MKS GLOBAL: DESIGN AS A DISCIPLINE V12N3
DEC - MAR 2020
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WORKPLACE DESIGN + BUILD: FOSTERING INNOVATION THROUGH COLLABORATION | AN INVITING PLACE TO WORK AT IMMERSIVE PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE | ENGAGING ALL FIVE SENSES | BUILDING SENSE OF CREATIVE COMMUNITY
CNRINTERIORS.COM.SG
KATE Kate Desking defys linear gravity of design for its triad stable form. Thus, creates an instant “juxtaposition” in conventional spaces.
Designed with ergonomics in mind, our system furniture solutions will provide you with the highest levels of comfort, utility and durability. C&R Systems ergonomically designed office furnishings are certified for premium grade from the Singapore Environment Council and PSB for our storage cabinets, modular storage cabinets, mobile storage cabinets and system panels.
RETRAX
ENGAGING FOCUS WITHIN DYNAMIC OPEN-PLAN WORKSPACES A dynamic workspace solution, created with focus and interaction in mind. This collection strikes the perfect balance between privacy and collaboration with upholstered panels designed to bring together modular furniture elements into a cohesive whole. Ideal for modern office spaces to inspire creative productivity.
OFFICE CONCEPT PUBLISHER’S NOTE
FUSING TRADITION AND FUTURE-FORWARD DESIGN Workplace dynamics are in constant change, keeping design industry practitioners on their toes. With office-related needs growing ever more nuanced, it’s become essential to move beyond the realm of aesthetics in view of customised solutions that strike a balance between everyday functionality and providing a platform for social connections between employees.
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aving designed and built some of the most exceptional corporate interiors in the Asian region, this issue’s featured firm MKS Global knows a thing or two about workplaces that, well, work. Headquartered in Singapore, the established family-run business maintains 28 years of solid experience under its belt. Be it the head office of online retailer Zalora or a corporate space for the Aalto University Executive Education, the company holds true to its ongoing philosophy in merging modern design with traditional family values. This approach bears fruit in the form of impressive projects that successfully intertwine utility, personality and camaraderie. I’d like to express my appreciation to MKS Global for sharing its vision and for gracing Office Concepts pages with its outstanding works. No evolving modern office is complete without furniture solutions that enhance and inspire while aiding staffers with their workday endeavours. As always, we’ve put together some stunning picks, worthy of our informed readers. I normally shy away from naming favourites, but Okamura’s origami-inspired OREE desk system and Haworth’s mouthwatering collection created in partnership with Boss Design is simply too good to keep mum about. Finally, as we look towards into 2020, we’re aiming to embrace this iconic new year with a new and improved content structure for the magazine as well as more exciting collaborations with workplace design studios and product brands within the Asia-Pacific and beyond. Stay tuned for more…
Kenneth Khu k@kennethmedia.asia
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OREE by OKAMURA
H+R ISSUE 13
DECEMBER EDITION 2019
UNHURRIED LUXURY, NESTLED IN NATURE
ÖSCHBERGHOF BY JOI-DESIGN
KEEN OBSERVERS OF THE WORLD AS ONE OF EUROPE’S LEADING DESIGN STUDIOS, JOI-DESIGN DEVELOPED OVER 500 HOTEL PROJECTS. SINCE MORE THAN 35 YEARS THE TEAM CREATES CONCEPTS FOR PRIVATE BOUTIQUE HOTELS, TRENDY HOTSPOTS AND CELEBRATED LUXURY BRANDS. POETRY OF LUXURY AUTHENTICITY, MODERNITY AND NATURE ARE THE HALLMARKS OF SILVERSANDS, INTERPRETED USING INSPIRED DETAILS AND SIGNATURE PIECES BY KETTAL TO CREATE SPACES THAT BALANCE BETWEEN PRIVACY AND CONVIVIALITY.
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WORKSPACE DESIGN + BUILD THROWBACK TO THE GOLDEN ERA OF FINNISH DESIGN FOSTERING INNOVATION THROUGH COLLABORATION AN INVITING PLACE TO WORK AT IMMERSIVE PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE FAST FORWARD TO THE FUTURE COMMUNICATING WITH BRAND VALUES & CULTURE CREATING AN EXPERIENCE-BASED WORKPLACE ENGAGING ALL FIVE SENSES BUILDING A SENSE OF CREATIVE COMMUNITY
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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 MKS Global sales & marketing SENIOR SALES MANAGER Edmond Lee SALES EXECUTIVE Kelvin Ong publication PUBLISHER Kenneth Khu
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enquiries ADVERTISING advertising.oc@kennethmedia.asia EDITORIAL get.featured@kennethmedia.asia CONTRIBUTION join.us@kennethmedia.asia SUBSCRIPTION subscribe.oc@kennethmedia.asia website OFFICECONCEPTLIVE.COM | 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
RAY by BRUNNER
photo credits COVER: MKS GLOBAL SECTION OPENER: WORKSPACE DESIGN MKS GLOBAL FITTING INTERIORS OKAMURA 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) 102/01/2019 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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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.
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Shunning the run-of-the-mill look and feel of a high-functioning multipurpose contract programme, the Stripes collection is anything but mundane. Combining varied elements, namely sofa, chairs and versatile components in different sizes and heights, the collection was created with interchangeability in mind. Showcasing typical stripes quilting and sound absorbing qualities, the exceptional series, which incidentally offers the option of electric and USB sockets as well as lighting, is a godsend in just about any work setting.
Aptly named, Orangebox’s Coze collection will have staffers looking forward to Monday morning. Featuring high and low back configurations, the ergonomically fashioned work sofa is ideal for collaborative sessions as well as a restful respite or stylish waiting area perch. Brandishing details such as traditional buttoning and leather arm patches, Coze’s family of comely chairs is also a highlight, lending warmth and character to spaces. Who says you can’t feel at home at work?
A soft seating and coffee table collection with panache, Maysa embodies time-honoured craftsmanship in addition to understated luxury. Designed by Lyndon for Boss Design, this elegant series underscores the dramatic contrast between soft-as-a-cloud upholstery and the stark angularity of the slim-line timber frame. Intended for luxury hotel lounges, opulent lobbies and executive office spaces, Maysa’s bold and exciting forms won’t fail to impress, endowing communal areas with a hearty helping of class.
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Heavy, immovable furniture can lead to stagnated movement and inactivity at the workplace, impeding worker wellbeing. The Convo table puts an end to that. Designed to seat twelve people comfortably, the most sizable folding table in Orangebox’s range is simultaneously sturdy, maneuverable and lightweight. Its pared-down appearance belies the complex engineering that gives rise to its flip-top quality. Unbeatably flexible and portable, Convo infuses rigid work routines and formats with carefree fluidity.
Marrying traditional craftsmanship with modern forms, the Girsberger brand epitomises fine design and low-key elegance. The Swiss company’s recently launched Velum bears all the aforementioned hallmarks. The modular business lounge range’s cosy look and feel alludes to an upscale living area rather than a conventional workplace. Encompassing varyingly sized seating, Velum’s alluring use of warm wood and curtain-like panels that block out unnecessary distraction sets the stage for impeccable style and utility.
Versatility is a must when it comes to furnishing communal areas at the modern workplace. With Lounge, a new modular system by Giulio Marelli, the possibilities are endless. Consisting of soft components upholstered in fabric, leather or artificial leather, the system can be arranged and rearranged according to preference, culminating in ending compositions. Optional add-ons such as USB and electric sockets or side tables turn Lounge into a multilayered platform for success.
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KEY LINE
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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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Elegantly ergonomic, the Ray chair range by the Brunner Group has long been deemed a classic in the making. Both firm and indelibly supple, the group’s new pivoting conference chair has already gleaned industry-wide praise as well as a coveted Red Dot Award. Equipped with high-quality gliders and an integrated return mechanism with exceptional incline capacities, Ray facilitates active sitting during longer meetings, allowing for a healthier approach to one’s workday.
A subtle celebration of circular geometry, the 6850 Creva stool conveys stability and minimalist sophistication at first glance. Available as a standard or barstool in either a wooden or metal frame, this pared-back piece was created by design duo Kaschkasch for Kusch + Co and is well-suited in a diverse range of settings, public and private. Creva’s clean lines exude fuss-free simplicity as well as Kaschkasch’s penchant for merging innovation, functionality and aesthetics.
Office work surfaces were once rigidly permanent fixtures that dictated workers’ daily routines. Height adjustable tables such as the ACDC range have turned this dynamic around, aiding the ever-changing landscape of the modern workplace. The result of smart engineering and cutting edge design by Broome Jenkins, Boss Design’s innovative table system seamlessly gives way to solo and group work, owing to its deftly adjustable format and easy-peasy standing or sitting quick- switch options.
BRUNNER-GROUP.COM
JAAN SILENT
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FOSTER 620
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WORKPLACE DESIGN + BUILD
28 YEARS OF GREAT DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION – A FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS A
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t MKS Global, we believe that excellent designs are more than just about making spaces look good. Both functionality and performance must be integrated into the spatial design as it effectively determines the culture of your organisation and how it represents itself as a brand to the marketplace. Besides balancing both aesthetics and functionality in workspace designs, we also ensure that promised designs are sustainable and brought to life through a solid construction process – our very own in-house operations team. For more than 27 years, we have been listening to the needs of our clients and creating bespoke designs in tandem, that matches their current requirements but also takes into account the future-proofing of their corporate office environment, which is all the more relevant in today’s more mobile workforce. MKS Global helps to translate clients’ business goals and brings company brands to life by reinventing experiences and transforming connections in the workplace, creating an impact on occupants’ everyday lives and the business in more ways than one can imagine. TRADITIONAL VALUES PASSED DOWN FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT Our story began in 1991 when self-taught & hobbyist designer Michael Wu opened a small workshop at Golden Wall Centre in Singapore to cater to requests that had been coming in seeking his design and construction competencies. Prior to the opening, Michael had garnered multiple project management experiences from various industries including working side by side with director of Pico Art International, and had decided to move on to pursue his own dreams after. Since then, MKS Global has been established on a combination of Michael’s deep passion for design & his high expertise in project construction In 2009, Arthur Wu (Michael’s son) joined the company and further drove the company’s growth from infant staff strength of 5 to the present
full-fledged 60 members. Graduating with a Bachelor (Hon) in Chemical Engineering from National University of Singapore (NUS), Arthur leverages on his technical knowledge in engineering and works closely with our in-house designers & technical experts to guide clients in mechanical & electrical (M&E) works, data cabling & phone wiring, network, audio-visual and IT infrastructure works. The newest addition to the team is Michael’s daughter, Debbie Wu, who joined in 2017. Although a fresh frontrunner in this industry, she has proven herself with a track record of presenting and managing the implementation of innovative workspace solutions in the company. Besides graduating with a Bachelor (Hon) in Business Management from RMIT University of Australia, she has intentions to pursue further studies in the design field and has recently attained her certification in Interior Design from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) Singapore. Apart from Michael Wu’s children, other family members located in China are put in charge of managing the company’s system furniture factory in Xiamen, China. Our family members hold key importance in ensuring good quality control over MKS-labelled products, which are also given an exclusive five years warranty when clients purchase it. Today, as the second-generation leaders of MKS Global continue to expand their reach to other markets in Singapore, China, South Korea, Dubai, India and even opening more company subsidiaries such as M Chair Singapore (MCS), clients can be rest assured that the company’s traditional core values are still deeply rooted in the hearts of the new leaders. The company remains family-oriented, with key values centering on a strong work ethic, unwavering integrity, rich heritage, and a firm commitment to ensuring clients’ requirements are met. Be it globally or locally, clients can be rest assured that projects under MKS Global will always be handled with high expertise, strong responsibility and a firm commitment.
