PROJECTS

American Express HQ

DETAILS

Arch / Design:		Geyer Design (web)
Project Manager:		Multiplex Constructions (web)
Type:		Office
Year:		2008
Location:		Sydney
Photographer:		Tyrone Branigan (web)

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PROJECTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY TYRONE BRANIGAN

The 15,000sqm American Express building is designed by COX Richardson Architects as a sculptural composition that asserts a dynamic and enthisiastic urbanism conveyed at differing scales of perception. Close inspection reveals an interwoven series of sheltered spaces; colonnades, through site links and balconies. Closer again and the building surfaces themselves express a human scale with variations in texture and material.

The position of the site at a bend in the Western Distribution results in a serious reflectivity issue for northbound traffic. Its facade of blue glazing is flanked with a dramatic sbstract pattern; fine orange fins of varying lengths and widths which create optical illusions and increase the sense of speed and movement. The vertical blades supported off the facade are deeper where there is a greater incidence of reflecctivity, creating a "contour map" emphasised by changes in colour saturation. The blades also reduce morning sun penetration. ESD initiatives also include fixed and operable external sunshading devices on the northern and western facades. These are targeted to the relatively small areas receiving major heat loads after allowance for the overshadowing effect of adjacent buildings. This dramatic combination of sunshade and acoustic system also doubles as an aesthetic statement, inviting interaction between the building and viewer.

The new fitout for American Express aimed to create an environment that supports 'Bluework' - an American Express global workplace initiative. Geyer's interior interpretation of the brief was to bring a sense of transparency to the interiors. Being a large American International financial institution, upholding tight security presents a challenge for the designers. Geyer's glazing solution offers visual access and simultaneously opens a relationship between the public customer zones and private work zones.

The client floor was designed to convey a premium service to American Express customers. This is achieved through the use of dark tones, lighting and furniture to create a club-like ambience. Geyer also created new support areas throughout such as large breakouts and client zones on each floor. Each breakout draws inspiration from American Express' overseas office locations namely South-eastern ethnics. A hospitality feel is achieved in these spaces through lighting, furniture and finishes and materials. "Zen Floor" is influenced by textures and characteristics of Japanese architecture, tatami floor patterns, dark timber treatments to furniture and organic basket like pendant lights. 'Organic Oriental Orchid Floor' is enchanted using vibrant fuschia colours reminiscent of Singapore's natural flora, and bespoke curved ottomans adding to the softness.

The district forms and vivid colours and tones of turmeric, paprika and cumin, present at spice markets from the regions of India and Sri Lanka, create the theme for the 'Geometric Spice Floor'. The ground floor lobby materials link to the marine environments of King Street Wharf. Throughout, the architecture is woven with symbolism expressing American Express' strategies and visions, presenting the local and international face of their multi-faceted, multi-national company.