BREAKING WORK 3.0

In this generation, who would like to work and feel confined in an enclosed space? Who would want to have an office that is rigid to a certain number of staff? Who would want to look at solid walls at least 8 hours a day and feel that you are being separated from the beauty of the world!

Our team approached this challenge with the future of work spaces held firmly as a centrepiece, our future of flexibly sized companies, expansions and reductions in space requirements following trends in innovation, the incorporation of science and technology and environmental preservation. We  solved this challenge with the workers on mind- how to make them enjoy working in a confined space but wouldn't feel like it, how to make them more efficient and relaxed while being more collaborative.

We did a trial and error method, we had tried a few layouts and realized some spatial requirements weren't achieved or fell short on some of the important objectives. Our team experimented with different solutions, played with different ideas... brainstormed with different technologies. And finally came out with the output that was the best result of our a few weeks of experiment.

This concept evolved after 3 iterations into what we present here today, the circular shapes remain and it's adjoining courtyard, allowing offices to open out to nature there. An addition is a rectangular intersection to the circular building expanding out over the plot to accommodate larger spaces within. This challenge highlighted topographic attention to detail, ensuring no excavation of the site would be required- as this is costly, and environmentally damaging. 

Our concept started as an intention to wrap businesses within a double helix sloping roofed open style nest, with a green central courtyard open to each of the offices on the inner circle,  outer circle offices had the panoramic view of the landscaping and the surroundings. The helix layout covered by the green roof playing with the site contour which sloped and was accessible to the public.

Design intentions flowed with the urban surroundings into attempting to generate a environmentally friendly green space along with a sleek circular design with a natural view for all spaces whether that be an interior view of the green space courtyard, exterior view over greenery further across to its urban setting or from above onto its green roofs. 

Our team caters green architecture without compromising the usage of space and function of the areas.

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BUILDING PROFILE 

The circular section of this building gives 360 degree views to the surrounding urban environment. a landmark in its surroundings- we tried out a few shapes to match smoothly with the main circular building, and we came out with a rectangular shaped building which intersects the main building that gives the overall building profile a playful contrast externally.

BUILDING ENVELOPE

One of the key design considerations our team also focused on was the natural light flow through the full glazed building shell. This way, we wouldn't require too much of usage of artificial lighting as the building walls already provide the adequate sun light needed.

KINETIC FACADE

The glazing wrapped around the entire building profile is also wrapped by kinetic façade shades. Architecture, as a static component, makes sun heat problem hard to solve. The louvres, with kinetic technology can independently pivot to maximize solar protection. As this set of louvres is bespoke/ custom-made, we also designed it to have an embedded solar panel for green electricity. This office building is energy self-sufficient which will eventually send energy to the grid.

MAIN ENTRANCE

A grand entrance with a triple height reception area with a modern chandelier dropped from the ceiling of the top floor hanging down to the 2nd level will already make you feel the worth of your decision of renting an office space. The interactive meeting rooms, the upper floor lift lobbies will already greet you just by looking above from the reception area. By just entering the building, you will already feel the excitement of using the areas to get collaborative with your team.

MAIN STAIRS

As one of our goals to redefine meeting spaces, we have designed the main stairs of the building to allow people to sit on and be collaborative and or productive, either alone or with your team. This gives team meeting the collaborative area which will give them the relaxed ambience which will stimulate their ideas better, as some people function better in a big open area.

LIFTS

We have our lifts with panoramic view as well, that even the tiniest enclosed space you have to get in to get to your office would still make you feel the connection with the nature, as they all faces the green courtyard. Well...what is the better way to enjoy your morning lift rides!

COURTYARD

Having an open green space in the heart of the building makes the architecture more appealing. Not just that it adds to the aesthetics of the building, but it also provides natural ventilation and provide enough light to the middle’s spaces of the building. We have added seating and lovely landscaping to ensure building users to enjoy and relax during their break time at work. As it is situated close to the cafeteria/ coffee shop, people can grab coffee or lunch and spend their break time in the courtyard- which will surely recharge anyone’s mind to prepare for the next working hours of the day.

OFFICE SPACES

We have paid close attention to scale and re-scalability with office division able to be relocated to accommodate any size of team, larger spaces that can be transformed into small spaces with retractable soundproof partitions.

OFFICE PARTITION WALLS

With our retractable walls, we have redefined the usage of space. It isn't rigid as any other regular offices. It is an effective space solution by utilising walls that can be retracted for how much space a company requires. This wall has also a good sound proofing which will still keep the confidentiality and privacy of each office.

OFFICE FURNITURE

We have designed a sleek modular office furniture which can be configured in different layouts to match the staff needs. They can swap and mix things up which means we can keep things fresh in the eyes without reinvesting into a new set of office furniture. Aside from its function and cost-effectiveness, the modular furniture creates a collective look across the workplace. As it is very adaptive, they can even be going around the reception area without looking out of place.

THE MEETING ROOMS

The meeting rooms are all on the 2nd floor. They also have retractable walls which can go from 4 people space to 20 people capacities of room. We have designed a formal meeting room and an informal meeting room which have different impact but the same function.

THE PARKING SPACES

We have provided a few parking spaces for electric cars and bike racks which are both good for the environment.

THE CAFETERIA

Our cafeteria is located on the right of the reception area. Having this be seen by people coming in from the main entrance will give make it feel inviting with our coffee counter to welcome them. This cafeteria has the big kitchen where all the menu gets prepared every day. There is no need to go somewhere else for your lunch break as we have designed a perfect breaktime getaway for the employees/ workers.

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In addition to it's modern presence as a landmark, we have left the ability for expansion. with the correct carbon offsetting by its inhabitants, ecologically responsible working within may allow for ultra energy efficient solar panels on sections of the flat roof alongside its east west positioning for maximal sunlight, to be added, as well as the potential for excavation if needed for extra parking.

We see this design allowing seasons to flourish and be witnessed from within, the bold greens and flower beds of spring and summer garnishing the upper roofs and central courtyard, into the autumnal and wintery blankets of browns, oranges and snow whites. Our multidirectional views capturing seasonal changes for our inhabitants. 

With the time passes by, this building will continuously progress at being energy self-sufficient. The layout and the façade are designed to be easily duplicated anywhere in the world. We can see this building, if not as good, but just as well-used like we work- as our concept is well-thought of that makes it easy to duplicate potentially anywhere.

In the future, we can see this being constructed and embraced by every single company or individual that needs a space that would make you get focused, think out of the box, improve your creativity, and boost your collaboration skills.

We call this building “Collab” which says it all.