Q: SO MICHAEL, TELL US MORE ABOUT WHY IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE A WELL-DESIGNED OFFICE SPACE IN THIS DAY AND AGE? Michael: The designing of a good workplace is more relevant than ever today. This comes about as the world faces a global war for talent, job-hopping becomes the new norm, and employees become more mobile as they embrace concepts such as remote working. A good workplace design then combats these challenges by effectively increasing employees’ engagement with the company and improving productivity in the working space, which motivates employees to work harder and stay longer for the organisation. These days, companies need to differentiate themselves by creating office environments that enables productivity whilst also nurturing creativity, which is not always an easy feat. Q: WE’VE HEARD A LOT ABOUT HOW A GOOD WORKPLACE DESIGN KEEPS STAFF HAPPY. WHILE THIS IS IMPORTANT, HOW WOULD IT ALSO BE ABLE TO BENEFIT AN ORGANISATION? Arthur: A smart workplace design creates an environment that both enables and encourages staff to
work in ways that generate better results when they’re happier with their surroundings. Workplace design also helps to shape a company’s culture which affects employee happiness, engagement, and productivity; in turn, this inevitably affects profitability as well. Q: WE KNOW THAT MKS GLOBAL DEEPLY VALUES SUSTAINABILITY. HOW IS THE COMPANY THEN EQUIPPED TO KEEP TABS ON THE CURRENT TRENDS IN SUSTAINABILITY? Debbie: With Arthur’s technical knowledge in chemical processes and engineering, he is able to improve process productivity, source for greener quality materials and increase sustainability in our construction environment and processes – ultimately reducing cost and inefficiencies for our corporate clients. He is also a junior EXCO member of the Singapore Furniture Industrial Council to spearhead the Green Committee, which ensures that he keeps up with current trends in sustainability, and is committed in aligning all our green projects with LEED and BCA’s green mark requirements. MKSINGAPORE.COM
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AALTO UNIVERSITY EXECUTIVE EDUCATION
THROWBACK TO THE GOLDEN ERA OF FINNISH DESIGN
A CREATIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT FEATURING THE INTEGRATION OF WORK AND SOCIAL SPACES.
Aalto EE’s rich heritage and culture is reflected in the community and gallery space on the ground level featuring portraits of artists from the 1950s Helsinki era along the walls, alluding to Aalto EE’s longstanding heritage and origin.
AALTO UNIVERSITY EXECUTIVE EDUCATION 028 THIS PICTURE: Besides reflecting these core values of beauty, function and humanism, the space design also pays homage to being in culturally diverse Singapore by incorporating a touch of Peranakan in its design.
Aalto University Executive Education was looking for a design and build specialist for their Asia office in Singapore. The design intent was to create a cozy but conducive work environment with elements from the Golden Era of Finnish design from the 1950s coming into play, reflecting core values of beauty, function and humanism. The office design also pays homage to being in culturally diverse Singapore by incorporating a touch of Peranakan in its design.
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lto University Executive Education (Aalto EE) is a Finnish company offering thought-provoking executive education and leadership development services globally: customized solutions, MBA & DBA programs, and open enrollment programs. It is their mission to build a better world through better leadership and to educate a new generation of leaders with a global outlook and sense of diversity, integrity, and social responsibility. They’re an internationally recognized executive education and leadership development organization, and hold the ‘Triple Crown’ of accreditations – AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS – which is only granted to 0.5% of the world’s business schools. Aalto EE is ranked among the top 50 executive education providers in the Financial Times Executive Education overall ranking, which puts it within the top one percent of executive education providers in the world. They’re an internationally recognized executive education and leadership development organization, and hold the ‘Triple Crown’ of accreditations – AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS – which is only granted to 0.5% of the world’s business schools. Aalto EE is ranked among the top 50 executive education providers in the Financial Times Executive Education overall ranking, which puts it within the top one percent of executive education providers in the world.
TOP RIGHT: Art is deeply intertwined with Aalto EE’s roots – from the finishing touches to the chosen location of the office space – a heritage building on Armenian Street.
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AALTO UNIVERSITY EXECUTIVE EDUCATION
MORE ORIENTAL FURNISHING SUCH AS THE PERANAKAN-STYLE COMMUNAL TABLE AND SOFA LOUNGE SEATING WITH VIBRANT CUSHIONS FEATURING ORIENTAL FLOWERS AND PATTERNS ARE ALSO INTENDED AS A NOD TO THE ASIAN CULTURE IN SINGAPORE.
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Art is deeply intertwined with Aalto EE’s roots, as can be seen from the very visible role it plays in their Singapore office – from the finishing touches in the interior design reminiscent to nature to the chosen location of the office space – a heritage building on Armenian Street. Their new workspace occupies a unit on the ground floor and the second level, with the ground floor functioning as a community and gallery space with Nordic artworks. The second level consists of the primary work desks, as well as a cafe pantry area where informal discussions can also be held. Aalto EE’s rich heritage and culture is reflected in the community and gallery space on the ground level featuring portraits of artists from the 1950s Helsinki era along the walls, alluding to Aalto EE’s longstanding heritage and origin. This gallery also functions as a passageway with the Finnish artworks on display, serving as an inspiration to anyone passing through the walkway. The brass pendant lights and Nordic designer furnishing also reinforces the nostalgia of the Golden Era. Besides reflecting these core values of beauty, function and humanism, the space design also pays
TOP: Eye-catching pops of bold accent colours such as Aalto’s corporate purple are featured into the workspace, which stands out nicely against the more neutral tone of the office.
BOTTOM: The brass pendant lights and Nordic designer furnishing reinforces the nostalgia of the Golden Era.
THIS PICTURE: Employees are given plenty of access to natural light and outdoor views near their primary workspace. Studies have shown positive links between light exposure and increased productivity, vitality and happiness.
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THE CAFÉ PANTRY AND COMMUNITY AREAS EVOKE A MORE COMFORTABLE, “HOMELY” FEELING AS THE OVERALL WORKSPACE IS DESIGNED TO FEEL LIKE AN EXTENSION OF A NORDIC-STYLE HOME.
THIS PICTURE: The second level consists of the primary work desks, as well as a cafe pantry area where informal discussions can also be held.
homage to being in culturally diverse Singapore by incorporating a touch of Peranakan in its design. These localized touches can be discovered upon entering the workspace, an intricate Peranakan-style brick wall that greets visitors and serves a functional purpose of shielding the interiors from prying eyes, providing some privacy to its inhabitants. To create a level of comfort one might experience at home or a boutique hotel in the community area, MKS Global adopted materials, lighting and finishes from a non-office environment. More oriental furnishing such as the Peranakan-style communal table and sofa lounge seating with vibrant cushions featuring oriental flowers and patterns are also intended as a nod to the Asian culture in Singapore. On the second floor, employees are given plenty of access to natural light and outdoor views near their primary workspace. Studies have shown positive links between light exposure and increased productivity, vitality and happiness. The surrounding concrete and brick walls are designed a bright white to radiate a generally clean, positive and airy work environment. Eye-catching pops of bold accent colours such as Aalto’s corporate purple are featured in the workspace, which stands out nicely against the more neutral tone of the office. The café pantry and community areas evoke a more comfortable, “homely” feeling as the overall workspace is designed to feel like an extension of a Nordic-style home.
TOP RIGHT: To create a level of comfort one might experience at home or a boutique hotel in the community area, MKS Global adopted materials, lighting and finishes from non-office environment.
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FOSTERING INNOVATION THROUGH COLLABORATION
A WORKPLACE WITH A GOOD MIX OF CUSTOMISED COLLABORATION AREAS AND MORE STRUCTURED WORK AREAS.
The welcoming reception area has lounge seating with colourful cushions, warm lighting and wooden flooring, along with a designer mural that enlivens the space.
AETNA INTERNATIONAL 036 THIS PICTURE: The reception area opens into a rustic pavilion that would not be out of place in the lush backyard of a good class bungalow.
MKS Global was challenged by Aetna International to design and build a workspace with a key focus on areas that would encourage collaboration, a behaviour they championed throughout the organisation. The design intent was to create lively, nature-inspired and informal collaboration spaces that foster innovation, while maintaining some personal spaces for focused work or private phone conversations. This arrangement would provide colleagues with different spaces to suit various purposes and working needs.
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etna International, a CVS Health company, is committed to helping create a stronger, healthier global community by delivering comprehensive health care benefits and population health solutions worldwide. As one of the largest providers of international private medical insurance, it serves more than 800,000 members worldwide, including expatriates, local nationals and business travellers. Its global benefits include medical, dental, vision and emergency assistance and, in some regions, life and disability. With a growing team in Singapore, Aetna needed to move to a larger space and had just signed a lease for 8,000 square feet of prime office space in the Central Business District of Singapore. They wanted to take this opportunity to redesign their working environment, lay the physical foundation for a psychologically healthy workplace. Within work areas, they challenged MKS Global to incorporate a mix of spaces and elements – ones that would encourage interaction and promote conversations, and quieter nooks to allow for focused work and more personal discussions. Crossregional collaboration was core to their success, and they wanted design elements to reflect the open, familial culture of their international team.
TOP RIGHT: Encased in a wooden frame with Aetna’s logo on a violet background, the vast glass frontage allows one a glimpse of the inviting reception area.
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To address the diverse requirements, MKS Global created the theme of a ‘global home’ for Aetna’s space and weaved this into elements throughout the office. An eye-catching, clear glass entrance greets all visitors who step out into the lift lobby. Encased in a wooden frame with Aetna’s logo on a violet background, the vast glass frontage allows one a glimpse of the inviting reception area. The reception lounge features sofa seating with soft, colourful cushions, warm lighting and wooden flooring. Planters and an area of soft green carpeting give the space a nature-inspired look, complete with a mural created by a Singaporean artist that incorporates elements of the company’s heritage and the countries they serve in Asia. The floor-to-ceiling mural is easily the standout piece in the reception area, greeting staff and visitors even before they walk through the glass doors. The reception area opens into a rustic pavilion that would not be out of place in the lush backyard of a good class bungalow. This unique area serves two purposes - the first being a convenient point for impromptu meetings and brainstorming sessions, with surrounding whiteboards to illustrate ideas visually. It also serves as natural divider between the various departments, without closing areas off completely.
TOP: The cosy pantry has huddle booths for spontaneous brainstorming sessions, allowing it to serve as a shared casual space
BOTTOM: The Brainstorming Tree was fully customised and built by MKS Global, along with a brainstorming pavilion that aims to foster innovation among coworkers
A WOODEN WALKWAY DEMARCATES WORKING AREAS AND FORMAL MEETING ROOMS. THE BOARDROOM IS SET UP WITH OPERABLE WALL PARTITIONS TO CONVENIENTLY DIVIDE IT INTO TWO SEPARATE MEETING SPACES SHOULD THE NEED ARISE.
THIS PICTURE: Cross-regional collaboration was core to Aetna’s success, and they wanted design elements to reflect the open, familial culture of their international team
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“I’VE OBSERVED A MARKED INCREASE IN INFORMATION EXCHANGE AMONGST THE TEAM AND MANY MORE SMILES – SIMPLY WITH A MOVE TOWARDS A MORE OPEN WORKSPACE SET UP. WE’VE ALSO RECEIVED GREAT FEEDBACK FROM CLIENTS AND PARTNERS WHO HAVE VISITED THE OFFICE; AND EVEN FROM AETNA TEAMS VISITING FROM OVERSEAS OFFICES.” Derek Goldberg, Managing Director, Aetna - Asia Pacific
THIS PICTURE: A mix of spaces and elements within work areas – ones that would encourage collaboration and promote conversations, and quieter nooks to allow for focused work and more personal discussions.
Another space, aptly named the Brainstorming Tree, has also been designed for collaboration. This structure was fully customised and built by MKS Global, inspired by the shady branches of a large tree providing cover for casual conversations. The same colourful cushions and soft green carpeting from the reception area make an appearance here, ensuring design consistency. A wooden walkway demarcates working areas and formal meeting rooms. The boardroom is set up with operable wall partitions to conveniently divide it into two separate meeting spaces should the need arise. To ensure discussions did not affect employees around the meeting rooms, MKS Global incorporated double-glazed glass and door panels for sound insulation in all meeting rooms. The cosy pantry area includes huddle booths that feature a distinctive pendant light above each booth. Aetna teams meet for lunch here or casual catch ups over coffee, and the booths also double up as discussion booths if meeting rooms are occupied. A bright yellow backsplash and colourful chairs add fun to the space and
TOP: The boardroom comes with operable wall partitions to conveniently convert it into two meeting spaces, and also comes with double-glazed glass and door panels for sound insulation
complements the buzz at lunchtimes. Workstation areas adopt a decidedly calmer colour scheme, with muted white and grey tones to improve efficiency and focus. All workstation tables and chairs were manufactured by MKS Global, and tables are separated by acoustic board panels that serve the dual purpose of providing privacy and absorbing echoes throughout the office. Several phone booths are scatted across both ends of the office, offering privacy and focused work areas. “Our old office space was much more traditional in nature, with high dividers and rooms separating teams from one another,” says Derek Goldberg, Managing Director for Aetna’s Asia Pacific business. “I’ve observed a marked increase in information exchange amongst the team and many more smiles – simply with a move towards a more open workspace set up. We’ve also received great feedback from clients and partners who have visited the office; and even from Aetna teams visiting from overseas offices.”
MIDDLE: As one of the largest providers of international private medical insurance, Aetna serves more than 800,000 members worldwide, including expatriates, local nationals and business travellers.
