International flavour

The opportunity to design and build its own new premises gives any company a huge advantage. The requirements of the business and the needs of staff can be incorporated into the design, rather than being compromised to fit into an existing space.

Trends Publishing chairman and publisher David Johnson commissioned Ignite Architects to develop the site adjacent to the company's previous head office to accommodate its expanding international media business.

Architect Graham Price says Johnson's vision was to create an architectural solution sympathetic to its location. The design also had to take into account that directors and staff often work irregular hours to accommodate clients in other time zones.

"It was decided that the new Trends Centre would incorporate two levels of offices of 1654m² each, two levels of car parking, and a penthouse level for six apartments, resulting in a truly mixed-use building," Price says. "An existing cafe in the building next door provides a complementary amenity."

Because of the mix of residential and commercial usage, the atrium needed to suit a variety of visitors and to accommodate their differing needs.

"We designed a dramatic, glass-fronted, five-storey atrium to celebrate the public entry, and even though it is small in area, its great height and filtered light have a cathedral-like quality that provides an excellent opportunity for exhibiting sculptures and other artworks," he says.

A central core in the building, the atrium provides access to apartments and offices via a glass-fronted observation lift and a cantilevered steel and timber staircase.

For more information, contact Ignite Architects, 1 Watt St, Parnell, Auckland, phone (+649) 356 4791, fax (+649) 356 3606. Email: amys@ignitearchitects.com, website: www.ignitearchitects.com.

Story by: Trendsideas