Small is not just for home,

Space constrain is always an issue for just about any urban based environment, regardless of the type or nature of the project we are designing for. So we are always on the lookout for unconventional and flexible ways to maximize the function of any space. We looked at several examples of projects designed with moving partitions and shelving. Such as Gary Chang’s transformer apartment: link. But surprisingly we find a lot less examples of similar thinking for the design of the work environment.

We are currently designing an office with just such a challenge. We have a Limited amount of space but we would like to maximize the flexibility of their conference room. As often is the case with a lot of smaller offices; their conference room also doubles as the lunch room, activity room and so on.

Switch by Yuko Shibata

Switch, is an interesting concept project by the Japanese designer Yuko Shibata. A small home office was designed with a movable partition between the library and the work space which move along the work table. It created either two smaller work spaces or one larger conference area.

It’s an interesting concept but the configuration of the movable partition would probably be impractical in larger scale installations.

Via. dezeen

Creative Time Offices by Work Architecture

Instead we found what Work Architecture has designed for the Creative Time offices to be closer to what we have in mind. A similar problem was presented here, a small and long space which require flexible layout for the more public functions. The solution is also more straight forward here, a single linear track that ran along the entire length of the office, along with multiple semi translucent door/ wall panels.

The movable partition allows the conference room at the end of the office to be used either as a single larger room or as two separate work space. It also allow a varied amount of privacy for the open work area.

What also attracted us is the simplicity of this solution; the track and hanger used are standard heavy duty closet door hardware. This installation is a lot more economical than the custom moving partitions typically use in larger corporate project, the lighter weight assemblies also make moving the partitions a lot easier. Lastly the hardware set also allow for more flexibility when it comes to the type and size of panels that can be used. Which means that a wide variety of finishes such as wood, fabric or even a panel made entirely out of white board would be possible with this configuration.

Project Navigator:

Project P3 is a ongoing workspace renovation project we are working on, with the award winning editing company P3 Entertainment. Follow our progress as we develop our theme of “Gotham Industrial Warhol” look and create a fun work space for the guys at P3.

01.07.11 Project P3: Lighting layouts and well, just layouts!

12.09.10 Project P3: How to properly garnish a work space. Add light fixtures!

12.02.10 Projects P3: Getting what we want, when we want it, and at a good price!

11.22.10 Projects P3: Creative and Flexible Layout part 3

11.18.10 Projects P3: the Fine art of Finding Fine Finishes

11.11.10 Projects P3: Creative and Flexible Layout part 2

11.04.10 Projects P3: Creative and flexible office layout

EZarchitecture

Tags: Architecture, Creativity, Design, Flexible layout, Interior renovations, Office Interior

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 4th, 2010 at 6:21 pm by Hsiang.
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