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DRAGER
AN INVITING PLACE TO WORK AT AN ALLURING WORKPLACE CATERING TO THE DIFFERENT WORKING STYLES DIFFERENT EMPLOYEES MAY HAVE, INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY OVERALL.
The inviting warm hues of the dark wood flooring and the trellis panels flanking the reception counter on one side, beckon visitors to take a closer look.
DRAGER 044 THIS PICTURE: Boardroom with configurable furniture located at the main entrance is still valued in Drager to facilitate large group work processes and trainings, efficient exchanges of information and decision-making.
MKS Global had the privilege to be selected to work with Drager Singapore for their office space at Science Park. The design inspiration was to create a vibrant office space that reflected the following values – dynamism, progression and cohesiveness. The work area was also segregated into three areas to cater to the needs of different groups of people, namely the engineers, general staff and customers.
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rager is a German company manufacturing medical and safety technology products that protect, support, and save people’s lives around the world in hospitals, with fire departments, emergency services, authorities, mining as well as other industries. Founded in Lübeck in 1889, Dräger has grown into a worldwide, listed enterprise in its fifth generation as a family-run business. Dräger has more than 14,000 employees worldwide and is present in over 190 countries around the globe. In Singapore, the company has approximately 105 employees, who are mainly engaged in projects, consultancy, after-sales service and product management. No matter where Dräger products are used: it’s always about life. The design team at MKS Global decided to showcase that by adding pops of vivid colours such as blue, green and yellow into the office space. Stepping into Drager Singapore’s reception area feels strangely familiar and welcoming, as if one was stepping into the home of a good friend. This is because of the inviting warm hues of the dark wood flooring and the trellis panels that flank the reception counter on one side, beckoning visitors to come in and take a closer look. The trellis panels incorporating linear LED lighting lend an energetic vibe to the reception area, and also add to the inviting ambience.
TOP RIGHT: Another reception entrance and work area was created to cater to the company engineers.
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THIS COLLABORATION PAVILION ALSO COMES WITH COLLAPSIBLE DOORS TO OFFER AN ADDITIONAL SENSE OF VISUAL AND AUDITORY PRIVACY, ALLOWING EMPLOYEES TO FEEL COMFORTABLE SHARING THEIR CONTENT.
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The organic curves on the reception counter and the wall behind it also portrays being dynamic, and having the ability to constantly adapt to changes in order to survive and succeed in the ever-changing world. It also spills into the workspace, creating a sense of harmony and flow into the work area with the design elements from the reception area. The lighting accentuating the curves on the front of the reception counter further emphasises dynamism. According to Drager Singapore, their tagline “Technology for Life” means more than merely guaranteeing technical excellence, as it also means assuming responsibility for the lives of those who use their products. “Technology for Life” then becomes both their guiding principle and the central challenge that they draw upon for inspiration and motivation. This tagline is emblazoned across the wall behind the reception counter, serving as a constant reminder to employees who walk into the space every morning. While the boardroom with configurable furniture located at the main entrance is still a necessity to facilitate large group work processes and trainings, efficient exchanges of information and decision-making, employees increasingly desire social connection and engagement
TOP LEFT & BOTTOM LEFT: The “complete” collaboration space offering employees everything they need from the right technology, closer proximity and a sense of privacy.
BOTTOM RIGHT: To support informal interactions in small groups, smaller pockets of huddle areas are sporadically located in the workspace.
THIS PICTURE: The casual and relaxed ambience of the café pantry enables employees to chat with their colleagues, unwind while enjoying a cappuccino, or even get work done there, if that’s their working style.
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DRAGER 048 THIS PICTURE: No matter where Dräger products are used: it’s always about life. The design team at MKS Global decided to showcase that by adding pops of vivid colours such as blue, green and yellow into the office space.
WHILE THE BOARDROOM WITH CONFIGURABLE FURNITURE LOCATED AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE IS STILL A NECESSITY TO FACILITATE LARGE GROUP WORK PROCESSES AND TRAININGS, EFFICIENT EXCHANGES OF INFORMATION AND DECISION-MAKING, EMPLOYEES INCREASINGLY DESIRE SOCIAL CONNECTION AND ENGAGEMENT AS PART OF THEIR COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE.
as part of their collaborative experience. Today, the nature of collaboration is making a broader shift towards smaller, unplanned informal meetings and away from lengthy formal interactions with many participants. Understanding this change of work dynamics, MKS Global designed the “complete” collaboration space (the collaboration pavilion) located in the middle of the workspace; this offers employees everything they need from the right technology, closer proximity and a sense of privacy. This collaboration pavilion also comes with collapsible doors to offer an additional sense of visual and auditory privacy, allowing employees to feel comfortable sharing their content. Meeting spaces that are too large make small groups feel uncomfortable and reduce space utilization rates. To support informal interactions in small groups, MKS Global envisions the collaboration pavilion to be highly in demand as a meeting space (signifying perpetuity & ongoing progression of the company) and has also used this foresight to build other smaller pockets of huddle areas sporadically located in the workspace. The cafe lounge embodies the third value of the design approach, which is cohesiveness. It is creatively done up with the red, yellow and blue hexagon panels on the ceiling, representing connectivity and the dynamic bonds between people. As café lounges almost always offer a respite from work in the workplace, this café lounge comes with a view for employees to relax and unwind, as well as giving them a chance to interact and develop personal interrelationships. A more cohesive workforce also means employees will be happier, and thus more productive at work. The Peranakan tiles forming the border of the lounge also exudes an air of nostalgia, reminding coworkers of their roots and origin in Singapore. The casual and relaxed ambience also enables employees to chat with their colleagues, unwind while enjoying a cappuccino, or even get work done there, if that’s their working style.
MIDDLE: The work area was segregated into three areas to cater to the needs of different groups of people. Picture shown is a walkway leading into the engineering training rooms and workshops.
BOTTOM: Drager manufactures medical and safety technology products that protect, support, and save people’s lives around the world in hospitals, with fire departments, emergency services, authorities, mining as well as other industries.
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ESSENCE
IMMERSIVE PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
050
DESIGNING FOR FUTURE EXPANSION AND CHANGING WORKSPACE DYNAMICS CALL FOR A NEW IMMERSIVE WORKPLACE PLANNING APPROACH.
The workplace is where employees spend most of their time at apart from their homes hence the environment plays a crucial role in ensuring employee satisfaction, where multiple studies have shown that both are inextricably linked.
ESSENCE 052 THIS PICTURE: Lying round the corner of the town square is a cosy recreational corner resembling a living room, equipped with various entertainment options ranging from traditional board games to modern console games on the TV.
Essence recently expanded their workspace and is now occupying another full floor plate of 10,000sqft on Cecil Street. One of the design requirements was for MKS Global to employ immersive planning strategies into the workspace. By optimising the original workspace and creating an experience-centered work environment in the new extended area, MKS Global was able to provide more group-based work areas and successfully implemented a strategically immersive workplace.
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ssence, part of GroupM, is a global data and measurementdriven media agency whose mission is to make advertising more valuable to the world. Clients include Google, Flipkart, NBCUniversal, L’Oreal, and the Financial Times. The agency is more than 1,800 people strong, manages four billion in annualised media spend and deploys campaigns in 106 markets via 20 offices in APAC, EMEA, and North America. No matter where Dräger products are used: it’s always about life. The design team at MKS Global decided to showcase that by adding pops of vivid colours such as blue, green and yellow into the office space. Essence prides itself on low staff attrition rate and high employee satisfaction. As the workplace is where employees spend most of their time at apart from their homes, the work environment plays a crucial role in ensuring employee satisfaction, where multiple studies have shown that both are inextricably linked. This is where strategic workspace planning comes in, as it can facilitate the reengineering of work processes, encourage teamwork, and even help to flatten hierarchies within the organisation. The original workspace was first remodelled by removing existing furniture and a pantry that was underutilized, to create more productive workspaces. New collaboration booths are designed and located conveniently near workstations so that they have proximity and visual connection to the rest of the
TOP RIGHT: Essence’s signage wall at the main entrance is placed in a casual setting much similar to the rest of the work space environement.
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ESSENCE 054
general office area. More sanctuary spaces can be found along the windows, offering solitude and a quiet place to focus or unwind from the crowd. In the new expanded area of the office, MKS Global designed an “oversized” café-style pantry located near the main floor entrance so that employees stepping into work in the mornings can be energised by the activity and buzz in the pantry, and can even grab a quick breakfast with Essence’s free flow range of snacks and beverages (including alcohol) before heading to their respective work desks. The “oversized” café pantry is a boldly spacious communal area that plays host to company town halls, yoga classes and digital showcases which comes with a variety of communal tables and chairs to encourage social interaction for better workplace synergies. One of the design features which also stands out in the town square is a floating booth with hanging chic neon lighting reminiscent to a photo booth, beckoning one to use the space for a quick discussion or picture. Recognising the fact that employees spend most of their time in the office (some more so than their own homes), areas meant for entertainment were also created. Just around the corner of the town square is a cosy recreational corner resembling a living room, and this space was equipped with various entertainment options ranging from traditional board games to modern console games on the TV. There are also more opportunities for collaboration and brainstorming with huddle spaces easily accessible along the work desks area as the search for far-flung meeting spaces can waste time, and discourage their use. MKS Global has fully customised these collaborative “hive” seating with a special height of 1.5m to offer more visual and auditory privacy for coworkers to feel comfortable creating and sharing content. Apart from the “hive” seating, there are a wide variety of spatial options for group work available including open discussion areas featuring high bench tables and writable walls designed into the extended office space.
TOP LEFT: Serving the dual purpose of providing a personal space for coworkers to make private phone calls or as a focus booth for those who need a quiet spot free from distractions.
TOP RIGHT: To cater to the diverse activities that takes place within the office, a myriad of spaces were built including the typical and traditional enclosed meeting rooms, which are still practical for more formal meetings.
MIDDLE: There are a wide variety of spatial options for group work available including open discussion areas featuring booth seatings and writable walls designed into the office space.
BOTTOM: There are more opportunities for collaboration and brainstorming with huddle spaces easily accessible along the work desks area.
NEW COLLABORATION BOOTHS ARE DESIGNED AND LOCATED CONVENIENTLY NEAR WORKSTATIONS SO THAT THEY HAVE PROXIMITY AND VISUAL CONNECTION TO THE REST OF THE GENERAL OFFICE AREA.
THIS PICTURE: The modern work environment has to be designed to support people, the flow of information, promote creativity and encourage maximum communication collaboration amongst coworkers.
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ESSENCE 056
THE “OVERSIZED” CAFÉ PANTRY IS A BOLDLY SPACIOUS COMMUNAL AREA THAT PLAYS HOST TO COMPANY TOWN HALLS, YOGA CLASSES AND DIGITAL SHOWCASES WHICH COMES WITH A VARIETY OF COMMUNAL TABLES AND CHAIRS TO ENCOURAGE SOCIAL INTERACTION FOR BETTER WORKPLACE SYNERGIES.
TOP: “Oversized” café pantry energises employees with its free-flow snacks and beverages, and comes with a variety of communal tables and chairs to encourage social interaction.
BOTTOM: Fully customised collaborative “hive” seating with a special height of 1.5m to offer more visual and auditory privacy for coworkers to feel comfortable creating and sharing content.
To cater to the diverse activities that takes place within the office, a myriad of spaces were built including the typical and traditional enclosed meeting rooms, which are still practical for more formal meetings. The largest enclosed room known as Essence’s “Versatile Space” comes with reconfigurable mobile furniture and operable wall partitions to conveniently convert the space into two separate rooms and serve different meeting purposes; whether is it for board meetings or trainings. Additionally it is also equipped with smart technology which support coworkers’ abilities to connect devices to power and Wi-Fi, and ultimately, to each other. Other smaller enclosed rooms and phone booths are intentionally located around the perimeter of the office; serving the dual purpose of providing a personal space for coworkers to make private phone calls or as a focus booth for those who need a quiet spot free from distractions. Meeting rooms are also quirkily named after favorite local hawker dishes like ‘chicken rice’ or ‘bak chor mee’ for that Singaporean touch, and even comes with a picture of the said dish hanging on the top of the wall for easy identification of the different meeting rooms. All enclosed rooms are equipped with handy teleconferencing tools as well. As work and the workplace have changed, so too have planning strategies. Immersive planning abandons defined primary and traditional workspaces and activity spaces to suit a highly mobile workforce that spends more than half its day in group-work and away from a primary work location. The modern work environment has to be designed to support people, the flow of information, promote creativity and encourage maximum collaboration amongst coworkers, all of which Essence deeply values.
