A social focused work hub

With the social hub as the focus of this workspace we have created an open plan environment that is both professional and relaxed.

Level 04 350 Queen Street Melbourne

350sqm

Photo Credits: Simon Shiff

Focus on being together

Given the challenge by TE Capital to provide a successful speculative workspace within a compact footprint and with minimal access to natural light we created an environment that balances a sophisticated feel with a focus on the social aspects of the end user. Taking advantage of what light and views were available, we positioned the work zone along the full extent of the perimeter glazing prioritising the natural light for this function. This pushed other functions including the social hub against the building core and away from the perimeter glazing.

Taking full advantage of all a space has to offer and turning the disadvantages into positives creates successful and unexpected solutions."

Positioning the social hub against the core also aligned this space with the main entry allowing us to overlap and blur the lines between client welcoming and staff interaction. The vibrant nature of the social hub provides a positive lively experience for guests upon entering the tenancy. Clients are welcomed immediately into the social hub and can socialise and enjoy a coffee before proceeding to a designated meeting.

Where formality and the casual overlap

Positioning the social hub up front and within the entry zone creates a naturally casual feel to office space. This is then balanced with the remaining spaces being carefully curated to provide more formal meeting rooms and workspaces with select finishes, furniture pieces and feature lighting befitting the professional nature of the spaces. With the social hub front and centre we have placed the design emphasis on form with curves and horizontality dominating while the textures and colouring is made up of subtle natural tones.

"Design interest is achieved through a successful balance of form, surface and space."

Creating intimate work spaces

The workspace, while benefitting from its positioning against the perimeter glazing, is further enhanced by the insertion of planting screens between work desks and the introduction of extensive planting. Every desk is separated from the one across by a full height acrylic lined shelving and screening system. From the extensive vegetation paired with select decor pieces and combined with the acrylic screens, provides privacy with acoustic and hygiene separation. These interventions help to break the workspace up into smaller more intimate zones further adding to the relaxed nature of the space.