New perspective
With its bold, contemporary design and innovative lighting solutions, Philips New Zealand's new head office is a showcase for its products
Moving into new premises provides an ideal opportunity to customise office interiors to better reflect changing work patterns. And sometimes downsizing the space creates the most streamlined and functional work environment.
Such was the case for Philips New Zealand. The company recently moved 100 employees to a new custom-designed head office on Auckland's North Shore. Ignite Architects was commissioned to design the interior fit-out, which needed to reflect Philips' culture, values and brand positioning. The interior also had to provide for greater integration of the three core business divisions healthcare, consumer electronics and lighting.
The former head office was so large that teams were working a great distance apart, says Ignite interior designer Gavin Purdy.
"Streamlining the new offices has created better functionality and energy efficiency," he says. "It has also allowed us to provide a far more interactive workplace."
Teams are grouped in open-plan workstations on the building's perimeter, where the natural light is maximised.
Purdy says Philips wanted a more corporate, international look for its new premises. Introducing clean, minimal lines not only reinforces the company's leading-edge technology, it also helps to emphasise the products on display.
"Bright orange accents add a little excitementto the light-filled atrium, and highlight two social hubs on the first floor," says Purdy. "These breakout areas allow plenty of staff interaction.
"For the product displays, however, colours have been kept more muted, to focus attention on the technology."
For details, contact Ignite Architects, PO Box 37-853, Parnell, Auckland, phone (09) 356 4791, fax (09) 356 3606. Website: www.ignite-direct.com.
Story by: Trendsideas
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