TOP LEFT & RIGHT: The largest enclosed room known as the “Versatile Space” comes with reconfigurable mobile furniture and operable wall partitions to conveniently convert the space into two separate rooms and serve different meeting purposes.
BOTTOM: Rooms are equipped with smart technology to support coworkers’ abilities to connect devices to power and Wi-Fi, and ultimately, to each other.
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GENETEC 058
FAST FORWARD TO THE FUTURE WITH TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN EVOLVING AT A RAPID SPEED, STAYING RELEVANT IN AN EVER-CHANGING MARKET BECOMES ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT.
Taking high-tech elements to new levels, MKS Global has worked closely with Genetec to implement facial recognition technology into the door access systems.
GENETEC 060 THIS PICTURE: Instead of a traditional reception area, guests are greeted by a cutting-edge interactive display LED wall that assists with reception duties and customer services before heading into the experience center behind.
Occupying a total of 4,000sqft at Bugis Junction Towers, the design inspiration for Genetec was to create an office of the future that would bring the spirit of innovation to the everyday work lives of employees. Genetec understands that being future-ready is not just about the futuristic products they create, but also about the space they work in.
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enetec, founded in 1997, is a leader in IP video surveillance, access control and license plate recognition solutions unified in a single platform, called the Security Center. They work with partners on six continents to help provide safer, more secure environments for small to medium-sized and enterprise-class businesses in over 80 countries. They are committed to developing innovative concepts that maximise networked technology to unify business and security systems, while making solutions even more accessible and simple for users. As part of their research and development efforts, they are looking into extending the ways they serve and deliver solutions to customers through new technologies, including the cloud. The futuristic vibe of Genetec is apparent as soon as you step out of the lift. Genetec’s main entrance faces the lift lobby and stands out strikingly due to its full glass facade, which reveals an ultramodern experience center that beckons passersby to take a glimpse inside. Instead of a traditional reception area, guests are greeted by a cutting-edge interactive display LED wall that assists with reception duties and customer service before guests are ushered into the experience center behind. Taking high-tech elements to new heights, MKS Global has worked closely with Genetec to implement facial recognition technology into the door access systems. The FacePro™ Facial Recognition Solution is one of Genetec’s partners under their Omnicast platform which
TOP RIGHT: The dark tones contrasts and balances out nicely with space white LED lightings, TVs, blinking server lights in the background and from Genetec’s products on display, almost like a scene from a futuristic sci-fi movie.
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GENETEC
A DARKER COLOUR PALETTE IS INTENDED IN THIS SPACE WITH A PREVALENT USE OF BLACK AND GREY TONES ON THE CEILING, FLOORING AND TINTED GLASS PANELS. THESE TONES CONTRAST AND BALANCES OUT NICELY WITH SPACE WHITE LED LIGHTINGS, TVS, BLINKING SERVER LIGHTS IN THE BACKGROUND AND FROM GENETEC’S PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY, ALMOST LIKE A SCENE FROM A FUTURISTIC SCI-FI MOVIE.
THIS PICTURE: Technology is one of the secret recipes to an effective collaborative space, as it must support people’s abilities to connect devices to power and Wi-Fi, videoconference and to share visual information easily.
automatically matches a person’s face using live video streams or digital images from Panasonic i-PRO cameras to a database of enrolled faces and performs notification and alerting of face matches. Employees are now free from the hassle of ensuring attendance are recorded or having to carry a key card at all times. As Genetec is involved in the technological surveillance industry, it was only apt for their experience center to showcase their latest technologies, as well as give visitors a hands-on and interactive experience with the products. A darker colour palette is intended in this space with a prevalent use of black and grey tones on the ceiling, flooring and tinted glass panels. These tones contrast and balances out nicely with space white LED lightings, TVs, blinking server lights in the background and from Genetec’s products on display, almost like a scene from a futuristic sci-fi movie. Customised modular seating in a blue similar to Genetec’s corporate colour can also be removed if necessary, for a versatile use of the space. With technology, it enables employees of Genetec to work from more than one place, freeing them from a rigid routine of primary work desks and cubicles. The future of workspaces is customised to employees’ individual needs, offering a myriad of collaborative, scrum rooms (testing areas for engineers), social or solitary spaces to work in. There is a significant amount of small to large-sized enclosed rooms available near
Genetec’s main entrance and circulation, supplied with display technology, interactive boards, writable boards, reconfigurable furniture, wooden lounge finishing, specialized lighting and other casual elements to ignite innovative thinking. Technology is one of the secret recipes to an effective collaborative space, as it must support people’s abilities to connect devices to power and Wi-Fi, videoconference and to share visual information easily. Additionally, to ensure a seamless booking and reservation of meeting rooms, Genetec has increased the efficiency of managing meetings by digitalizing the process with smart booking systems and facial recognition technology. While access to technology is an important factor, a truly successful collaborative space goes beyond that. MKS Global ensured that these spaces offered both visual and auditory privacy with enclosed rooms being equipped with soundproofed double-glazed glass panels. They are also designed in comfortable sizes and are conveniently located in the office space. To support informal interactions in small groups, collaboration spaces should also offer a comfortable and relaxed sensibility, which MKS Global has achieved by finishing the rooms and social pantry area in warm lighting and wooden finishing, created to reflect the cozy ambience one usually finds in contemporary hotel lounges.
TOP: While access to technology is an important factor, a truly successful collaborative space goes beyond that and should offer a comfortable and relaxed sensibility.
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INTERTEK
COMMUNICATING WITH BRAND VALUES & CULTURE
064
WORK ENVIRONMENTS’ CONFIGURATION AND EXPRESSION ARE BECOMING MORE AND MORE IMPORTANT OVER THE YEARS IN COMMUNICATING MESSAGES ABOUT A COMPANY’S CULTURE AND BRAND.
Intertek’s corporate yellow and dot of the alphabetical letter ’i’ take center stage, from its signage wall to the ceiling design feature consisting of several connected dots that come together to create an organic, free-flowing shape that leads into the workspace.
INTERTEK 066 THIS PICTURE: The back of house maintains a more contemporary and vibrant feel, consisting of the general work area, manager rooms and informal, laid-back breakout areas for employees to brainstorm and collaborate.
Although Intertek has been around for more than 100 years - it holds youthful, innovative and bold values that are echoed in its entire workspace. Its bold brand identity is reflected in its corporate colour yellow, also the shade of illumination, which holds a great significance to the company. Thus the corporate yellow takes center stage in this design project, with the key highlight being a ceiling feature taking the form of a fluid organic shape which injects a sense of easiness, movement and energy about the space.
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ntertek Group is a British multinational assurance, inspection, product testing and certification company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The company is an industry leader with more than 44,000 employees in 1,000 locations in over 100 countries. Centered around its laboratory testing services, the company provides quality and safety assurance to industries such as construction, chemicals, healthcare, energy and transportation. Intertek has a bold brand identity that is inspired from a key moment in their company history – founder Thomas Edison’s invention of the first practical incandescent light bulb. Their logo reflects technology and progress, with the dot of the alphabetical letter ’i’ standing out as the brightest element – referencing the historic light bulb moment in Edison’s laboratory. Intertek uses yellow as its main corporate colour as well, as it is the colour of illumination. Yellow is also the most visible colour in the spectrum, promoting safety. Yellow also represents new ideas and innovation, which is the lifeblood of Intertek. The key design objective was to enliven Intertek’s traditional workplace and culture with its modern corporate identity and values of bright ideas and innovation that are symbolized by their sunny corporate yellow. MKS Global took the chance to boldly infuse a variety of design elements into the 10,000sqft office’s ceiling, walls, doors and even the chairs, bringing the oncetraditional office back to life. Yellow dots are also a key design feature used across the office, especially on the ceiling.
TOP RIGHT: The ceiling feature mimics the movement of an oil splatter – clearly inspired by Intertek’s line of work in the testing & inspection of raw materials, products and assets such as petroleum, fuel, lubricants and petrochemicals.
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INTERTEK 068
At the reception entrance, Intertek’s visual brand identity is undeniably hard to miss. Their corporate yellow and dot of the alphabetical letter ’i’ take center stage, from its signage wall to the ceiling design feature consisting of several connected dots that come together to create an organic, free-flowing shape that leads into the workspace. It mimics the movement of an oil splatter – clearly inspired by Intertek’s line of work in the testing & inspection of raw materials, products and assets such as petroleum, fuel, lubricants and petrochemicals. The connected dots are also shaped in various sizes and forms; signifying diversity and representing Intertek’s corporate values of precision, pace, passion and togetherness. This is in contrast with separated dots that represent multiplication and growth. This ceiling feature help to define the walkway that trails along the corridor from the entrance to discussion areas, before ending off and multiplying into several separated dots at the breakout pantry area. As Intertek’s workspace cannot be designed as an open start-up work environment due to its confidential nature of business, the workspace has been divided into two key spaces, the public workspace and internal
THIS PICTURE: A wide variety of shared social spaces provided such as the café pantry, phone booths, huddle areas and scrum rooms are located with close proximity and visual connection to the rest of the facility.
workspace. Both areas require a security pass. The public space houses the reception and lounge area, boardroom and smaller discussion rooms that were designed more “formally” and less of an overtly social space. Although casual social spaces with loose modular seating can still be found scattered around the corners of the public space, MKS Global understands that formal meetings are important to Intertek’s core business and must be protected by ensuring they project more of a professional feel where legitimate work is conducted. The internal workspace on the other hand, is designed with a more contemporary, energetic and vibrant atmosphere. To conserve privacy and confidentiality in the general working environment, primary work desks still come with system partitions. Should the need for brainstorming and collaboration arise, employees can still choose based on the attributes of the wide variety of shared social spaces provided such as the café pantry, phone booths, huddle areas and scrum rooms located with close proximity and visual connection to the rest of the facility.
THE CONNECTED DOTS ARE SHAPED IN VARIOUS SIZES AND FORMS; SIGNIFYING DIVERSITY AND REPRESENTING INTERTEK’S CORPORATE VALUES OF PRECISION, PACE, PASSION AND TOGETHERNESS. THIS IS IN CONTRAST WITH SEPARATED DOTS THAT REPRESENT MULTIPLICATION AND GROWTH.
TOP RIGHT: Formal meetings are important to Intertek’s core business and must be protected by ensuring rooms project a professional feel.
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070
MCCONNELL DOWELL
CREATING AN EXPERIENCEBASED WORKPLACE WHILE THE FOCUS IN WORKSPACES PREVIOUSLY WAS ABOUT WORK PRODUCTIVITY AND COST EFFICIENCIES, THE WORKPLACE TODAY IS A MASS OF BLURRED BOUNDARIES BETWEEN WORK, LIFE AND PLAY.
From entrance to meeting spaces to café pantry, MKS Global garnered inspiration from the “hospitality and residential vibe” and utilized nature-inspired elements of the home and the third space to reflect a cosy and relaxed work environment.
MCCONNELL DOWELL 072 THIS PICTURE: Pockets of focus and huddle spaces are also situated in close proximity to the main work areas along the corridors to offer employees choice and mobility in where they want to work and allowing to adapt the space they need.
Driven by changing work styles, the experience economy and perhaps the influence of startup cultures, McConnell Dowell Singapore appoints MKS Global to redesign their original traditional office quarters while expanding into the neighboring units, occupying an estimate of 30,000sqft floor space.
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cConnell Dowell was founded in 1961 and specializes in complex construction projects that require unique solutions. Over decades they have built thousands of iconic, landmark assets and facilities for customers and communities. Their expertise spans building, civil, fabrication, marine, mechanical, pipelines, rail and tunnel, and underground construction. With more than 3,500 employees across the globe, their customers benefit from their mix of local knowledge and international experience. They have come to be known as the creative construction company, due to their reputation for innovation in safety, quality and environmental protection. Their culture is founded on expertise, creativity and progressive thinking. McConnell Dowell continually challenge themselves to find the best solution for every project and this, along with their highquality safe, systematic and structured approach, has earned them the trust and loyalty of their customers. McConnell Dowell Singapore was looking for a design and build partner to refresh and do an overhaul of their office quarters, and ultimately selected MKS Global for their design and fit-out project. This project execution is complicated and challenging as major renovation works had to be carried out whilst day-to-day operations are still running. In order to minimize disruption and inconvenience caused, MKS Global project team had to carefully devise a strategic plan and detailed project schedule – specifying where to set up the temporary work location, move McConnell’s employees and renovate the workspace in three different phases.
TOP RIGHT: A welcoming entrance featuring a self-check in device for guests to register while awaiting to be ushered inside.
