< PreviousSpecial Report commercialinteriordesign.com June 2020 40 "Once the lockdown eases, mental wellbeing and addressing people's anxieties should be important issues for all employers. A lot of people have spent time isolated and will need to adjust. WELL criteria is likely to be updated to refl ect the new regulations and design changes, and it may expand to cover areas such as mental wellbeing and the home offi ce. Staff working from home are working under low-level lighting, sometimes without any natural light. "If more people continue to work remotely, will employers be responsible for checking the suitability and assessing the risks? Companies may be required to supply additional lighting equipment, such as free-standing dynamic lighting. "Many of these trends were already emerging, but they are being brought to the fore much quicker as we deal with a situation that has transformed offi ce life for the long-term." Thomas Herd, Anarchitect The senior RIBA architect believes that as well as what we see in offi ce interiors, how we behave in them will change. "Over the course of the lockdown in the UAE, our team asked ourselves the most potent of questions – what do we need an offi ce for? The answer varies between industries, however within the design sector there is only really one answer – creativity. To collaborate on ideas and solve problems, to teach and to learn in a creative, supportive environment rooted in nurtured company culture. "The question post- pandemic then becomes 'how do we provide this function, safely?' "At ANARCHITECT our design processes have always been fi rmly rooted on the person, the user and the best experience for that particular individual. As a respond to the future, we must consider not what the workplace is like now; but how it will evolve and offer the client a fl exible design strategy that can respond to market changes and supports the client's business model. "We anticipate a shift in workplace culture founded in what we have learned from working at home. There will be an inclusion of ritual into the everyday. The process of entering an offi ce will be slowed down – a sanitation station on entry, designed around a person, provides a necessary function, but will also build a culture of consciousness around hygiene and caring for others. "The entrance hall itself may be widened appearing physically grander and circulation routes might be reconsidered. Mindfulness at the workplace will hopefully replace rush and stress practices. "From an architectural perspective, this may indeed mean the end of the large-scale offi ce. We may see practice offi ces split into regional clusters – where those that live locally to that hub can check in every other day for a creative workshop with their collective team members, which will also reduce cross-city commuting and therefore a decreased risk of spreading any germs. Farid J. Noufaily, LS Design "Post COVID-19, we will surely see the role of the offi ce shifting profoundly. More people will prefer holding on to the fl exibility of working from home or elsewhere outside the offi ce. "The nature of the workplace will hence arguably become more about a space for collaboration, rather than a space to congregate. This could translate to a greater need for fl exible/hot desks, instead of permanent 'personalised' desk spaces. Meeting rooms will become spaces for collaboration and need to be re-imagined by architects to accommodate for social distancing and incorporate advanced technologies. "The focus will shift to optimising the workspace, offering access to tasks that cannot be done remotely such as secure VPN broadband or access to specialised technology or equipment. "There are many lessons being learned during this pandemic; including the need for social distancing and design for better infection control. The most important paradigm shift however is that instead of a communal space for the entire workforce, the offi ces of the future will be places of collaboration and specialisation." Jet Smarter offi ces by LS Design "They will become places to collaborate not to congregate"Special Report 41 June 2020 commercialinteriordesign.com Collective workspace in Bahrain by ANARCHITECT Cem Kapancioglu CK Architecture Interiors "The pandemic will have an impact, with the most important being the acceleration of the transition into a new, dare I say, politics-free, offi ce order. Spaces will be smaller, technology will be prevalent, innovation will be omnipotent, and design and will be decided by algorithms." "In terms of general trends, the future offi ce will still be a predominantly open space playground for designers who will make creative use of various props such as transparent glass or Plexiglas partitions to effectively protect workers from each other’s potential to infect. "Touchless sleek branded sanitisers of various shapes, sizes and colours that match the overarching décor will be tastefully placed at each workstation. The ratio between standing and sitting workstations would eventually balance out in an interchangeable layout. "There will be no printers, which will allow for more effective use of space in smaller offi ces. "The reception desk – wherever this is still available – will be removed, as chatbots will have already replaced telephonists. Offi ces will be wireless, no desktop computers, no landline, bring your own device. "Meeting rooms will be bigger in some cases, in others it will be a case of increasing their number. Sanitisers will be at the entrance. Personalised tissue boxes will be available and disposable masks and glove kits will be available for anyone who would like to use them. "There will be no canteens, and for the same reason, the watercooler will become obsolete, and once watercoolers dry up, the dawn of a new era, one free of offi ce politics will hopefully arise. Special Report commercialinteriordesign.com June 2020 42 Offi ce space at the manufacturing company Hira Industries Location: DIP, Dubai, UAE Size: 17,216 square feet Scope: Design & Build CASE STUDY: HIRA INDUSTRIES BY SWISS BUREAU INTERIOR Special Report 43 June 2020 commercialinteriordesign.com