CHANGING
Text by Rachel Lee-Leong Photography by Owen Raggett
CHANGING
HABITS
American Express’ Singapore ofces redene the corporate workplace with spaces that offer increased adaptability and engagement. 0 7 6
CUBES.COM.SG
April May 2012
SPACE Ofce
It used to be that the more you
were seen at your desk, the better and more hardworking the worker you were. Today, that thought is slowly releasing its grip on corporate culture as the dynamics within the workplace shift – increased mobility and exibility make up some of the core changes companies are facing. It reasons, then, that the physical workplace should also adapt to these changes. NATURE’S WAY:
Graphical shapes inspired by nature and earthy colours contribute to the Garden City concept
The American Express Ofce in Singapore, for one, has adopted an alternative approach for its two branches at the Mapletree Business Centre (MBC) and the Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) – both designed concurrently by Geyer’s Singapore studio under a “One Amex, Two Locations” concept. Both ofce spaces, the former in a suburban development and the smaller latter in
COFFEE BREAK:
The Loft offers a variety of settings for informal discussions or casual coffee
Singapore’s nancial district, were similarly designed to address the call for workspaces that are more responsive, exible and engaging. To kick off the project, a steering group made up of personnel from various departments in the company was formed. Through a series of workshops, the steering group discussed how they April May 2012
CUBES.COM.SG
0 7 7
SPACE Ofce
SHORT NOTES:
BENCH WORK:
An informal breakout area for quick discussions
Warm timber furniture replaces conventional ofce furniture
RECEIVING END:
wanted the new space to feel like and function. “This exercise helps ensure a common understanding of the physical implications of the objectives and a shared appreciation of the direction of the design response,” shares Caroline Burns, Geyer’s regional leader for Asia. Eventually a list of core values emerged: Premium, Innovative, Organic, Community and Work-Life Blend. The idea of a Premium workspace became the main driver of the design. “Of course, Premium means good quality, but it also means, for American Express, a focus on their customers and their own staff. The ofce needs to be smart, inspirational and have value – a rewarding space,” says Burns. The framework for the implementation of these values comes in the form of a Garden City concept – a nod to the ofces’ locality. Elements of the Garden City that is Singapore were incorporated into the design scheme. The ofces are blessed with an abundance of natural light, while references to nature can be found throughout the various workspaces. For example, a double-layered metal screen encases the entire staircase volume in the MBC ofce in a ligree of tree trunks and foliage. Discussion rooms are designed as ‘pavilions’ that are bathed in light, and throughout the ofce, warm, timber nishes soften the atmosphere in the ofce. 0 7 8
CUBES.COM.SG
April May 2012
The metal screen used to encase the staircase in MBC is used as a background to the reception desk in MBFC
In addition, meeting rooms behind multi-coloured glass partitions bring to mind the row façades of shophouses. The design team took inspiration from traditional Peranakan tile patterns and applied simplied versions of them onto the glass partitions. These patterns were also applied onto workstation fabric panels and hanging light boxes, which help to create an interesting visual across the wide expanse of ceiling. Acoustically, they mitigate sound travel through the open workspace. In the redenition of what the corporate ofce can be, the programmatic concept was just as important as the aesthetic treatment of the space. Considering the fact that LOCAL FLAVOUR:
Peranakan tile patterns are imprinted on light boxes and colourful glass partitions reference shophouse façades
the nature of work at American Express is increasingly organic, with employees moving in and out of the ofce a lot more, and some having exible working arrangements, an alternative spatial programme was proposed. Each ofce is segmented into two sections: My Place and Our Place. The former refers to the area where the permanent workstations are while the latter is dedicated to shared spaces and takes up a generous 40 per cent of the ofce space. American Express
“THE OFFICE NEEDS TO BE
SMART, INSPIRATIONAL AND HAVE VALUE
– AN OVERALL REWARDING SPACE” April May 2012
CUBES.COM.SG
0 7 9
SPACE Ofce
WHITE FOREST:
0 8 0
CUBES.COM.SG
April May 2012
A double layered screen encloses the three-storey stair core at MBC
SPACE Ofce
“IT IS INTENDED TO GIVE EMPLOYEES GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN HOW, WHEN AND
HOT PROPERTY:
A hot-desking option that allows employees to interact and work as a team
WHERE PEOPLE WORK...”