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MCCONNELL DOWELL
THE LARGEST GATHERING SPACE WILL BE THE CAFÉ PANTRY, WHICH CAN ACCOMMODATE MORE THAN 50 PEOPLE EASILY AT ANY GIVEN TIME. SUCH SPACES, ONCE THOUGHT OF AS JUST A PLACE FOR SOCIALISING, ARE NOW BEING SEEN AS LEGITIMATE ALTERNATIVE PLACES TO WORK AT.
Whilst the project team ensured seamless execution of work, MKS Global design team undertook strategies for an immersive workplace approach in the new workspace of McConnell Dowell Singapore. The immersive workplace approach is in response to a more complex business environment and the evolving desires of workers. With five generations of employees in the workplace and each generation desiring different ways of working, the new McConnell experience-based workspace caters to all generations with varied mobility and flexibility of work. The first design approach was to create a welcoming and compelling environment that draws employees together with the goal of building engagement and community. The workspace is now designed to look more positive, bright and airy - maximizing the daylight that streams down onto the entire floor that was originally blocked by the managers’ rooms. From entrance to meeting spaces to café pantry, MKS Global garnered inspiration from the “hospitality and residential vibe” and utilized nature-inspired elements of the home and the third space to reflect a cosy and relaxed work environment.
TOP: The workspace is furnished with a bevy of open planned work desks, high benches, brainstorming areas and different sized enclose rooms to accommodate individuals and teams with varied requirements and work styles.
Of course, aesthetics is just but one of the key factors that attract employees to come into the space. Meeting spaces are also required to have the right size, technology, close proximity and offer a sense of privacy to encourage collisions and support collaboration and cross-pollination. McConnell’s workspace is furnished with a bevy of open-plan work desks, high benches, brainstorming areas and different-sized enclosed rooms to accommodate to individuals and teams who have varied requirements and work styles. These versatile enclosed rooms such as the training rooms and boardroom are equipped with operable walls and reconfigurable furniture, which can be easily converted to a smaller or larger area depending on the team size. Furthermore, they are fully equipped with smart technology and video conferencing capabilities, mainly for global employees who come down to Singapore for HQ meetings. The largest gathering space will be the café pantry, which can accommodate more than 50 people easily at any given time. Such spaces, once thought of as just a place for socialising, are now being seen as legitimate
THIS PICTURE: The largest gathering space will be the cafĂŠ pantry that are now being understood as legitimate places to work (while retaining the social aspect of interactions).
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MCCONNELL DOWELL 076 TOP: Meeting spaces are also required to have the right size, technology, close proximity and offer a sense of privacy to encourage collisions and support collaboration and cross-pollination.
BOTTOM: Managers are placed together with the rest instead of being situated in formal rooms, to encourage employees to reach out to their managers more.
alternative places to work at (while retaining the social aspect of interactions). MKS Global took the lead in designing a modern and contemporary café pantry; this space offers a variety of seating arrangements, ranging from long communal tables to high benches facing the outside views to secluded booths that will serve the secondary function of interaction and exchange of ideas among coworkers, in a casual setting. This café pantry is also unconventionally installed with a kitchen island, which employees can use as an additional preparation space for meals, or even as a demonstration platform where the host can bring guests through the live action of preparing their food and beverages. The island also serves as a convenient countertop for buffet spreads to be placed on, during large events and gatherings. For the primary work area, departments are now reshuffled and placed together in an open concept, which is vastly different from their original office with departments all separated. Managers are also placed together with the rest instead of being situated in formal rooms, to encourage employees to reach out to their managers more. Pockets of focus and huddle spaces are also situated in close proximity to the main work areas along the corridors to offer employees choice and mobility in where they want to work. MKS Global strategies for immersive planning sets the foundation for McConnell’s experience-based workplace as it allows their employees to define their own path as they transition through a casual “homely” environment, creating diverse experiences and enhancing interaction along the way.
TOP LEFT & RIGHT: Versatile rooms are equipped with operable walls and reconfigurable furniture, which can be easily converted to a smaller or larger area depending on the team size.
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SABIO 078
ENGAGING ALL FIVE SENSES ACCENTUATING THE OFFICE SPACE WITH A DESIGN THAT CAPTIVATES ALL FIVE SENSES- SIGHT, TOUCH, TASTE, HEARING AND SMELL.
The design directly addresses all five senses upon stepping into the workspace: one would be invigorated by the animated atmosphere generated by the chatter and buzz of people and coworkers interacting over a diverse selection of food and drink in this space.
SABIO 080 THIS PICTURE: Bright and eye-catching colours are intended to inspire and communicate Sabio’s company values of being creative, vibrant and lively.
By appealing to all the five senses, MKS Global hopes a well-designed office will boost employee morale, engagement and productivity. Sabio is also very conscious in ensuring that their corporate values are embodied in the design to foster a sense of belonging among employees, which inspired MKS Global’s choice of colours and shapes used as seen throughout the workspace.
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abio is a technology company whose people and expertise enable their clients to harness the latest technology, knowledge and information to improve every customer interaction. They operate at the forefront of technology to make customer experience brilliant for their clients and clients’ customers with their analytics and insights. Based in London with offices across the globe, the Sabio Group includes Sabio, DatapointEurope, Bright UK, flexAnswer and Callware. As Sabio prides itself on delivering a brilliant customer experience and are dedicated to the growth of their employees, their goal was to transform their new 6,000sqft workspace at Suntec Tower to allow for positive growth and enhance company culture. MKS Global devised a workspace strategy to support this transition based on the principle of shifting the organization mindset from “my space” to “our space”. This allowed a solution that promoted increased levels of collaboration and interconnectedness, leading to a faster flow of knowledge across the tech-centric teams. The new hub of the office, which is the place everyone gathers at, is situated right at Sabio’s main entrance. The design directly addresses all five senses upon stepping into the workspace: one would be invigorated by the animated atmosphere generated by the chatter and buzz of people and coworkers interacting over a diverse selection of food and drinks in this space.
TOP RIGHT: The town hall is an agile and multipurpose space that serves a variety of purposes; ranging from holding a large town hall meeting, organising new product launches, hosting other large-scale events as well as a pantry area for all to relax in.
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As the new workspace embraces activity-based work strategies, employees can control how, when and where they can work. Sabio’s hub is an agile and multipurpose space that comes with loose furniture, tools and surfaces that boost collaborative practice and suits a variety of purposes; this range from holding a large town hall meeting for all employees, organising new product launches, hosting other large-scale events as well as a pantry area for employees to relax in. In order to ensure everyone sits comfortably in the hub, stadium seating is designed to not only accommodate large groups but to also optimise the space. It also serves another practical purpose when it’s opened: a storage space for extra nitty-gritties such as stools. The hub is not just a pantry but has become the de facto meeting place for interaction of work and play among coworkers, a setting that helps communicate the fun-loving culture and promote greater levels of participation, innovation and creativity.
TOP: To encourage more interactions for workplace synergies, pockets of different collaboration spaces also line the perimeter of the primary workplace, ranging from small focus pods to open huddles areas to enclosed discussion rooms.
BOTTOM: The main meeting room is also placed near the entrance for visitors to easily access it, rather than trying to locate the meeting room given that there is no receptionist.
“SABIO’S MAIN ENTRANCE WAS DESIGNED TO LEAD STRAIGHT INTO THE LIVELY TOWN HALL AND PANTRY AREA SO THAT UPON STEPPING INTO THE OFFICE, ONE WOULD BE INVIGORATED BY THE ANIMATED ATMOSPHERE GENERATED BY THE CHATTER AND BUZZ OF COWORKERS AND VISITORS INTERACTING IN THIS SPACE.” Michael Wu, Director, MKS Global
THIS PICTURE: The hub is not just a pantry but has become the de facto meeting place for interaction of work and play among coworkers, a setting that helps communicate the fun-loving culture and promote greater levels of participation, innovation and creativity.
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ZALORA
BUILDING A SENSE OF CREATIVE COMMUNITY 084
EXPERIENCED-BASED WORKPLACES HELP TO HEIGHTEN INNOVATION, FOSTER COLLABORATION AND A SENSE OF CAMARADERIE AMONG COWORKERS.
The sophisticated reception area has a monochromatic design theme, with the main colours being black and white; these colours are repeated consistently from the flooring, to the sleek reception counter to the back wall.
ZALORA 086 THIS PICTURE: The veneer is lifted once visitors enter the town hall area: a chic place combining nature, daylighting and comfort. Ceiling lights glow like daylight here, and are framed with fresh planters.
Zalora occupies two floors of Keppel Towers and awarded their workspace renovation project to MKS Global, who were able to successfully fulfill the design requirements they had in mind: to create agile spaces that are purpose-driven and easily convertible, as well as having an immersive work environment to encourage productive exchanges and social interaction among colleagues.
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alora is the largest and fastest growing fashion-focused e-commerce site in Southeast Asia. Founded in early 2012, they are present in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia & Brunei, the Philippines, Hong Kong and Taiwan. They have an extensive collection of over 500 top international and local brands and designers, and provide a wide range of products across men’s and women’s fashion apparel, shoes, accessories, and beauty categories online. Zalora believes that every customer’s shopping experience should be easy and fun. To embody that, they recognised that they have to empower their staff to think creatively in order to make customers’ shopping experiences online a fun and easy one. One way of doing that was to give their employees free reign over the sort of workspace they wished to work at. This can be clearly seen with the office space, which has a variety of workstations ranging from traditional work desks to relaxing lounge seats. As bright ideas occur more frequently through informal exchanges rather than formal scheduled meetings, workstations are also set in an open space concept, to encourage informal collaboration and innovation. There are no partitions between the desks, and the office walls also turn into a writable space, where employees can express their thoughts, or suggest a way to improve a current process flow. Should the company choose to expand, strategic space planning has also been factored into the equation, with the town hall
TOP RIGHT: Founded in early 2012, Zalora is present in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia & Brunei, the Philippines, Hong Kong and Taiwan. A feature wall showcasing their presence in Southeast Asia.
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AS BRIGHT IDEAS OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY THROUGH INFORMAL EXCHANGES RATHER THAN FORMAL SCHEDULED MEETINGS, WORKSTATIONS ARE ALSO SET IN AN OPEN SPACE CONCEPT, TO ENCOURAGE INFORMAL COLLABORATION AND INNOVATION.
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lounge area doubling up as a versatile working space when employees feel like working more casually, or even as a meeting space when the collapsible doors are closed to give more privacy to its occupants. The table benches found all around this space can also be wheeled away with the attached rollers, making the space easily convertible by anyone without requiring too much strength. The town hall area has been designed to look industrial chic with the exposed pipes, and has also been given a lot of daylighting into the interior, with big and transparent glass panels bordering it. This also gives employees a nice view of the outside. To enhance this connection with nature, MKS Global also designed ceiling lights that glowed very similarly to sunlight, and lined these lights with fresh planters. Zalora’s logo is displayed across the wall on top of the collapsible glass doors that are lined in a black frame, with a shoutout to the countries they’re present in exhibited in bold lettering on the left wall. At the reception area near the sofa set, Zalora display the awards they have gotten throughout the years, as well as casually displaying chic clothes besides the awards panel, in a reminder as to what their company stands for and what they seek to do every day. In contrast to the town hall area, the overall theme for the reception area is monochromatic and thus more sophisticated. This was a deliberate design intention by MKS Global, to maintain professionalism at the forefront of operations and to give visitors a good first impression of Zalora. Their logo is backlit in white, which stands out very prominently and nicely against the black background. This is accompanied by a vast black and white reception table with a sleek marble countertop. The plastered ceiling and glossy black and white tiles also contributed to the sophisticated aura the reception area presents. Once visitors step in, this veneer is lifted as they take in the town hall area: a chic place combining nature, daylighting and comfort. The town hall area also reveals more personality and a zest for life, much like the Zalora brand. The boardroom has been given the same professional treatment as the reception area, this time with wooden panelling, and a wooden table to go along with it. Glass panels frame one side of the boardroom and ensures natural daylighting into the space, with pictures depicting Zalora’s corporate values framing the other side of the room. The various meeting rooms scattered across the office space also mirror this set-up.
TOP LEFT & BOTTOM LEFT: Collapsible doors and adaptable furnishing are used in this versatile and multipurpose space, which can be easily wheeled away and making the space easily convertible to how employees want to use it.
TOP: In contrast to the town hall area, the design intention for the reception and boardroom is sophisticated and monochromatic, maintaining professionalism at the forefront.
