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OR VIEW ALL PROJECTSOR GO BACK TO SEARCH RESULTSOR VIEW ALLPROJECTS BY ARCHITECT BLIGH VOLLER NIELDOFFICE PROJECTS2004 PROJECTSPROJECTS IN SYDNEYPROJECTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRETT BOARDMAN |
To attribute one single 'idea' to a workplace belies the underlying complexity of the many and diverse needs of a business, which are at times contradictory and counter-intuitive. The key principles through planning, however, were to create an environment that allowed a workplace community to flourish and interact in order to function effectively as a business and as a dynamic and welcoming 'place'. The key principles of the aesthetics were to provide an ambience of warmth and professionalism, signaling both the supportive yet highly innovative and progressive environment.
The physical manifestation of the workplace stems from a clear brief from the client - "to establish a sense of community" within its practice floors. In any urban environment, the fabric of the community can be found in its streets. It is on the street you find a cafe, a meeting place, a place for contemplation and for information. The Baker and McKenzie 'street' provides such spaces to support the changing needs of its community. The street crosses each floor plate incorporating the lift lobbies, terminating to the north with the cafe and to the south with an open meeting area. The client floor provides an appropriate mix of meeting spaces for visitors meeting with Baker and McKenzie staff. A dynamic timber screen acts as a clear visual device to lead visitors into the main reception area from the lift lobby. The warmth of the timber juxtaposed against a glazed view of Sydney Harbour symbolically reflects the client's aspirations of a move from an enclosed, internal bound office environment to one that is unique, welcoming, and transparent.







