Advocating A Culture

Amazon’s main office entrance makes a statement with feature walls flanking both sides of the reception area. Apart from Amazon’s signature logo serving as a backdrop for the reception counter, the opposite wall features a neon light advocating the DAY 1 culture and greeting all employees as they make their way into the office.

Throughout this multi-level office, the design concept is strongly influenced by Amazon’s corporate culture, with hints of local Singapore flavours to create a unique identity within the company’s larger portfolio of offices. Internal corridors are cladded with powerful environmental graphics that narrate their leadership principles as well as a journey through Amazon’s history – taking pride in being Earth’s most customer-centric company, best employer, and safest place to work.

Flexibility Is Key

To accommodate Amazon’s expanding workforce, selected collaboration hubs are furnished with movable furniture which can easily make way for additional work stations to welcome new employees. Depending on the number of new additions to the team, these furniture can be partially or fully reallocated to another space without compromise to the overall aesthetics and functions of the space.

Designed to be a multipurpose space, two large training rooms are separated by an operable wall so the space to open up for larger groups and townhalls. These two rooms are also cleverly connected through their wall design, which features the iconic Singapore skyline surrounding the space. For events and parties which require pantry access, another operable wall can further open up the rooms to a fully equipped pantry dubbed as ‘The Social Hub’.

The Social Hub

To create a main space where employees can host their guests for a quick discussion, or for co-workers to congregate and wind down after their daily grind, we planned for a social hub that offers panoramic views of the Singapore skyline. Seating is also designed to fit various group sizes – ranging from individual bar seats to large communal tables.

The vibrancy of this social hub is radiated through its design elements. ‘Invent and simplify’, being one of Amazon’s leadership principles, is displayed in neon lights on a suspended mesh structure that houses the industrial lighting for the bar top. Nestled at the corner of the hub is a product display area, where guests can learn of Amazon’s wide offerings of products and solutions.

Extending Out

Located at the heart of Singapore – Asia Square, Amazon’s office enjoys panoramic views from all sides of the office. To create an illusion of extended space, carpeting used along the perimeters of the office mimics the colours of the environment outside the windows – red roofed shop-houses, the sea, or a yellow building.

Activating Movement

Collaboration hubs and touchdown spaces are scattered throughout the floorplate to empower employees to choose where they want to work depending on their task on hand. Interspersed within their three level office are fifty breakout areas and five big meeting rooms as well as open space discussion areas for employees to have casual discussions or brainstorming sessions.

To facilitate a hybrid workforce, all meeting rooms and training rooms are AV/VC capable and are equipped with video-conferencing capabilities to connect with colleagues working remotely efficiently.

Engaging The Team

With multiple stakeholders present in the same office, recreational spaces were carved out to foster interaction and relationship building. Making good use of their ample wall space, activities such as scrabble,  chess, snake and ladder and spin the wheel are mounted on the walls along corridors near pantry spaces and collaboration hubs. Foosball and billiard tables are also available for employees to enjoy an occasional match with their colleagues. 

Growing Responsibly

Adopting environmentally-friendly materials for the design was one of the key goals of our design team. Thoughtful selection of carpets made from sustainable material, use of low VOC paint, recycling bins placed around the office, and zoned lighting for energy efficiency – all in line with Amazon’s sustainability efforts around the world. These efforts have earned Amazon their first LEED Gold award in Asia.

DESIGNING AN EXPERIENTIAL FACILITY TO INSPIRE INNOVATION

Spanning a total of 244,000 square feet across six-storeys, Shopee’s new space reflects the brand’s commitment to invest and continually innovate in Singapore and the region. This regional facility is designed with people at the centre, providing solutions to meet the needs of a changing workforce. It also aimed to create opportunities and experiences for a new generation of talents. At work, these talents seek a sense of belonging and emotional connection to the mission and purpose of the organisation.

KEEPING PACE WITH A CHANGING WORKPLACE ECOLOGY

Designing a space meant for nurturing a future generation of young technological talents also required in-depth understanding of an evolving work culture. Meticulous space planning formed the foundation of diverse work settings that effectively supports the wide ranges of work patterns, from concentrated tasks to cross-team collaborations.

Workplace zones with distinct atmospheres are dedicated to support the different work styles and needs. Providing a variety of spaces for different modes of work yields a more engaging work experience and touchpoints to bolster connections.