BOTTOM LEFT: Third spaces not only provide access to refreshments, it can also work as the heart of the office community, offering places to retreat and focus as well as socialize.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Employees sit in an open plan work area with no physical barriers in between departments, which spurs communication and exchange of ideas.
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M CHAIR Subsidiary of MKS GLOBAL
Design ∙ Construct ∙ Furnish SINGAPORE SHOWROOM 1093 Lower Delta Road #06-09 Singapore 169204 (By appointment only) SINGAPORE OFFICE & WAREHOUSE 1 Maritime Square #12-05 HarbourFront Centre Singapore 099253 2 Fan Yoong Road, Singapore 629780 T: +65 6334 7880 F: +65 6899 3464 E: support@mksingapore.com CHINA FACTORY 7 Mei Xi Dao Si Ming Industrial Estate, Tong An District, Fujian Province
Modular Seating
Privacy Hive
In today’s wireless workplace, work can happen anywhere in the office. We understand that the modern work environment has to be designed to support people, the flow of information, and promote creativity and collaboration. M CHAIR caters a mÊlange of collaborative furniture for the diverse activities that take place within your office.
SINGAPOREOFFICEFURNITURE.COM.SG
Lounge Seating
Ottoman
Collaboration Booth
OFFICE CONCEPT
FITTING INTERIORS
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WORKPLACE SOLUTIONS
DISCOVER THE RIGHT FIT & BALANCE WITH CAREFUL MATERIAL SELECTION
OREE by Okamura
OKAMURA | DESK SYSTEM HAWORTH | OFFICE SEATING WILKHAHN | VERSATILE TABLE KÖNIG + NEURATH | HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE C&R | WORKPLACE FURNITURE BRISTOL | WORKPLACE FURNITURE BENITHEM | OFFICE SEATING NEXUS | OFFICE SEATING CARPETS INTER | CASE STUDY OASIS | WORKPLACE FURNITURE
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ORIGAMI DESK SYSTEM OKAMURA
ABOVE THE FOLD INSPIRED BY JAPANESE ORIGAMI, OREE INFUSES SIMPLICITY AND STRENGTH INTO ITS HIGHLY VERSATILE DESK SYSTEMS TO CREATE OFFICE LANDSCAPES THAT ARE BRIMMING WITH PERSONALITY.
THIS PICTURE: Versatile and spacious, OREE meeting tables enable lengthy meetings to be conducted with stylish comfort and stability.
OKAMURA ORIGAMI DESK SYSTEM 098 TOP: From modern hues to classic shades, a wide variety of colour options are available to customize OREE benches and tables.
BOTTOM: Users can choose between an inset leg, an outset leg, or an outset leg with wood trim for a more luxurious look.
FROM VIBRANT WORKSPACES TO CHIC MEETING ROOMS, OREE OFFERS A VARIETY OF VERSATILE MODELS TO FIT DIFFERENT SPATIAL CONFIGURATIONS. DESIGNED WITH CONTEMPORARY OFFICES IN MIND, THE COLLECTION FEATURES BENCHES, SINGLE AND MANAGER DESKS AS WELL AS MEETING TABLES TO MEET DIFFERENT WORK SCENARIOS.
TOP LEFT: Whether it’s a coffee meeting or group huddle. OREE contributes to a fun, and collaborative space.
TOP RIGHT: OREE desks bring a creative and sophisticated atmosphere into manager rooms through a range of customizable walnut veneer top and black powder-coated steel leg design.
BOTTOM: Either standing or sitting, OREE meeting tables can be chosen from two different heights to suit different preferences and meeting styles.
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ORIGAMI DESK SYSTEM
OKAMURA
IN OPEN OFFICES, OREE BENCHES CAN BE CONFIGURED INTO FLEXIBLE WORKSTATIONS VIA THE RANGE’S CUSTOMIZABLE PANELS ALONG WITH THE OPTION OF AN INSET, AN OUTSET LEG, OR AN OUTSET LEG WITH WOOD TRIM.
TOP: With a variety of colours and finishes available, OREE can be customized to reflect a cosy and modern work environment.
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here’s a distinctive sense of simplicity to Japanese origami art. Folded shapes and perfect edges manifest into forms that come with their own artistic beauty. What if this was applied to furniture? Multidisciplinary design studio, Orbit answers this question with exceptional design flair: by fusing Okamura’s advanced sheet metal technology with folds of thin sheet metal, the studio created OREE, a cuttingedge desk system that is immediately distinguishable by its colourful and edgy folded-paper-like legs. From vibrant workspaces to chic meeting rooms, OREE offers a variety of versatile models to fit different spatial configurations. Designed with contemporary offices in mind, the collection features benches, single and manager desks as well as meeting tables to meet different work scenarios. Each one of them expresses OREE’s origami-inspired aesthetics, which means office interiors can be easily styled with OREE to achieve a cohesive and unique atmosphere. In open offices, OREE benches can be configured
TOP: Thanks to its unique origami-inspired design, an OREE-inspired workspace is the epitome of fun, function and creativity at work.
into flexible workstations via the range’s customizable panels along with one of the three options from an inset leg , an outset leg or an outset leg with wood trims. For meeting spaces and collaborative zones, OREE meeting tables can be chosen from two different heights for standing or sitting postures. Both table models come with a centre cable management column with flip lids and exciting colour choices inspired by Japanese culture. Group settings aside, OREE manager desks are ideal for executive or private rooms with an option of black powder-coated steel legs complemented by customizable walnut veneer tops available in a variety of colours and finishes. A modesty panel enhanced with laser engraved pattern is incorporated to the table while a flip-top on the table maintains a clutter-free surface. OREE’s desk systems can also be expanded further with pedestals to maximise space and provide more storage options. OKAMURA.COM
BOTTOM: OREE provides colour choices inspired by Japanese culture, carefully selected to meet diverse interior specifications.
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HAWORTH
FUSION OF IDEAS
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OFFICE SEATINGS
HAWORTH COLLECTION PARTNERS UP WITH BOSS DESIGN TO BRING A REFRESHING ARRAY OF FURNITURE PIECES THAT WILL TAKE MODERN WORKPLACES TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF STYLE AND SUBSTANCE.
THIS PICTURE: With its vibrant yet versatile design, Entente can be mixed and matched with different pieces to create an eye-catching workplace ambience.
HAWORTH OFFICE SEATINGS 104 TOP: A collaborative workspace that blends corporate appeal with hospitality style, Entente also incorporates power along with data and cable management provision.
BOTTOM LEFT: Available as a high and low back armchair, Marnie features a full body and angular back shape lending itself perfectly to versatile upholstery.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Toto’s contoured form creates modern design aesthetic while the fine seam patterned upholstery bear all the hallmarks of Boss Design.
VIBRANT COLOURS AND EYE-PLEASING MATERIALS HIGHLIGHT THE KEY PIECES IN THE BRAND’S LATEST COLLECTIONS. EACH PIECE SPEAKS VOLUME OF VERSATILITY AND STYLE, DESIGNED TO MATCH A VARIETY OF OFFICE LANDSCAPES.
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brand synonymous with innovation, quality and ingenuity, Boss Design’s success and growth in Europe and North America is testament of the company’s excellence in designing for evolving workplaces. Today, the brand join forces with Haworth Collection in Asia-Pacific, servicing clients across this region with local manufacturing facilities based in Shanghai. With a track record of producing products that combine innovative material approaches, unique design and skilled craftsmanship, Boss Design prizes peopledriven design. Together with Haworth Collection, clients can now look forward to a series of fresh and exciting collections that transpired from this rewarding partnership. Vibrant colours and eye-pleasing materials highlight the key pieces in the brand’s latest collections. Each piece speaks volume of versatility and style, designed to match a variety of office landscapes. For example, Entente takes centre stage as a distinctive collaborative workspace that merges hospitality style with corporate appeal. With its high booth and sofa hybrid design, Entente also incorporates a power along with data and cable management panel. Multipurpose chairs like Jolly and Toto infuse a sense of comfort and fun immediately. Featuring a mainframe that is constructed from plywood throughout, Jolly is a striking piece when upholstered in contrasting fabrics. Toto, on the other hand catches the eye with its contoured form and fine seam patterned upholstery. For a more luxurious touch, Marnie lounge chairs are beautifully made with premium upholstery and meticulous details. Available in a high and low back, this armchair is ideal for lobbies, reception areas and breakout rooms. To complement the chairs, the Kruze table range adds on an elegant flair with its polished aluminium 4-star base. HAWORTH.COM/AP/COLLECTION
TOP: Standing on a distinctive, polished aluminium 4-star base, Kruze complementary table range will grace any meeting, dining or breakout area.
BOTTOM: Jolly is a fun and stylish breakout chair that catches the eye with its striking organic appearance and smart upholstery detail.
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WILKHAHN
TIME FOR CHANGE
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TIMETABLE LIFT
MOBILE WITH MULTIPURPOSE FEATURES, TIMETABLE LIFT COMPLEMENTS DYNAMIC OFFICE SPACES WHERE VERSATILE CONFIGURATIONS ARE CALLED FOR TO MEET AN EVERCHANGING WORK ENVIRONMENT.
THIS PICTURE: With its multipurpose and flexible design, Timetable Lift is perfect for group discussions, seminars and huddle spaces, catering to different and meeting needs effortlessly.
WILKHAHN TIMETABLE LIFT 108 THIS PICTURE: The idea furniture for collaborative work environments, the table can be turned into a mobile, flip-top projection screen and whiteboard.
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ift it, move it or flip it forward into a writing board – there so many ways to use the superbly versatile Timetable Lift. Designed to offer new options for contemporary office spaces, the height of these tables can be adjusted electrically from 73 cm to 139 cm. With its flip-top table top, the table offers the added capacity to nest with others, making it a highly practical furniture for sit-stand hot desking concepts. Timetable Lift also comes with a locking mechanism and staggered storage when the tables nest into one another, so that everything stays streamlined. When it comes to conference or seminar use, Timetable Lift is a highly adaptable table for meeting spaces where seating arrangements need to be flexible. On top of this, users can also opt for a dry-wipe laminate surface – this turns the desk into a whiteboard that they can write on or a flip-top project screen. There’s also a magnetic surface option for more functionality. The table is simple to set up: with just a touch of button it can be instantly adjusted to the right height. Castors on all four legs makes it a mobile furniture piece and when it is not in use, the table’s compact design allows it to be stowed away easily. Optional battery operation also enables mobility regardless of where the power supply’s located. Available in laminate, soft-matte laminate or wood veneer, each of these table surface variants matches with the table’s bright chrome-plated or polished aluminium frame beautifully - perfect for creating a stylish yet innovative work environment. WILKHAHN.COM/EN-AU
TOP RIGHT: Designed with versatile features for sit-stand configurations, Timetable Lift can be adjusted in height from 73 cm to 139 cm.
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ACTIVE.T HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE KÖNIG + NEURATH
MAKE YOUR MOVE AN INTELLIGENT SIT-STAND WORKSTATION, ACTIVE.T IS DESIGNED WITH MULTIPLE WELL-CONCEIVED FEATURES TO ENSURE EMPLOYEES STAY ACTIVE AND PRODUCTIVE.
THIS PICTURE: Equipped with smart-ready motorised columns, ACTIVE.T has more scope for adjusting height than most, thanks to its tabletop height range of 650 mm to 1300 mm.
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itting for too many hours is the primary cause of different health issues amongst employees, especially for those who have deskbound jobs. Here’s where sit-stand desks are becoming a common feature in modern work environments to quell sedentary behaviour. According to ongoing studies, there are numerous health benefits associated with using sit-stand desks, such as alleviating blood pressure or providing low back pain relief.. The ACTIVE.T workstation from König + Neurath is designed to do exactly this – and more. Featuring motorised height adjustment, these work desks promote movement throughout the workday, which in the long run, contributes to employee’s well-being. With more scope for adjusting height than most sit-stand desks, ACTIVE.T offers personalised height settings to suit different users. Its tabletop height ranges between 650mm to 1300mm and has the ability to glide smoothly, transitioning quickly between sitting and standing postures. There’s more to this desk model than meets the
TOP: The height-adjustable workstation moves smoothly and quietly, adjusting quickly to different preferred heights or positions.
eye, as ACTIVE.T also comes equipped with smart-ready motorised columns and König + Neurath’s intelligent office software K+N SMART.OFFICE. The software offers a range of functions at your fingertips – from reminding users to switch between sitting or standing to locating colleagues, vacant desks and meeting rooms as well as booking workspaces, K+N SMART.OFFICE is a nifty workplace tool that helps to optimize space planning in the office. With the availability of individual or double workstation, ACTIVE.T can be configured to fit any office scenario, whether it’s a collaborative environment or a quiet place for focused work. Along with three frame colours to choose from (white, aluminium and black), features like fabric-covered central screens and central cable trays can be incorporated to double workstations to create a complete working space. KOENIG-NEURATH.COM
THERE’S MORE TO THIS DESK MODEL THAN MEETS THE EYE, AS ACTIVE.T ALSO COMES EQUIPPED WITH SMART-READY MOTORISED COLUMNS AND KÖNIG + NEURATH’S INTELLIGENT OFFICE SOFTWARE K+N SMART.OFFICE. THE SOFTWARE OFFERS A RANGE OF FUNCTIONS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS – FROM REMINDING USERS TO SWITCH BETWEEN SITTING OR STANDING TO LOCATING COLLEAGUES, VACANT DESKS AND MEETING ROOMS AS WELL AS BOOKING WORKSPACES.
