CO-ARC INTERNATIONAL OFFICES - INTERIORS

o-Arc was in need of new office space, but luckily, we are Interior Architects, and have a long history of Interior Design for offices. So all the challenges that were faced were met with Interior design experience built up as one of the leading Architectural firms in Johannesburg.

One of the biggest challenges was that the new offices were considerably smaller but the existing furniture and same number of staff had to be accommodated. The primary objective for the fit-out was that the same comfortable studio culture remained, regardless of the size.

It was also important to create a new contemporary and timeless image for the company that has produced exemplary architecture for the last 50 years.

Moving to larger computer screen sizes and less paper enabled the modification of existing office furniture to suit the ergonomic and operational requirements of each workspace, and created a more intimate working environment for the central studio.

Layers of transparency were created. The reception and boardrooms use clear frameless glazing, enabling filtered views of the studio between curated posters of the history of the practice. Also overlooking the studio, the directors’ cubicles with clear glazed corners open onto the studio, allowing partners to be part of, yet apart from the studio. Combinations of reflection and transparency achieved through the arrangement of furniture allow for a sense of enclosure and intimacy in the large open space, where every individual within the deep office has a personal space, and every space from reception to print room has natural light and a magical view across the adjacent tree canopy.

The combination of clear glass with a neutral palette has punches of colour that subtly add a richness and sophistication which feeds back to the corporate identity of Co arc International Architects and the sophisticated sensibility of Interior Design Johannesburg. The predominantly light interior reflects and spreads a soft diffuse natural light across the studio and into the boardrooms.

The interior was designed to achieve maximum impact with minimum resources, and with the Green Star system in mind, every element was considered in terms of environmental sustainability. However, elements that serve only to prove compliance in order to obtain Green Star points without adding environmental value commensurate to capital outlay were not implemented.

This new interior has transformed the office, providing a new space that enriches and inspires collaboration and forward thinking.