meeting rooms for internal and external, touchdown and informal group discussions. The design of the shared spaces feels nothing like the impersonal, makeshift hot-desking systems most are familiar with. Instead, it all feels unexpectedly communal and inviting. This goes a long way in breaking down psychological barriers against temporary workspaces. From a business point of view, such an ofce model yields considerable benets, not least in the area of rent maximisation. Environmental sustainability was a key consideration
has created different proles for its staff, and depending on
throughout the design and construction process. For example,
one’s job scope, an employee might be eligible for mobile
the ofces use energy-efcient lighting and even re-used
working. In such a case where a permanent workstation
existing furniture from the previous ofce, reupholstering
might not be necessary, hot-desking would prove to be a
some of the pieces to complement the new design scheme.
more efcient alternative.
These, among other steps taken, earned MBC a Green Mark
The shared spaces are contained within a Loft space that
Gold Plus t-out within a Green Mark Platinum building,
integrates work, rest and collaboration spaces. “It is intended
while MBFC achieved a Green Mark Gold t-out within a
to give employees greater exibility in how, when and where
Green Mark certied building.
people work, as well as provide technology, spaces and
“This was certainly fantastic to work on because we
policies to ‘work with condence’,” says Burns.
had a very innovative brief,” Burns says. Indeed, the two
At MBC, The Loft spans over three oors, with each
American Express ofces point to the future of workspaces.
oor tailored for specic types of activities. One oor is
Burns agrees, saying of how corporate ofces will follow a similar direction in the coming years, “If they’re not
more public facing and hosts the concierge, client-ready meeting rooms and informal discussion areas; another oor is for longer periods of concentrated work with small meeting and focus rooms, and study carrels; the third has a range of
TREAD LIGHTLY:
The ofce takes advantage of the abundance of natural light
doing it right now, they’re thinking of doing it in a few years’ time, and they want to know how to prepare for that eventual reality.” geyer.com.sg April May 2012
CUBES.COM.SG
0 8 1
SPACE Ofce
AMERICAN EXPRESS OFFICE Architect Geyer Project Team Caroline Burns, Kahn Yoon, Matilda Sung, Nigel Liau, Catherine Allen, Roberto Rivera, Serene Wong Client Representative CB Richard Ellis Project Manager Confluence Builder and Joiner New Art Interiors MEP Consultant DSCO MEP Contractor LSK Structural Consultant Meinhardt QP Space Design Quantity Surveyor WT Partnership ESD Consultant BSD Graphics Consultant Kingsmen Time to complete 14 months Total floor area 140, 000sqm across both sites Geyer Environments (65) 6594 9355 geyer.com.au Furniture In Large Huddle Room, Zisa chairs from XTRA, and tables from Proof Living. In Huddle Room, Bernhardt Edit chairs from XTRA, Catifa 46 chairs from Stylecraft, and existing MTM Solutions Summa tables. In Loft Huddle Room,
tables from Stylecraft. In Café, Segis Mygingol and Yeah Baby chairs, existing Taormina chairs, and Eames chairs from XTRA, Amoebe lounges from Schiavello, and Arper Dizzie tables from Stylecraft. In Touch Down, Naos tables from Unifor. In Touch Down and Team Lounge, Vitra Alcove sofas from Unifor. In Team Lounge, i2i chairs and tables from Steelcase, and side tables from Schiavello. In Touch Down and Focus Room, E03 chairs from Schiavello. In Focus Room, existing Catifa chairs from XTRA, and Arper Dizzie tables from Stylecraft. In Reception, Poltrona Frau Jockey chairs and HBF Carousel tables from Proof Living, and Kartell Stone stools from Space Furniture. In Training Room, X99 chairs from Haworth, existing Aline chairs, and Time tables from Wilkhahn. In Multi-Function, Conference and Meeting Rooms, Logon tables from Wilkhahn. In Meeting Room, Confair tables also from Wilkhahn. In Loft, Vitra Workit study stations from Schiavello, Cinus screens from XTRA, and Moooi Oblique shelving from Space Furniture. In Workspace and Touch Down, Vitra Workshelter from Schiavello. Generally throughout, Zody chairs from Haworth, On chairs from Wilkhahn, existing Cappellini Hi Pad stools. TouchDown tables from Steelcase and Cappellini Bong table from Proof Living.