DB&B applied a rigorous methodology to fully understand Shopee’s requirements and project needs before recommending space planning and allocation. Connectivity is achieved through a synergy (via a majestic internal staircase) of smaller units across the six floors, bringing together a curation of different zones that connect users and places in one identity.

ENCOURAGING A CULTURE OF COLLABORATION AND INNOVATION

The physical layout of the office makes the core foundation in reflecting the values of the Shopee culture and ultimately, foster innovation. Warm and cosy co-working spaces are equipped with stepped seating and flexible
furniture. This creates opportunities for spontaneous collisons and interactions which facilitates internal knowledge transfers.

ESTABLISHING BRAND VALUE IN THE OFFICE SPACE

Integrating a highly functional space with the company’s ethos and philosophy breathes life into the workplace and promotes employee engagement. It evokes a sense of belonging and home for the growing Shopee team. The bold use of the signature Shopee orange is carefully blended with neutral colours to create a harmonious colour palette. Angulating and progressive lines in key areas suggest innovation and dynamism.

Unique brand elements are also applied throughout the space to not just create a strong visual identity but also as a form of wayfinding as well.

STRONG WORKPLACE COMMUNITY THROUGH WELLNESS

Driving healthier solutions in the workplace where employees have access to healthier food and beverages options can promote physical well-being. Lush greenery is also visible, carefully peppered all around to bring nature into the workspace.

Shopee’s office is equipped with a full-fledged gymnasium, massage room, sleeping pods that aimed at providing maximum welfare and comfort for the Shopee team. Team-oriented wellness spaces like the games room can drive team camaraderie and social interactions.

The Shopee workplace is a representation of how work settings are evolving to cater to today’s workforce. Work behaviours constantly change when it’s heavily influenced by society’s demographics and psychographics. And there will always be industry leaders like Shopee who will always be blazing the trails.

DB&B worked with Distrii to achieve the objective of transforming the way people work. As this is Distrii’s first foray out of their base in China, the facility had to undergo thorough design thinking process right from the onset. Distrii is designed to support its users in every way through comfort, technology optimization and customized work settings.

One Space Fits All

Diversifying from the usual office set-up, Distrii aims to operate in a more organic manner. Work settings include private and customized spaces as well as flexible, hot-desking areas available for bookings.

The design value adds to the new concept with strategic space planning that maximises real estate efficiency. Every space in Distrii is configurable and tailored to user needs. One such example would be the hot-desking area below the staircase, an unusual place to design for a work setting. The area is given a “café-bar” treatment, elevating the hospitality look and feel.

SMART Office Integration – Technology as Enablers

One of the key success factor of this project effectively integrated Distrii’s proprietary enterprise collaboration and productivity tools to its physical space. This included a mobile application that is backed by a cloud-based system and Internet of Things Technology (IoT), focusing on office tools and social circles. The application provides access and booking of meeting rooms, as well as supporting video conferencing and internal administration management. Letting users stay connected both online and offline, Distrii provides an engaging space for its users.

Working at Home

In addition to designing around the needs of the users, the design inspires users by making them feel right at home with a “resi-mercial” design approach, designing the office as we would a home. For a start, the design introduced residential furniture such as sofa and coffee table setting that could work as a discussion area or a personal workspace. Coupled with warm ambient lighting, and the clever interplay of wooden trellis and chevron-shaped flooring pattern with dark turquoise boiserie paneling, Distrii becomes a homely and warm co-working space.

Biophilic elements are infused to energize the work environment by providing health and wellness to the surroundings. Bearing in mind that the users are the most important people to design for, Distrii’s space design connects the multi-level facility with a grand staircase that provides the backbone of connectivity. The staircase is naturally flanked with plenty of greenery in line with sustainability efforts and nourishing the work environment.

When Food & Beverage Multinational Danone planned its Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore, they envisioned an ‘agile’ workplace that caters to its regional and local employees, and at the same time, reflects their mission to build a healthier future.

Agile Work Settings Offer Flexibility and Encourage Collaboration

In-depth surveys, interviews and workshops were conducted to discern the needs of the users.  Findings revealed an agile work setting would appeal to both regional and local employees, providing the flexibility and support they needed.

Planned autonomous ‘neighbourhoods’ are effectively zoned to meet work (with amenities), collaboration and storage needs. A mixture of workstations and high desks (hot desking) provides employees with the flexibility to choose where they want to work according to nature of task on hand.

