Finding inspiration in the most unlikely places, since …
We spent the past two weeks experimenting and refining our layout, although there are one and two areas where that process continues. This week we will focus on finding a theme that will define the character of our space design.
As designers we inevitably develop certain bias towards the look we’re after as the project develops, often time the inspiration comes from conversation with the clients regarding their ideas as well as their existing environments and work culture. The more we learn about the personality of their company the more we will be able to express it in our design and make their space a physical representation of their brand.
Who, Why and the What,
The client’s portfolio of video editing work for major sports broadcasters, auto manufacturer, video games and active apparel companies, left a strong impression that was further reinforced by a logo that reminded us of design taken from a super hero comic books.
Is this where the guys do their grocery shopping?
We were equally fascinated by the strong affinity towards technology required for their work as well as the collection of paraphernalia from the various projects they had worked on. We were also fascinated by the act of video editing itself which require taking apart of timed elements in the form of music or videos and reassemble them in the form of a condensed and coherent piece of media. We would very much like to express this process architecturally.
Which lead us to start thinking about sliding doors, their horizontal action in some way greatly resemble the time bar common to many video editing software. By varying the configuration and material of individual doors, both vertically and horizontally we can begin to create some interesting concepts that reflect what actually takes place in the work space it self.
As to the overall finish palate?
We like to refer to the look that has been slowly coalescing in our brain as the “Gotham Industrial Warhol” look. We felt that it would provide some interesting color contrast and also subtly echoes the historic garment neighborhood the work space is located at. Plus as the addition of the word Warhol implies, we wanted a dash of brightness that will “garnish” the space.
Since we are working with a pretty tight budget so a large portion of the look will have to come from a strong color scheme and accent pieces like light fixtures.
The Gotham connection
The Ace hotel came close to the palate we had in mind, we like the dark slate color and the antique white finishes as well as an infusion of natural wood. Although we do feel that it is a bit on the somber side and is missing some of the energy and vigor we are looking for ie the Warhol part.
We do like the older industrial looking pendant fixtures they used and would like to use something similar for our workspace as well. After looking at several light fixtures we’re leaning towards the Halophane fixture from Landmark Lighting. It offers a nice combination of downlights and uplights which is helpful in an work environment, all at a relatively affordable price.
To balance and soften the industrial look, we want to include an accent wall near the entrance vestibule and finish it using reclaimed wood panels from Stone Source. Their weathered and knotted finish will lend weight to the overall look and provide a nice balance against the industrial color palate.
Its Orangy Orange!
And finally we like to suggest picking a modern couch with a dash of bright retro color to complete the look and brighten the space. It’ll also match the adjacent wood finishes well.
Finally Our scratch pad:
Here’s some more images and sketches we look at for additional inspirations.
And finally Kerri’s favorite:
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
Tags: Architecture, Corporate Interiors, Creativity, Design, Interior Design, Interior renovations, Office Interior, Professional
Great post Hsiang! One thing I wanted to add is that the introduction of color is more about branding your identity.. I think that by working accent colors of orange and yellow throughout the space will really make the space feel creative and dynamic (when juxtaposed against the industrial greys and wood tones)
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[...] we have mentioned in our previous post “Fine art of finding Fine Finishes” (boy are we proud of that title) the name of the theme we’re building towards is the “Gotham [...]
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[...] 11.18.10 Projects P3: the Fine art of Finding Fine Finishes [...]