Lighting Generally, lighting from Flair Illume, Xtra and Million Lighting. Finishes Echo Panel from Woven Image. Stair treads from Oxyplast Singapore. Flooring from FloorSpaec, and Microtac Systems Carpet from Shaw Contract Group. Deco Expression, SMJ Furnishings, and Tretford carpet from Goodrich Global. Marble from ESP Building Supplies. Tiles from 3MM. Corian solid surface from Osa Systems. Timber cladding and veneers from Australian Timber Products, and Nissi Woods and Veneers Laminates from Laminex, and Lam Chuan. Steel and aluminium from Nippon Metal Services. Plaster from Prospec Surfaces. Wallpaper from Vescom. Glass from Meng Heng Glass. Whiteboards from Envoy Furniture. Paint from ICI Dulux. Upholstery from Woven Image, Infinity, and Fabricnation. Graphic film from 3M Technologies Singapore. Blinds from Hunter Douglas. Plasterboard from Boral. Acoustic ceiling tiles from DB Acoustics. Fixed & Fitted Partitions by Jeb Asia. Appliances from Fisher & Paykel, Simplex, Atlas Vending, Hafele and WMF. Zip Hydro Taps from Clage. Bathroomware from Fullson Marketing, and Wan Tai & Co.
3M Technologies Singapore (65) 6450 8888 3m.com.sg, 3MM (65) 9681 8548, Atlas Vending (65) 6744 4022 atlas-vending.com, Australian Timber Supplies (61 2) 9630 5622 atstimber.com.au, Boral (65) 6272 9272 boral.com.au, Clage (49) 4131 890138 clage.com, DB Acoustics (61 3) 9793 2340 dbacoustics.com.au, Deco Expression (65) 6841 4850 decoexpression.com, Envoy Furniture (61 3) 9029 3161 envoyfurniture.com.au, ESP Building Supplies (65) 6284 7777, Fabricnation (65) 6299 0538, Fisher & Paykel (65) 6741 0777 fisherpaykel.com.sg, Flair Illume (65) 6458 9903 flairillume.com.sg, FloorSpec (65) 6484 5550 floorspec.com.sg, Fullson Marketing (65) 6548 0966, Goodrich Global (65) 6787 8787 goodrichglobal.com, Häfele (65) 6494 7400 hafele.com.sg, Haworth (65) 6735 1155 haworth-asia.com, Hunter Douglas (65) 6862 4466 hunterdouglas.asia/sg, ICI Dulux (65) 6265 0677 dulux.com.sg, Meng Heng Glass (65) 6282 2128 menghengglass.com.sg, Microtac Systems (65) 6297 7713 microtac.com.sg, Million Lighting (65) 6337 6167 millionlighting.com, MTM Solutions (65) 6438 0692 mtmsolution.com, Nippon Metal Services (65) 6861 0544 nims.com.sg, Nissi Woods and Veneers (65) 6365 7770 nissiwoods.com, Osa Systems (65) 6841 2411, Oxyplast Singapore (65) 6225 6611, Proof Living (65) 6509 0555 proof.com.sg, Prospec Surfaces (65) 6777 7888 prospecsurfaces.com, Schiavello (65) 6533 8011 schiavello.com, Shaw Contract Group (65) 6733 1811 shawcontractgroup.com, Simplex (65) 6252 4228 simplex.com.sg, SMJ Furnishings (65) 6261 1212 smjf.com.sg, Space Furniture (65) 6415 0000 spacefurniture.com.sg, Steelcase (65) 6738 5225 steelcase.asia, Stylecraft (65) 6511 9328 stylecraft.asia, Unifor (65) 6221 1822 unifor-asia.com, Vescom (65) 6251 4454 vescom.com, Wan Tai & Co (65) 6337 8484 wantai.com, Wilkhahn (65) 6221 1186 wilkhahn.com, WMF (65) 6861 6233, Woven Image (65) 6338 6619 wovenimage.com, XTRA (65) 8181 1038 xtra.com.sg
0 8 2
CUBES.COM.SG
April May 2012
CHANGING
HABITS
American Express’ Singapore ofces redene the corporate workplace with spaces that offer increased adaptability and engagement. 0 7 6
CUBES.COM.SG
April May 2012
SPACE Ofce
It used to be that the more you
were seen at your desk, the better and more hardworking the worker you were. Today, that thought is slowly releasing its grip on corporate culture as the dynamics within the workplace shift – increased mobility and exibility make up some of the core changes companies are facing. It reasons, then, that the physical workplace should also adapt to these changes. NATURE’S WAY:
Graphical shapes inspired by nature and earthy colours contribute to the Garden City concept
The American Express Ofce in Singapore, for one, has adopted an alternative approach for its two branches at the Mapletree Business Centre (MBC) and the Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) – both designed concurrently by Geyer’s Singapore studio under a “One Amex, Two Locations” concept. Both ofce spaces, the former in a suburban development and the smaller latter in
