1. What was the brief from the client? And how did you achieve the same intertwining of your style?
Envisage was entrusted with the task of creating an optimally functioning workspace. The client and his firm, which deals with IT solutions, had broad requirements of seating a certain number of people, one calling room, and some breakout zones with a pantry. He also was looking for something other than a large reception, the only one that could screen off guests into the meeting room right at the entrance. Using this brief as the starting point, we included curves of varied heights to accommodate the seating needed.
2. With evolving office designs, what latest trends have you absorbed into this project?
Fluidity, curvilinear patterns, biophilia, and a monochromatic moodboard are some trends we’ve absorbed in Iris.
3. What are the environment-friendly initiatives taken for this project?
Everything in Iris was created on-site! The concept of curves enabled us to create the partitions in situ, leading to minimum wastage. Additionally, only a few sofas and chairs were not made on-site but were instead upscaled from the clients’ previous furniture collection.
4. Can you give us insights on the selection of furniture and finishes of the project?
One crucial factor dictating the selection of finishes was the area of the space. Since the area was less but encompassed many people, the finishes had to be easy to maintain. Considering that, the common areas include laminates, lacquered glass and tiles, while the master cabin consists of plush materials like veneer. Iris’s furniture and partitions were customised entirely per the area constraints and created on site.
5. What were the difficulties or first setbacks encountered?
The area restraints versus the number of things to be fit took a lot of work. In addition, we did not want the space to look very segmented; hence it would have appeared even smaller. So, we created a design that ensures that the entire office is visually accessible and flowing, yet every employee gets their privacy.
6. If you had to name the design style used, what would it be?
The design style incorporated in this office space would be fluidity, backed with seamless design.
7. What were the inspirations and key concepts for the development of the project?
The key concept was definitely visual fluidity. We aimed to create partitions enabling one’s eyes to flow seamlessly across the entire space. To avoid obstructing any view, we varied the heights and curvature of the partitions. The amount of space and the client’s brief, in accordance with the idea of a curvilinear design, inspired Iris.
8. What is your favourite element of design in the project?
My favourite element is the pantry. The space has a certain playfulness and joyful appeal that breaks away from the subtle finishes of other spaces. The curved design translates into the pantry area, accommodates storage within residual nooks for large equipment, and, most importantly, hides away the cluttered workspaces from guests. Its curved green wall pops out and makes a statement, standing out in the entire space.
9. If you had to describe the project in 2-3 words, what would it be?
Organic, seamless & curvilinear.
10. Explain the use of colors and/or other details to add value to the design.
The mood board of Iris can be described as muted and monochrome. We included only a few colours because of the size of the space. The laminates incorporated are also light, with a soft palette. That being said, an office space requires elements to cheer people up who spend long hours working there. So, we’ve added pops of green by adding plants and green-coloured features that also have a good psychological impact on the user. The master cabin has a plush look, with beige greys dominating the space.