interior design studio office.
This project was completed as part of an assignment that required students to take a pre-existing building and develop a design for their own interior design studio office. No structural changes were allowed for the design, for space planning was taken into careful consideration to create space that had an informal meeting space, workspaces for two designers, a formal meeting area, a sample area, storage, an area for beverages and a small fridge. This office concept design was the result of intentional space planning and attention to detail for the functions of the space.
informal meeting space.
Taking inspiration from Tadao Ando’s Shiba Ryotaro Library in Osaka, the Informal Meeting Space is surrounded by custom shelving to store and display books and reference material owned by the designers of the space. The intention is to create a feeling of being surrounded by a stockpile of design knowledge, breathing inspiration into the space. A whiteboard placed on the North wall allows for brainstorming between both designers.
Material and design language heavily reference the work of Tadao Ando, as he is the favourite Architect of the owner. A small concrete model of the Azuma house is placed on the coffee table as a reminder of the importance of simplistic design with intention.
formal meeting space / sample area.
Designed around the pre-existing window, the Formal Meeting Space / Sample Area allows for the designers and clients to have discussions and view samples of material with ample lighting. The minimal design of the custom cabinetry adds ample storage for various material samples and documents to be stored securely.
workspaces.
The Workspaces for the lead and assistant designer had to be considered carefully due to limited space and to priorities ergonomics. Both workspaces are positioned near each other for ease of communication and are within proximity of North and South windows for indirect natural light.
As desk space is a must, large sit/stand desks were chosen for their provided workspace and adjustability for health benefits. Wall space is left vacant to serve as blank canvas for pinning drafts, reference materials or mounting pegboards as desired by the designer.
kitchenette.
A small Kitchenette is located within the small nook on the east side of the office, with a large window opening allowing morning sunlight to breathe into the space. The design intention is to maximise the natural sunlight in the space for health benefits and a feeling of being outside, connecting with nature to improve the well-being of those in the space.
The Kitchenette features a small bar fridge, microwave, hidden bins, 2 drawers, 2 shelves, sink and appliances for beverages. Wall-mounted shelving on either side of the window allows for the display and storage of mugs collected by the lead designer, who is also a coffee and tea enthusiast.