Third time's a charm, as the saying goes. As Swiss Bureau unveils the last of its 'Hira Trilogy' in Dubai, this recently completed design and build project in DIP remains consistent with Hira Industries’ previous locations. Following the core story of 'making the invisible, visible,' the design exposes the beauty of the typically unseen infrastructure of MEP, placing Hira’s raw products at the forefront of design. Designated as Hira's main HQ, it was imperative to distinctively defi ne this environment, infusing the fun with sophisticated elements. The two-storey offi ce conceptualises rational and emotional reactions by ensuring the schematic design caters to the needs of its staff. Functional, effi cient, and visually pleasing components together built a warm and welcoming experience, as requested by the client. Illuminated by bespoke lighting fi xtures, the main centerpiece features a unique branding opportunity. Wooden slats are meticulously arranged atop the staircase, encased between two large slats of glass, effectively creating a framed illusion. Multi-functional environments and fl exible workspaces are plentiful, taking form in integrated nooks, collaborative zones, private phone booths, coffee bar, and an executive lounge fully dressed with eclectic furnishing and foosball tables. Keeping a sense of familiarity while adding a hint of elegance , Swiss Bureau continued an industrial loft aesthetic with a more luxurious palette of warm walnut woods, oranges, and deep blues. Rather than creating display cases as was done in prior designs, showcasing Hira products took a comparatively more subtle approach. Products are seamlessly harmonised amongst natural raw materials and highlighted within the space. Specially manufactured duct insulations are provided by the client, and Hira's acoustic paddings are playfully installed throughout, managing the noise control needed for an open-ceiling environment. A refl ection of Hira's progression as a leading company within the HVAC, MEP, and the civil construction industry, Swiss Bureau proudly delivers a space carefully designed to a detail of sophistication and innovation. Warm woods create a luxurious feel DESIGN Nooks for employees to escape into One of the bespoke lighting featuresSpecial Report commercialinteriordesign.com June 2020 44 CASE STUDY: JOTUN HQ BY STYLED HABITAT DESIGN The canteen has three kinds of seating SCANDI Styled Habitat Design collaborates with Royal Haskoning DHV and Live Loud Girl on the interior for Jotun's new regional headquarters NEUTRALSpecial Report 45 June 2020 commercialinteriordesign.com Jotun HQ Where: Dubai Science Park Need to know: The new regional headquarters and reasearch and development centre is 12,000 sq m. It can accommodate up to 230 staff. Founded in Norway in the 1960s, Jotun established its presence in the Middle East in 1974 and has since expanded its footprint since in the UAE and beyond. Special Report commercialinteriordesign.com June 2020 46 Scandi-neutral was the design brief for a collaboration between three creative enterprises. Styled Habitat Design worked with Royal Haskoning DHV and Live Loud Girl to design he interior for Jotun's new regional headquarters in Dubai Science Park. What they created together is a timeless design combining natural materials with a neutral colour palette as an homage to Jotun's Nordic roots. Live Loud Girl served as the stylist consultant. Having worked with Jotun on their consumer market for over a number of years, the agency's love for simplicity, creativity and Scandinavian design ensured that all design decisions were in keep with the fi rm's aesthetic and brand. Located on a 12,000 sq m-plot, the headquarters and R&D labs are set inside two separate buildings, designed by Netherlands-based architecture fi rm Royal HaskoningDHV, led by architect Hisham Al Hayouti, in line with Jotun's guidelines and brand expression. The architecture embodies Scandinavian simplicity and modernity coupled with a sustainable and innovative design. Upon completion, the buildings are set to accommodate up to 230 people. Styled Habitat payed homage to Jotun's Nordic roots and Scandinavian sensibility of 'functionalism' through a concept that offers a timeless and honest design, fi nely crafted using natural materials with a focus on simplicity and functionality. It was Jotun's fi rst project of its kind in the in the region, so it was important to ensure it refl ected the strength of its brand values. Jan H. Lorentzen, project manager, Jotun, says: "Refl ecting the business Jotun represents with regards to products, appearance is very important. Interior design should not only be pleasant to look at but also refl ect Jotun’s values and quality. Styled Habitat has put great efforts into designing Offi ces use natural materials and neutral colours Meeting rooms are informal CASE STUDY: JOTUN HQ BY STYLED HABITAT DESIGNSpecial Report 47 June 2020 commercialinteriordesign.com a beautiful environment that we can all be proud of." Rabah Saeid, founder and creative director, Styled Habitat, adds: "We studied the architecture by Royal HaskoningDHV and continued the same design language into the interiors with simple forms created to maximise light at every turn and bring the space to life. Focusing on simplicity and functionality, as with all Scandinavian design, we emphasized natural elements, minimalist furniture and impactful lighting. "One might run up the conclusion that the Jotun headquarters, one of the biggest manufacturers of paints worldwide, would occupy a space that is decidedly colorful. However, we intentionally chose a more subtle approach. We stripped the interior's core of color and allowed for natural light and materials to fl ood the space, using color as accents," he says. The neutral palette that is maintained throughout the entirety of the interior space The workstations are open-plan allowed for colour to be emphasised as focal points and viewed as art within the space. Company culture was another key consideration within the interior design, resulting in a mix between open and closed offi ce spaces as well as carved out