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Ogilvy engaged M Moser Associates’ Kuala Lumpur team – in partnership with local design firm CDA International to create the new office. Planning for the design evolved from an intensive observation of how staff worked. Ramesh Subramaniam, who led the project team from M Moser Associates says, “In terms of planning, they needed two distinct types of space to support their work culture: one open, and the other, more segregated.
They also needed a large, multi-purpose area that could be used for everything from dining and relaxation to intimate discussions or even large meetings with all staff members.”
As the advertising firm wanted the interiors to exude a contemporary-Indonesian feel, the design team was mindful of creating open and seamless spaces. The idea was for the employees to have an interactive space so that they are visually connected with each other.
Inspired by a ‘contemporary-Indonesian’ line of thinking, the designers created a reception area that gives visitors and staff the feel of “walking into a spa in Bali.” A slightly raised timber platform demarcates the reception area from the waiting area. The informal reception desk features a thick clear glass top supported by eight discs of Indonesian timber, each being a solid section of tree trunk. On one end of the desk is the Ogilvy logo, rendered in three dimensions, with its ‘y’ dropping down to touch the floor. A row of three ‘silk cocoon’ light fixtures are suspended from the ceiling. Another trio of silk fixtures hover in the space behind the reception desk, marking out the top of the staircase.
Arrayed to the left and right of reception behind glass walls and pivot doors are a pair of meeting rooms and a conference room. In contrast to the reception space, the design theme in each is almost Spartan in its simplicity, the colour scheme being basic white. In the boardroom, the timber table top provides some textural and tonal depth while the designers have highlighted the ceiling by suspending 11 light fixtures over the table. Though appearing in three distinct forms, all share the same finish of matt black on the outside and hammered copper inside.
The main work area is minimalist in style, with all staff members working from simple open bench-type desks arranged around the outer circumference of the floor to receive maximum natural light.
Descending to the office’s internal staircase brings one directly into its cafe area and seemingly into yet another sharp contrast. “The cafe was meant to provide a whole range of different spaces where people could dine and talk and collaborate.
To introduce another fun element, we built a slide into the staircase. At the bottom, you land on a green pad of astroturf. Also, people can sit on the staircase for meetings,” explains Ramesh.
In the cafe, users can choose from a wide variety of settings, each offering unique qualities to suit their needs and purposes. For those who require privacy for their discussions, a circular timber platform with seating for six beckons. Curved panels of fabric mesh slide along a ring-shaped overhead rail to partly enclose the space on demand. Not far away is a long, narrow space enclosed on three sides and presenting the option of cosy, cafe-like seating. For those who simply need a space to relax, a series of ‘daybeds’ are located against the window wall, complete with fabric curtains which drop down from the ceiling. Ramesh tells, “Since its completion, the office has attracted a great deal of media attention and has even won a few awards, which is very encouraging feedback.”
Flowing lines and bright colours seem to characterize this office space. It is an intelligent way to connect the spaces together and create visually seamless transitions between departments and teams. In all, this is a contemporary-Indonesian office that reflects the culture of its occupants and surroundings to create a dynamic work environment.
CONTACT DETAILS
M MOSER ASSOCIATES
Unit 3
Enterprise Center
Nehru Road
Vile Parle (E)
Mumbai 400099
Tel: 022 67414500
Website: www.mmoser.com
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