FRESH is best

Good commercial real estate can be hard to find, especially when the market is buoyant, but through careful planning and evaluation by Gaze Commercial, Airways NZ has found a space that met its brief.

Towering above Wellington, Airways' new offices give 180° views and provide an exceptional outlook for everyone in the company. The strategic brief was to move Airways from their old 1980s building, which consisted of cellular offices spread over eight floors, into a working environment that reflected their position as one of the world's leading providers of air navigation services. They were also looking for a space to foster a culture of collaboration and networking within the organisation. Moving to two and a half floors, in combination with a modern, functional, open-plan layout, has allowed for much better interaction between the business units.

Because the 95 staff at Airways had to be split over two and a half floors, it was decided that a new break-out room be centrally situated in the space with the best view, to draw the organisation together.

"This became the hub for the organisation, where staff come throughout the day and interact with one another. They are proud of their workplace," says Flora Muriel-Nogoy, design manager for Gaze Commercial.

Gaze successfully created a space that captured Airways' ethos, using glass, stone, timber and laminates to produce a clean, modern interior. The design team used rectilinear concepts that contrasted with the circular shape of the building, making it visibly wider. Guests are treated to an impressive aerial view of the city. The reception is wide, spacious and subtly conveys what Airways do, highlighted by a column that references an aircraft wing. This houses a monitor displaying live flight paths from around the world.

For more details, contact Gaze Commercial, PO Box 10851, Wellington, phone (04) 499 7919. Or visit the website: www.gaze.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas