbon neutral – at no extra cost to our customers. This enables all our customers, no matter where on our planet they are located, to reduce the carbon impact of their projects.

Interface is the first global flooring manufacturer to offer carbon neutral floors as standard on our entire product line of soft and hard surfaces.

We’ve done the work and reduced the carbon footprint of our products across the entire product lifecycle by over 60%. That’s why it is economically viable – and more importantly, environmentally responsible – for us to offset the remainder by investing in carbon offset projects. This year, we will offset around 400,000 tonnes of carbon emissions as part of the program – equivalent to the carbon absorbed annually by over 2,000 square kilometres of forest.

In keeping with our more than 20-year commitment to sustainability, we have taken a holistic approach to carbon neutrality, looking beyond carbon emissions from manufacturing to consider and calculate emissions across the entire product lifecycle. This begins with raw materials and continues through manufacturing, transportation, maintenance and ultimately end-of-life product takeback and recycling through ReEntry™ and other disposal methods.

We’ve made it easy – the next step is up to you. For more information, please visit interface.com/carbonneutral.

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BOTTOM: Visual Code™ marries the worlds of high-tech and high-touch, pulling inspiration from images of glitch graphics and simple textures.

THIS PICTURE: Two designs. Endless design possibilities. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a whole lot to be positive about.

OFFICECONCEPT.ASIA

ODE TO ART

The Adventurer, 81x65cm, Oil on Canvas

Two Friends, 65x54cm, Oil on Canvas

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SPOTLIGHT

THE POETIC WORLD OF CHRISTIAN PENDELIO

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hristian Pendelio’s paintings bring to mind a world filled with treasure maps and unknown treasure chests; one never knows what they are getting into. Filled with symbolisms and allegories, Pendelio’s paintings are a microcosm of the world around us - intricate, laden with meanings, and mysterious. This series of paintings is filled with tales from here to yonder. They are a reflection of each of us and the stories we have been told while growing up, and the stories we tell our children as they are growing up.

Childhood memories are invaluable. If we compare our lives to a kind of “gold rush”, we as prospectors seek what is precious in life by shaking and turning gold pans in the water. Whatever enters the pans are mainly sifted out, but the prized treasures are always left behind at the bottom.

To Pendelio, childhood tales are the gold in our existence, and should remain with us throughout our lives. What the artist attempts to find through the art of painting is to achieve something close to this: the enjoyment, the surprising, the marvellous aspects of life - with perhaps a special touch of fantasy. After all, a child’s world is free of reality where the frontier between the real and imaginary world are completely abolished.

Pendelio attempted to explore reality and fantasy as two distinct yet conjoined points on a roof. The creation of these images was inspired by Paul Klee’s words: “Art does not reproduce the visible - it makes it.”

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