Tomorrow calling

An integrated fit-out in a brand new building with broad floor plates is a blank backdrop that the tenant can make completely their own.

At 18 Marcus Clarke, architectural firm Reid Campbell undertook the fit-out design for DAFF. The department covers a range of disciplines including agricultural science, research, economics, policy advice, quarantine management and corporate business support, says Reid Campbell director Richard Campbell.

"In terms of layout, the campus-like feel, initiated by the expansive floor plates, cut-out voids, and inter-level stairways, helped staff with wide-ranging occupations to feel part of a greater whole," he says. "However, the immediacy of comprehensive branding elements on all floors was instrumental in creating a strong, unifying culture."

After close research and a pooling of ideas from all parties, staff included, an overall theme was created called The Environment in Context. DAFF's role is to develop and implement policies and programs that ensure Australia's agricultural, fisheries, food and forestry industries remain competitive, profitable and sustainable.

"The branding is based on environmental themes of the desert, rainforest, alpine, rural and water," Campbell says. "Natural tones are used as a base palette, including green for forest, blue for water, and red/orange/yellow for rural environments. Large graphic boards, wall displays, wayfinders, and hanging elements all feature colour-coded graphics representing crops, farmers, seashells, forest scenes and several other environmentally evocative images."

The five distinct themes are repeated on different floors, sometimes but not uniformly reflecting the work of staff on that level. The bold colours and graphics also bring personality and vibrancy to each floor. The colour, imagery, and symbolism work together to remind staff, clients and visiting members of the public that DAFF cares about Australians and where they live and work, now and in the future.

Aside from a ground-floor cafe and executive spaces on the upper levels, most of 18 Marcus Clarke has services laid uniformly across the floors, allowing for internal DAFF reorganisation down the track.

For further details, contact Reid Campbell, phone (02) 9954 5011. Website: www.reidcampbell.com.

Story by: Trendsideas