COFFEE BREAK:
The Loft offers a variety of settings for informal discussions or casual coffee
Singapore’s nancial district, were similarly designed to address the call for workspaces that are more responsive, exible and engaging. To kick off the project, a steering group made up of personnel from various departments in the company was formed. Through a series of workshops, the steering group discussed how they April May 2012
CUBES.COM.SG
0 7 7
SPACE Ofce
SHORT NOTES:
BENCH WORK:
An informal breakout area for quick discussions
Warm timber furniture replaces conventional ofce furniture
RECEIVING END:
wanted the new space to feel like and function. “This exercise helps ensure a common understanding of the physical implications of the objectives and a shared appreciation of the direction of the design response,” shares Caroline Burns, Geyer’s regional leader for Asia. Eventually a list of core values emerged: Premium, Innovative, Organic, Community and Work-Life Blend. The idea of a Premium workspace became the main driver of the design. “Of course, Premium means good quality, but it also means, for American Express, a focus on their customers and their own staff. The ofce needs to be smart, inspirational and have value – a rewarding space,” says Burns. The framework for the implementation of these values comes in the form of a Garden City concept – a nod to the ofces’ locality. Elements of the Garden City that is Singapore were incorporated into the design scheme. The ofces are blessed with an abundance of natural light, while references to nature can be found throughout the various workspaces. For example, a double-layered metal screen encases the entire staircase volume in the MBC ofce in a ligree of tree trunks and foliage. Discussion rooms are designed as ‘pavilions’ that are bathed in light, and throughout the ofce, warm, timber nishes soften the atmosphere in the ofce. 0 7 8
CUBES.COM.SG
April May 2012
The metal screen used to encase the staircase in MBC is used as a background to the reception desk in MBFC
In addition, meeting rooms behind multi-coloured glass partitions bring to mind the row façades of shophouses. The design team took inspiration from traditional Peranakan tile patterns and applied simplied versions of them onto the glass partitions. These patterns were also applied onto workstation fabric panels and hanging light boxes, which help to create an interesting visual across the wide expanse of ceiling. Acoustically, they mitigate sound travel through the open workspace. In the redenition of what the corporate ofce can be, the programmatic concept was just as important as the aesthetic treatment of the space. Considering the fact that LOCAL FLAVOUR:
Peranakan tile patterns are imprinted on light boxes and colourful glass partitions reference shophouse façades
the nature of work at American Express is increasingly organic, with employees moving in and out of the ofce a lot more, and some having exible working arrangements, an alternative spatial programme was proposed. Each ofce is segmented into two sections: My Place and Our Place. The former refers to the area where the permanent workstations are while the latter is dedicated to shared spaces and takes up a generous 40 per cent of the ofce space. American Express
“THE OFFICE NEEDS TO BE
SMART, INSPIRATIONAL AND HAVE VALUE
– AN OVERALL REWARDING SPACE” April May 2012
CUBES.COM.SG
0 7 9
SPACE Ofce
WHITE FOREST:
0 8 0
CUBES.COM.SG
April May 2012
A double layered screen encloses the three-storey stair core at MBC
SPACE Ofce
“IT IS INTENDED TO GIVE EMPLOYEES GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN HOW, WHEN AND
HOT PROPERTY:
A hot-desking option that allows employees to interact and work as a team
WHERE PEOPLE WORK...”