Collaboration is central to Danone’s teaming culture. Collaboration areas are designed to be more relaxed and informal with vibrant, expressive colours to facilitate social interactions and creative discussions. Implementing multi-functionality in various areas also allows versatility and multi-purpose use of spaces. For example, manager rooms are designed to double up as meeting rooms when unoccupied. Multi-purpose training room is also configurable to suit various event needs when combined with the spacious pantry.

A Truly Sustainable Asian Hub

This Asian Hub clearly reflects Danone’s commitment to sustainability. Starting from the impressive greenwall at the reception and surrounding greeneries peppered across the entire space, employees are also equipped with environmentally-friendly amenities to uphold the company’s mission of building a healthier future. Sustainable innovations like the charge-as-you-ride, self-powered cycling devices that can generate power to charge mobile phones motivates users to choose an active lifestyle to be fit and healthy. The office was also granted the BCA Green Mark Platinum certification.

A clear representation of an Asia headquarters, the workplace embraces the region’s eclectic cultures by incorporating unique themes for each zone. The different zones for the back-of-house are demarcated using special cultural motifs to represent Asia Pacific countries that Danone has presence in. The design team and the Client hand-picked each furniture and display accessories in each space.

Encapsulating ‘homeliness’, the final design is unified by bringing a sense of belonging at the Singapore-themed pantry, a home for Danone Asia Pacific headquarters.

Keeping in mind their plans for growth in human resource, they leveraged on the opportunity to review and implement a change management strategy to future proof their workspace. ASM set out to create agile, collaborative and flexible spaces which can cater for activity based work and future expansion.

As design conceptualization and space planning of the appointed workspaces had to commence while the construction of the physical building was still in progress, it was imperative for ASM to engage partners that were experienced in handling pre-TOP projects. Alongside DB&B, a workspace strategy consultant was engaged to carry out workspace studies. DB&B collaborated with the workspace consultant to interpret and manifest the space standards, incorporating them into the initial space planning.

ANCHORING THE BRAND

The design team also worked closely with ASM to understand the brand and their goals of internal marketing. To ensure that everyone has a visceral experience of ASM’s new branding elements, DB&B thoughtfully peppered the space with accent colours such as pink, yellow and orange to align with ASM’s newly-launched brand guidelines. Similarly, diagonal weaving patterns inspired by the ASM logo are applied throughout the workspace on walls, counters, carpets and even ceiling designs.

A BRIGHT WELCOME

Upon arrival, guests at ASM are greeted with an impressive double-floor glass entrance leading to their reception area. The illusion of space at their reception area is created by natural light spilling over from its glass entrance as well as the high ceiling. Guests are also subtly reminded of ASM’s expertise through the clever design of the feature wall inspired by a circuit board which doubles up as ambient lighting. Paired with an elegant solid-surface reception counter, this backdrop extends across both floors to the mezzanine level, where guest meeting rooms and training rooms are located.

VIBRANT CONGREGATION

The café is an impressive space which can accommodate ASM’s growing workforce. Such spaces, once thought of as just a space for meals, have now become alternatives for townhalls, collaboration, and socializing. Seating options are plentiful – ranging from long communal tables to high benches and booth seating. To offer spatial demarcation, DB&B playfully mixed accent tiles with vinyl flooring of different colours to create zones. A pool table and table tennis table are also thoughtfully accessible for employees to recharge their minds.

WHERE AGILITY MEETS TRANSPARENCY

ASM’s main office space occupies the entire fifth level of the building. To promote agility in the new space, ASM’s management team led by example to shift from traditional, assigned workstations to be part of the open office. This promotes transparency within the organization and encourages effective communication between managers and their team, who make up the key building blocks of the organization.

Considering the number of people that would be sharing a large and open office space, ASM decided that they would adopt a “neighborhooding” concept in most areas. This practical concept segregates the big space into self-sufficient zones with their own amenities such as mini pantries, meeting rooms, huddle spots. By having these resources nearby, employees are equipped to work efficiently and are motivated to collaborate and ‘live’ together in the neighbourhood.

FINDING THE SWEET SPOT

In each neighbourhood, bench-style workstations are generously available. These workstation tables are manufactured by DB&B and are separated by acoustic board panels that serve the dual purpose of providing privacy and absorbing echoes. To build layers of privacy within such open office environments, private meeting rooms of various sizes are also erected along the perimeter of the floorplate. DB&B also incorporated several sanctuary spaces with luxurious enclaves that offer solitude and a quiet place to focus.

