Page 75 - Designing Ways 262

Faced with the challenging prohibition on welding, hanging, or
attaching new elements to the existing roof structure and external
walls, the design becomes very effective in satisfying Crossboundaries’
company needs, while articulating the roughly 300 m2 space with
very few elements, therefore committing to minimum intervention.

To maximize organisation, a functional area offers separated meeting
rooms, a staff kitchen, storage, and rest areas that are included in a
repurposed former mezzanine level. These rooms are physically
separated with a semi-transparent double-layered wall made out
of polycarbonate corrugated panels. The only continuous solid
wall without windows accommodates a vast shelf that includes the
material and reference library, together with a selection of models
and a Crossboundaries Award display.

The main space is fluent and continuous, shaped by a lightweight
curtain structure that functions as an island and connects the invariable
working stations area together with a central multifunctional space.
The latter is a leisure area focused on providing different scenarios
beyond the regular working day: the loose furniture can be re-
arranged and separated acoustically to meet the various requirements
of the space over time. The carpet design follows the curtain rail to
further reinforce this zoning concept, enticing users to explore the
flexibility of the space. More than five activities and meetings – both
formal and informal - can occur simutaneously, with a specific
atmosphere for each communication process.

This multifunctional space is supported by an inherited colour
palette from the previous office that was already adopted as the
corporate identity of Crossboundaries: a combination of grey and
yellow elements and textures bring focus and stimulation to the team.
A number of inner vegetation islands were not to be left behind, and
now contribute to the layout with an infusion of colour, while also
integrating natural elements into the office. The plants sit on movable
platforms, behaving like attractors around the office, each time in a
different position.

Kitchen and staff area with a swing

dw • Issue 262 75