breakout areas on every fl oor to allow for multi- functionality and team gathering. Using nature as the main inspiration, Styled Habitat recreated elements of the Norwegian forest through vertical elements that create a warm strain of modernism. Vertical wood slates can be found in the reception and canteen in a white oak fi nish. Vertical elements also trickle into the handmade Kyushu tiles, which offer a mixture of luxe and matte fi nishes to further emphasize the interplay of light and shadow within the design. The canteen, which is created to be a cosy, warm, and inviting restaurant-like space, features three different seating styles. Bench seating has been selected for a quick coffee or bites, while booth seating is designed for a cosier feel. Finally, the loose table seating option is fl exible and can be customised for even larger group functions and parties. The selected furniture is all stackable and can be easily removed to create a large, open space for events. From exterior to interior, the design focuses on purist simplicity, complete with white walls and oak wide wood planks by Kahrs that runs along with the concrete fl ooring for an industrial look. Flos lights give a sleek, modern aesthetic, black fi ttings punctuating the space. Jotun’s commitment to quality, design and craftsmanship is refl ected in the products and brands used, such as Carl Hansen, Fritz Hansen, Gubi, Menu, Mutto, &tradition, Vitra and Flokk. Norwegian brands and Scandinavian products sit alongside works by local and regional designers and initiatives such as Nada Debs and FMBI, highlighting settings in which Jotun products can be used. First look commercialinteriordesign.com June 2020 48 THE FOUNDING FATHER’S LEGACY OFFICE BY BLUEHAUS GROUP There are many people who have left their mark on history, infl uenced and inspired nations, cultures, or have driven positive change. There are monuments and landmarks dedicated to their lives and achievements across the world. The founding father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed, is one of those. Dubai's Bluehaus Group, working alongside Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and her project team, listened to stories of personal encounters from people related to HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the elderly who reminisced about moments and events from his life. It was clear that emotions towards the Founding Father are as strong today as they were during his life. Those stories were used to create The Founding Father's Legacy Offi ce in Abu Dhabi's IPIC Tower, creatiing a space to narrate a story about Sheikh's Zayed's beliefs, actions, and moral fi bre. The UAE's heritage and culture has played an integral role in the creation of the interior, with fi nishes inspired by the country's traditional building methods and the unique layout and materiality aid in creates a space that speaks of the past and evokes memories but is still connected with the present and celebrates the UAE's ambitious future. STORYTELLING The design team's main aim was to create a workplace that allows for discovery through unexpected storytelling. General functional zones have been inspired by the 'past' (where the archive and library is), the 'present' (which has sunken majlis style seating surrounded by social areas) and the 'future' (which has a large boardroom, project rooms and a recording studio). Each zone has an a view that complements and supports the time it represents. Storytelling begins with understated but striking architectural elements, painting a picture of Sheikh Zayed's strength and presence. The entrance commands respect and sets the tone as it leads and entices the visitor towards the greeting area. The main focal point of the entrance, besides the striking slanted walls that create an illusion of a narrowing hall is a majestic 'sandbox'. This is where employees and visitors are greeted by a famous quote "His bisht always seemed to be fi lled with the wind of heaven," giving a sense that Sheikh Zayed's spirit is alive and present within the offi ce. It is a space full of emotion that provides powerful insight through key messages. NATURAL RESOURCES The feature lighting on the backdrop of the reception wall was designed and created to capture a constellation of stars present at the time of Sheikh Zayed's birth, and a piece of Al Ain's Jebel Hafeet mountain was extracted and carved into a stunning feature rock to make the reception counter. The offi ce is designed in an unconventional 'gallery style', with the aim of refl ecting the typology of a traditional Emirati community. The functional built- up areas are designed to create unique walkways, from which you can explore alleys and nooks. Along the journey, visitors can gaze on artworks and personal belongings from Sheikh Zayed's life. A SYMBOL In the heart of the offi ce lies a sunken courtyard, symbolising Sheik Zayed's down-to-earth nature and his focus on people and the nation. It acts as the collaborative hub for First look 49 June 2020 commercialinteriordesign.com everyday users, and a hosting area for visitors and events. This space is created to symbolize the 'nation'. A living example of a unifi ed people working together. Emirati Bedouin building materials and architectural building methodology have been used, such as the hand-woven Sadu in the ceiling, which is on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. As well as the palm leaf weave and rock from Jebel Hafeet, there's handmade clay pottery, all using local materials to celebrate the life, era and vision of the late Sheikh Zayed and to celebrate the present that was possible because of him and the future he has paved the way for. It's a fi tting legacy. A majestic sandbox greets visitors Walkways encourage exploration Local materials are used throughout The design incorporates traditional elements Collaborators • Al Tayer Stocks • Lighting: PSLAB & Acoulite • Furniture: Total Offi ce & Plumbsheep • Flooring: Micro topping by Intex Finishes • Glazing Partitions: Kaprel • Customized Carpet: Carpet Crafts • Platre: Sarooj • Decorative Concrete Coating: OptimumNext >