THE STRIKING EXCHANGE

The clusters of work desks are separated by a striking aisle of colorful collaborative workspaces that which is aptly named the ‘Exchange’. This ‘Exchange’ offers a fun variety of seating types for different group sizes to come together for discussions. Being the top level of the building, this space also enjoys natural light pouring in through a niftily designed skylight and acoustic ceiling design situated right above.

RELAX AND REJUVENATE

While smaller pantries are located near the work stations for a quick coffee or water break, tugged at the east wing of level five is an idyllic café pantry. This area plays host to a huddle space for brainstorming or smaller townhalls. This fully equipped pantry features a bar counter partially cladded with wooden paneling to create geometric stripes lined up diagonally, once again reflecting elements of their logo. The pendant lights hang in a decorative manner over the counter to create a relaxed scene, offering a respite from work within the office.

THE EVOLVING WORKPLACE

The ASM workplace is a representation of how work and work settings have evolved. Next generation workplaces have to be designed to support people, promote wellbeing, improve flow of information, promote creativity and drive team camaraderie and social interactions.

“We are deeply honored to be involved in ASM’s change management planning and implementation. In this state of rapid transformation in workplace dynamics, we are focused to design and build a resilient and future-proof workplace for our clients.” says Jeanette Siew, Executive Director of DB&B.

While stepping out of the lifts, it is easy to identify the main entrance of the office – an eye-catching moss wall warmly greets everyone that comes in. This feature wall makes a statement against the pale-coloured palette of its surroundings. On the left of the moss wall is an elegantly sculpted solid surface tiered reception desk which serves to welcome both standing and seating guests.  

Located near the reception desk, the waiting area for guests is distinguished by a luxurious carpeted floor and generously wrapped in wooden cladding flowing from ceiling to the walls. This space is further accessorised with recessed downlights, soft leather seats, a marble coffee table and a large TV screen.

Parked behind the waiting area is a board room that can accommodate up to 20 pax. The design of the recessed ceiling cleverly mimics the shape of the bespoke meeting table right below it, creating a line of symmetry between the two elements, thereby achieving balance in the design and delivering a visually comfortable space. The full height windows allow meeting participants to enjoy the unobstructed and breath-taking view while taking a break from a formal discussion. 

WITHIN REACH 

With employee wellbeing at the top of our priorities, pantries are well-spread across the level to increase accessibility to amenities. The dual-coloured wooden carpentry lends a classy and timeless look to the area while fulfilling its function as meaningful and durable storage spaces. Pops of colours are incorporated into seat cushions to add a little vibrancy to the area. 

These pantries serve as a respite from work, and a welcoming communal space accessible by various teams nestled in various sections of same floorplate.  By creating pockets of similar spaces, we introduce opportunities for interaction and maximising possibilities of connection. 

THINKING FOR THE USER 

Creating a user-centric work environment was the key driver to the design of the back office. It is important to create a variety of work settings and privacy levels to integrate individual needs with work environments. With the user in mind, height adjustable desks are also used in place of traditional workbenches to improve ergonomics of the employee. Noise levels between benches are well managed by acoustic boards that also conveniently act as personal bulletin boards for quick references. Should one need to pull away from their desks to answer a private call, photo booths are readily available near workstations.  

Pockets of collaborative spaces are also located along the perimeter to maximise access to natural lighting and 180-degree views, enhancing spatial experience and driving creativity and innovation. Seating options in such spaces are aplenty, ranging from bar seats and counters, couches and armchairs with coffee tables, to pouf seats and stools.  

Private meeting rooms take on two different styles – casual and formal settings. Casual meeting rooms showcase a mix of lounge chairs, desk chairs and a sleek counter which can hold laptops for discussion. Other meeting rooms are equipped with a centralised meeting table and ergonomic chairs for formal discussions. These rooms are also fitted with smart video conferencing hardware to support meetings with global offices or external partners.  

COVERT COLLABORATION  

As companies seek to resolve challenges brought by a scattered workforce, good workplace designs that facilitate collaboration and communication play a major role in providing the right motivations for the teams. For this client, their new office design strikes a perfect balance by assigning ample spaces to the respective business units while creating common spaces for collaboration to take place.