THIS PICTURE: Combined with K+N SMART. OFFICE, ACTIVE.T makes an intelligent office organisation possible with thoughtful features like a memory function to remind users when to switch between sit/stand positions.
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C&R
INSPIRED INNOVATIONS
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WORKPLACE FURNITURE
C&R HIGHLIGHTS A SERIES OF CONTEMPORARY DESKING SYSTEMS AND FURNITURE PIECES THAT WORK IN HARMONY WITH EACH OTHER TO COMPLEMENT THE MODERN-DAY OFFICE ENVIRONMENT.
THIS PICTURE: Placed next to each other, the VETRO Desking System and RETRO Solid Wood Desking create a cohesive interior theme.
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ew and emerging work styles are making it more important to consider not just the ergonomics and functionality of the furniture used in the workspace. Versatility, aesthetics and features suited for collaboration play a significant role as well. Influenced by the modern-day workplace, C&R presents their latest suite of office furniture which pairs innovative functions with creative design to complement the evolving office environment. The brand’s latest innovation, VETRO features the ingenious integration of the VT Height Adjustable Series and Retro Pod. The merging of these two systems results in a new concept of lifting mechanism that is designed to be embedded in panels or walls as well as the lift up/down component of a tabletop. This mechanism does away with visible heavy steel columns or feet that normally come with the height adjustable desk; thus, offering more comfort and a sleeker look.
TOP: From formal to playful forms and colours, the adaptable Kate Desking System can be configured into multiple types of configurations.
For a fun and vibrant atmosphere in the office, the highly adaptable Kate Desking system offers a wide range of styles from conventional to contemporary dynamic concepts to fit different spatial requirements. Playful forms and colours are key characteristics of this series, where multiple desking configurations can be easily achieved to reflect a chic and modern theme in offices. The RETRO Solid Wood Desking is also an ideal multifunctional piece for open offices, breakrooms and meeting spaces. RETRO tailored lockers and cabinets pair perfectly with these solid desking systems with their minimalist forms, providing a contemporary storage solution that optimizes space at the same time. CNRINTERIORS.COM.SG
VETRO FEATURES THE INGENIOUS INTEGRATION OF THE VT HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE SERIES AND RETRO POD. THE MERGING OF THESE TWO SYSTEMS RESULTS IN A NEW CONCEPT OF LIFTING MECHANISM THAT IS DESIGNED TO BE EMBEDDED IN PANELS OR WALLS AS WELL AS THE LIFT UP/DOWN COMPONENT OF A TABLETOP.
TOP LEFT & RIGHT: VETRO features a new concept of lifting mechanism which can be embedded in panels, walls or tabletops.
BOTTOM LEFT: A versatile and multifunctional piece, RETRO Solid Wood Desking fits into open offices, breakrooms and meeting spaces.
BOTTOM RIGHT: RETRO tailored lockers and cabinets offer a contemporary storage solution that optimizes workspaces at the same time.
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WORKPLACE FURNITURE
FUTURE-READY WORKSTYLE
BRISTOL
LEADING THE INDUSTRY WITH NEW SOLUTIONS FOR HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY AND BETTER COLLABORATION IN THE WORKPLACE, BRISTOL PRESENTS AN INSPIRING SHOWCASE OF PRODUCTS AIMED AT TAKING TODAY’S OFFICES TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
THIS PICTURE: A flexible system for large fixed-type configurations, Decibel 43 Work Pod creates a seamless spatial layout.
BRISTOL WORKPLACE FURNITURE 120 THIS PICTURE: Featured here is a Meeting Pod with a roof complemented by a Call Pod, the latest in phone booths, while at the back is Vertigo 2.0, a motorised height adjustable workstation system with independently moving acoustic panels.
BRISTOL BELIEVES THAT A COLLABORATIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT CONTRIBUTES TO IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY. AN ADVANCED ACOUSTIC MICRO-ARCHITECTURAL PANEL SYSTEM, DECIBEL 43 SEAMLESSLY CREATES VERSATILE SPACE DIVISION AND ENCLOSURES WHILE MAINTAINING A SOCIAL AND INTERACTIVE ATMOSPHERE.
TOP: Designed to fit smaller spaces, Decibel 43 Work Pod Wave is perfect for hot deskers and digital nomads.
BOTTOM: The back screen of Decibel 43 Seat Pod creates a versatile space division and enclosure.
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BRISTOL WORKPLACE FURNITURE
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better work environment leads to better performance. In line with their vision for the future to create well-designed, quality furniture for today’s offices, Bristol recently unveiled an innovative range of products in tandem with their “Work Better” campaign at ARCHIDEX 2019. “Work Better” focuses on three key areas: agility and movement at work; collaborative and productive environments as well as ergonomics. In terms of creating a more agile office environment, the sit-to-stand table system, Vertigo 2.0 with independently moving tables and acoustic panels, allows users to easily adjust to their preferred position, as well as providing privacy on demand. Brava offers even more flexibility – this multipurpose bench consists of a top element that can be lowered into a seating area. Bristol believes that a collaborative work environment contributes to improved productivity. An advanced acoustic panel system, Decibel 43 seamlessly creates versatile space division and enclosures while maintaining
TOP: Paired with the sit-stand table system, Vertigo 2.0 and Decibel 43 Media Hub creates a conducive conference area.
BOTTOM: Decibel 43 Meeting Pod provides the option to create a ‘room-within-a- room’ with acoustic and visual privacy.
a social and interactive atmosphere. For group settings, Modu provides a vibrant modular soft seating system that can be configured into dynamic, informal meeting spaces to foster more opportunities for collaboration. Combined with the height adjustable and mobile Wobi Stools, ad hoc seats can be added on when the need arises. When it comes to ergonomics. Bristol’s iconic LIVEN chair can be adjusted from all angles to provide ergonomic compatibility with the user. The seat and backrest can be tilted in perfect balance with the body’s movement while the backrest lumbar can be set higher or lower to support the spine. During ARCHIDEX 2019, Bristol received two coveted awards from the event: the Best New Product award for its LIVEN executive chair as well as the Booth Design Award in the Standard Structure Category (37 sqm and above) - Gold Award winner. BRISTOL.COM.MY
DURING ARCHIDEX 2019, BRISTOL TECHNOLOGIES RECEIVED TWO COVETED AWARDS FROM THE EVENT: THE BEST NEW PRODUCT AWARD FOR ITS LIVEN EXECUTIVE CHAIR AS WELL AS THE GOLD AWARD FOR BOOTH DESIGN IN THE STANDARD STRUCTURE CATEGORY (37 SQM AND ABOVE).
TOP: On the left is the award-winning LIVEN chair while on the right is Vertigo 2.0 Triplet with independently moving tables and panels.
BOTTOM LEFT: Decibel 43 Media Hub, Wobi Stools and Call Pod form a lively workspace that fosters a more collaborative environment in the office.
BOTTOM RIGHT: The combination of Brava and Modu offer a vibrant and multipurpose seating system that can be configured into dynamic, informal meeting spaces.
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BENITHEM
ERGONOMIC EXCELLENCE
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OFFICE SEATING
DESIGNED FOR ERGONOMIC OPTIMIZATION, BENITHEM’S CHAIR COLLECTIONS ARE EQUIPPED WITH SUPERB FEATURES THAT INTELLIGENTLY ATTUNE TO THE USER’S SPECIFIC POSTURES AND NEEDS FOR ALL-DAY COMFORT.
THIS PICTURE: Flow-P office chairs and the B-Five seating collection can be used together to create a well-designed workspace.
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hile the values of aesthetic and functionality are prioritized in high quality workspaces, ergonomic comfort still tops the list. Office chairs play a significant role in this to ensure a healthy workplace that takes employees’ well-being into consideration. Here’s where Benithem takes the lead in ergonomic seating options with their collection of work chairs that blend comfort with stylish design. With its innovative back-to-back support, Zoom takes cue from your changing postures to provide optimal spinal support by naturally shifting itself to complement your movements. Featuring a unique Hyper-active Lumbar Support function, the chair moves intuitively and accommodates almost every possible position. Additionally, the chair’s self-balancing function optimally supports your spine while giving you the flexibility to move naturally. Designed with temperature control, its soft polyurethane (PU) padded seat and elegant back ensure that you can sit comfortably during long working hours.
TOP: The most unique feature of Zoom is its Hyper-active Lumbar Support which provides optimal spinal support.
BOTTOM: Zoom is custom designed to interact and move with your body, supporting you in every possible position.
FLOW PREMIUM (FLOW-P) ADDS ON TO ITS PREDECESSOR’S CORE QUALITIES OF STRUCTURAL SIMPLICITY, ERGONOMIC OPTIMIZATION AND SLEEK APPEARANCE WITH AN UPGRADED MECHANISM AND SEAT REST THAT MAKE RECLINING INTO YOUR PREFERRED POSITION A BREEZE.
THIS PICTURE: Flow-P incorporates an upgraded mechanism and seat rest which add on to the functionality and ergonomic customization of the chair.
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BENITHEM OFFICE SEATING
THE B-FIVE STACKING CHAIR FEATURES AN ERGONOMIC BACKREST WHICH IS MADE OF HIGHLY FLEXIBLE HIGH-ELASTIC POLYAMIDE TO PROVIDE FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AND A NATURAL SEATING POSTURE.
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From Benithem’s Flow series, Flow Premium (Flow-P) adds on to its predecessor’s core qualities of structural simplicity, ergonomic optimization and sleek appearance with an upgraded mechanism and seat rest that make reclining into your preferred position a breeze. Featuring an artfully designed moulded polypropylene backrest with excellent lumbar support, the chair is also 100% weight sensitive which means no tension adjustment is required. For added flexibility, the chair comes equipped with an adjustable 4D armrest which firmly supports elbows, as well as a height-adjustable two-pivoted headrest to provide neck and head comfort at any seating position. If you are thinking of getting a stylish chair that supports your back effectively, Fein is an ideal choice. Fein or “fine” in German, is Benithem’s latest chair collection designed with a slender frame accompanied by curved lines to provide total comfort as soon as you sit down. The lumbar support component of Fein can be easily adjusted with a press of a button to match your position and postures. On top of this, the chair also comes with an 18-degree tilting mechanism incorporated with
TOP LEFT & RIGHT: Benithem’s B-Five Stacking Chair features an upholstered seat rest and a well-proportioned frame to offer a comfortable sitting experience.
BOTTOM: B-Five and Fein fit into open offices elegantly, creating a cohesive look with their contemporary yet versatile design.
intelligent auto tension mechanism and 3-position locking, allowing you to adjust and stabilize the back effortlessly. This highly flexible chair also comes with 5 types of mesh as well as 14 types of fabrics to fit any interior concept. Both the Fein and Flow Premium chairs are certified by BIFMA, European Standard EN 1335 and Greenguard; thus you can rest assured that these chairs are eco-friendly and meet high standards of quality. Adjustable office chairs aside, the B-Five Stacking Chair highlights Benithem’s chic seating collection with its well-proportioned frames and skilfully upholstered seat rest. The chair also features an ergonomic backrest which is made of highly flexible high-elastic Polyamide to provide freedom of movement and a natural seating posture. The chair’s armrests extend from the backrest to produce a smooth and elegant appearance, making it perfect for meeting rooms, lounges, conventional halls as well as executive rooms. A variety of colours for both the frame and the seat rest is also available. BENITHEM.COM
TOP: Fein features an innovative upholstery “wrapped” method which contributes to the smooth and sleek lines of the chair
BOTTOM: With its adjustable mechanism and stylish appearance, Fein enhances different spaces in the workplace effortlessly.
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NEXUS OFFICE SEATING 130
SEATED IN STYLE HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE AND SUPERBLY COMFORTABLE, NEXUS’ SURFACE AND PICO COLLECTIONS BRING OUT THE BEST OF MODERN WORK ENVIRONMENTS THAT EMPHASISE PRODUCTIVITY AND WELL-BEING.
THIS PICTURE: With a perfectly designed outlook and gentle curves, the Surface chair redefines office seating by conveying a sense of ease, value and comfort.
NEXUS OFFICE SEATING 132 THIS PICTURE: Surface is easy to specify, easy to sit in, and pairs perfectly with open plan collections to create a seamless workplace.
FEATURING GENTLE CURVES AND A SENSE OF ELEGANT SIMPLICITY, SURFACE IS ECO-CONSCIOUS AS WELL – MOST OF ITS PARTS ARE MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS, REFLECTING A DISTINCTIVE DESIGN THAT EMPHASISES HARMONY BETWEEN HUMAN AND NATURE.
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omfortable yet attractive seating solutions are the key attributes to ensure an engaging and conducive workplace. Nexus’ Surface and PICO office chairs are designed with exactly these elements in mind. Ergonomic, style and versatility highlight these collections, offering users an exceptional sitting experience throughout the workday. If you are on the lookout for chairs that redefine office seating, Surface goes beyond just a comfortable place to sit on. Featuring gentle curves and a sense of elegant simplicity, Surface is eco-conscious as well – most of its parts are made from recycled materials, reflecting a distinctive design that emphasises harmony between human and nature. For easy height adjustment to suit each user’s preferred position, the chair is equipped with an imported heavy-duty pneumatic cylinder designed with safety and durability features. There’s also an adjustable contoured headrest complemented by 4D adjustable armrests which can be moved in and out, forward and back, up and down and pivoted to comfortably support the wrists, forearms, shoulders and neck. Superbly versatile, Surface fits into a variety of office specifications, pairing perfectly with open plan collections to create a collaborative and dynamic workplace.
RIGHT: Sleek and elegant, Surface features a nylon backrest along with adjustable polyurethane padded armrests.
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With its attractive form inspired by the 7 wonders of the world, PICO is designed to give modern offices a vibrant character. Highly comfortable, PICO features a highdensity polyurethane moulded foam seat complemented by a backrest that naturally flexes to fit users’ postures. Additionally, the chair incorporates a tilting mechanism that adjusts easily to different weight along with a pair of nylon adjustable armrests that come with polyurethane armpads to enhance comfort. PICO is also an incredibly multifunctional chair, fitting effortlessly into different office spaces including training rooms, dining halls and even break-out areas that require extra seating. Made of durable and easy-to-clean polypropylene material, the backrest is available in 7 different colours to suit different interior themes.
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TOP & BOTTOM: PICO combines great stability with excellent comfort: the backrest flexes gently in response to the user’s movements.
WITH ITS ATTRACTIVE FORM INSPIRED BY THE 7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD, PICO IS DESIGNED TO GIVE MODERN OFFICES A VIBRANT CHARACTER. HIGHLY COMFORTABLE, PICO FEATURES A BACKREST THAT NATURALLY FLEXES TO FIT USERS’ POSTURES ALONG WITH A TILTING MECHANISM THAT ADJUSTS EASILY TO DIFFERENT WEIGHT.
RIGHT: PICO is available in a selection of 7 different backrest colours to suit a wide range of applications required in today’s work environment.
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CASE STUDY - CARPET TILES CARPETS INTER
SUSTAINABILITY MEETS STYLE AT VISY A FLOOR CREATED FROM RECYCLED BOTTLES – WELCOME TO A WORKSPACE TRANSFORMATION THAT MAY BE DARK IN COLOUR, BUT GREEN BY NATURE.
THIS PICTURE: Visy Essendon Fields opens sustainable facility with carpet tiles containing 54,500 recycled plastic bottles.
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“VISY KNEW THAT A1 OFFICE IS A BIG BELIEVER IN A CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND CAME TO US WITH AN UNDERSTANDING THAT WE WOULD INHERENTLY APPROACH THEIR WORKSPACE TRANSFORMATION WITH SUSTAINABILITY IN OUR DNA.” Dana Moussaoui, A1 Office Head of Design and Green Star Accredited Professional
THIS PICTURE: Carpet Tile supplied by Carpets Inter - Flatlands FL15.
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isy is a global leader in packaging, paper and resource recovery, providing high quality, innovative and sustainable packaging products and solutions. Operating in over 120 sites in Australasia, they have been a leader in packaging innovation in Australia for over 70 years and offer unique and forward thinking packing and recycling solutions. A1 Office was recently selected to create a new Melbourne headquarters for Australia’s biggest privately owned company, Visy, whose motto is ‘For a Better World’. Visy valued A1 Office’s commitment toward sustainability and the resulting workspace transformation is testament to these shared values. Visy were looking for a flexible, unique and efficient workspace transformation for their new Essendon Fields headquarters. As a global sustainable packaging solutions leader, the new workspace had to reflect their values in creating ‘a better world’ by using sustainably sourced materials and furniture. With a floorplate of over 1000sqm, we selected the highest quality and most sustainable materials and furniture solutions from the ground up. Custom joinery pieces built in our very own Melbourne-based workshop, carpet made from 54,500 recycled plastic bottles diverted from landfill, low VOC wall paint, privacy division screens featuring recycled wall panels and tables and stools made from 100% recycled plastic. Health and wellbeing in the working environment were important factors when considering a design for Visy’s new workspace. We designed Visy’s office with open working spaces and tucked away areas for some quiet time out, which could also be used as casual meeting spaces. Given the materials used in the context, the added approach of circular form was to soften the harsh appearance of visibly recycled materials. Curvature was used to create a homely feel and activate the senses with bold Visy blues and a party of confetti pop in the recycled office tables and stools.
BOTTOM LEFT: This workspace transformation ensures function and style shine in harmony with sustainability.
TOP & BOTTOM RIGHT: Carpet Tile supplied by Carpets Inter - Across the Sea SE02.
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Dana Moussaoui, A1 Office Head of Design and Green Star Accredited Professional
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“WE ARE PLEASED TO HAVE LIVED UP TO OUR REPUTATION AND TO HAVE DELIVERED A WORKSPACE THAT IS FUNCTIONAL AND AESTHETICALLY PLEASING, YET LED BY SUSTAINABLE DECISIONS THROUGH THE ENTIRE DELIVERY - FROM THE ECOSOFT® CARPETS, TO THE ECO-FRIENDLY PLASTER ON THE WALLS TO THE LOW VOC CEILINGS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.”
BOTTOM LEFT & RIGHT: Carpet Tile supplied by Carpets Inter - Across the Sea SE02.
Q: What does sustainable design and fit-out mean to A1 Office? A: It means starting every project aiming for the most sustainable options, from products selected to materials used. For current projects, we always seek the most sustainable products there are on the market, without exception. But it also means raising the bar and leading the way where there are gaps. We believe creating products for longevity is vital for sustainability. Q: Where do you see quick gains could be made in making new commercial spaces more sustainable? A: Thinking carefully about extending product lifecycles. A quality workstation designed with sustainability in mind should be able to be used for a long period of time, if not forever. Sometimes, when we create custom products for specific spaces, we can unintentionally reduce that product’s lifecycle. We need to create more functional furniture and moveable parts – workstations that can follow an organisation from new office to new office. Linear workstations can do this well. And ones crafted for quality, easy assembly and endurance will last. Q: When we think of products made from recycled plastics, do we automatically think these have now been shaped into other hard and rigid products? Does this create a design problem? A: In a space that uses a lot of recycled elements, we do need to take this thought pattern into account as we can subconsciously, and often not correctly, feel the space is a little harsh. As a signature, I tend to use curves in my designs to accentuate softness throughout a space. This works particularly well when working with recycled materials, providing a feeling of homeliness that creates that sense of balance.
Q: How was the Carpets Inter EcoSoft® range used in the A1 Office workspace transformation for Visy? A: We used the EcoSoft® product on another delivery just before Visy, and we were truly impressed. It was really important to not have a rigid or stark feel and it didn’t. From a palette and design perspective, we could quickly see the opportunity to get creative. For Visy, we had a large floorplate and went with three different EcoSoft® products: Breaking Waves, Breaking Ground and Flatlands. These provided us with the opportunity to capture an earthy and outdoor feel and to bring in our client’s core colour of blue, while working in a grey base and darker elements. Q: Apart from the Carpets Inter EcoSoft® range, what were the other sustainable products A1 Office used for Visy? A: We started from the ground up, beginning with the EcoSoft® carpets and polished concrete in the breakout spaces. We sealed the concrete with Tecseal, a low VOC water-based sealer. We used green-friendly laminates, ceiling tiles, and lighting with low VOC Dulux paint used throughout. There was very little in the delivery that didn’t utilise sustainable products or materials. With the furnishings, the stools were made by DesignByThem, using their Butter collection that is made from 80 per cent recycled plastic. We also used their ‘confetti’ side tables and stools that are made from 100% plastic from post-consumer and factory waste. CARPET TILES: CARPETSINTER.COM AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR: ABOVELEFT.COM.AU WORKPLACE DESIGN: A1OFFICE.COM.AU
TOP: Its new office needed to not only reflect Visy’s blue credentials but to truly embody what it means to be a sustainable business.
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REFINING WORKPLACE CULTURE OASIS PRESENTS A RANGE OF FORWARD-THINKING OFFICE SOLUTIONS THAT ARE INNOVATIVELY PUT TOGETHER TO SHAPE COMPANY CULTURES THROUGH WORKPLACE DESIGN.
THIS PICTURE: Oasis’ Foster collection is designed to foster engagement amongst team members and instil a collaborate culture.
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successful culture of teamwork in the modern workplace propels businesses to move forward towards their goals more effectively. This can be achieved via well-planned spaces and furnishing elements that focuses on four areas of modern work culture: collaboration, tactical execution, control culture or presentation and creative or strategic thinking. These four cultures are innovatively reflected in Oasis’ exclusive office furniture collection. Oasis’ teamwork-driven workspaces are designed with emphasis on fostering a culture of collaboration, interaction and cooperation in the office. The Foster collection is aimed at connecting employees through creating inviting spaces within the office environment to encourage staff members to collaborate in different ways. Whether it’s an impromptu meeting, a casual discussion or structured brainstorming session, Oasis furniture pieces from this collection can be put together to fit these collaborative styles effectively. When it comes to collaborative work, creative and strategic
TOP: The Board collection enforces order and organization in the workplace to ensure a more conducive work environment.
thinking is also paramount in forming a forward-thinking team. Oasis’ workplace design infuses a high level of flexibility to suit various interaction needs to encourage creativity and active breakthrough amongst employees. Collaboration aside, the “compete” or “tactical execution” culture can also contribute to higher productivity in the office. Within a fast pace organization where speed is a key driving point for success, the work environment can be dynamic yet noisy and distracting. Here’s where Silento meeting pods can offer an ideal space for private meetings or a quieter place for focused work. In terms of more control and autonomy in the office, the Board collection’s well-planned features also ensure order and organization in the workplace so that there’s more consistency and higher quality control in delivering results. OASIS.COM.MY
TOP LEFT: Private meetings or focused work can be carried out in a more engaging manner with Silento meeting pods.
TOP RIGHT: The Foster collection is ideal for fast-paced organizations where customized workplace solutions are required.
BOTTOM: Designed with thoughtful details aimed at high performance and consistency, the Foster collection enhances the work environment effectively.
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ODE TO ART
Under the Tree
SPOTLIGHT
Thinker
Home to Move Ice Cream
Good Morning
A DREAMER OF ICE-CREAMS AND FANTASIES
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orn 1972 in Busan, Korea, Byun DaeYong currentl resides and works from his home town. Having graduated with Bachelor in Fine Arts from Busan National University, the artist continues to grow and aspire, now studying for his D.A. in the university. Through his playful imagery and benevolent oeuvre, Byun gently coaxes us into re-addressing issues of global warming and environmental destruction, and reminds us of our role as caretakers of our planet. Byun is a visual poet. His works make use of soft pastel colour schemes and arguably adorable subjects matter seemingly reenacting scenes from a preschool playbook, coming to life in a standstill, a three-dimensional rendition of a cartoon show from a distant childhood. His anthropomorphised polar-bear figures are seen carrying scoops of pastel pink and blue ‘ice creams’, with overall soft edges and gentle expressions. In reality, Byun’s innocent scenes actually embody darker themes like the decline of humanity, touching on issues regarding the state of our environment and humanity’s impact on the habitats and behaviour of living creatures. ODETOART.COM
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CRAFTED WITH A REMARKABLE IDEOLOGY, PERFECTED FOR MULTIPLE CONFIGURATIONS