meeting rooms for internal and external, touchdown and informal group discussions. The design of the shared spaces feels nothing like the impersonal, makeshift hot-desking systems most are familiar with. Instead, it all feels unexpectedly communal and inviting. This goes a long way in breaking down psychological barriers against temporary workspaces. From a business point of view, such an ofce model yields considerable benets, not least in the area of rent maximisation. Environmental sustainability was a key consideration
has created different proles for its staff, and depending on
throughout the design and construction process. For example,
one’s job scope, an employee might be eligible for mobile
the ofces use energy-efcient lighting and even re-used
working. In such a case where a permanent workstation
existing furniture from the previous ofce, reupholstering
might not be necessary, hot-desking would prove to be a
some of the pieces to complement the new design scheme.
more efcient alternative.
These, among other steps taken, earned MBC a Green Mark
The shared spaces are contained within a Loft space that
Gold Plus t-out within a Green Mark Platinum building,
integrates work, rest and collaboration spaces. “It is intended
while MBFC achieved a Green Mark Gold t-out within a
to give employees greater exibility in how, when and where
Green Mark certied building.
people work, as well as provide technology, spaces and
“This was certainly fantastic to work on because we
policies to ‘work with condence’,” says Burns.
had a very innovative brief,” Burns says. Indeed, the two
At MBC, The Loft spans over three oors, with each
American Express ofces point to the future of workspaces.
oor tailored for specic types of activities. One oor is
Burns agrees, saying of how corporate ofces will follow a similar direction in the coming years, “If they’re not
more public facing and hosts the concierge, client-ready meeting rooms and informal discussion areas; another oor is for longer periods of concentrated work with small meeting and focus rooms, and study carrels; the third has a range of
TREAD LIGHTLY:
The ofce takes advantage of the abundance of natural light
doing it right now, they’re thinking of doing it in a few years’ time, and they want to know how to prepare for that eventual reality.” geyer.com.sg April May 2012
CUBES.COM.SG
0 8 1
SPACE Ofce
AMERICAN EXPRESS OFFICE Architect Geyer Project Team Caroline Burns, Kahn Yoon, Matilda Sung, Nigel Liau, Catherine Allen, Roberto Rivera, Serene Wong Client Representative CB Richard Ellis Project Manager Confluence Builder and Joiner New Art Interiors MEP Consultant DSCO MEP Contractor LSK Structural Consultant Meinhardt QP Space Design Quantity Surveyor WT Partnership ESD Consultant BSD Graphics Consultant Kingsmen Time to complete 14 months Total floor area 140, 000sqm across both sites Geyer Environments (65) 6594 9355 geyer.com.au Furniture In Large Huddle Room, Zisa chairs from XTRA, and tables from Proof Living. In Huddle Room, Bernhardt Edit chairs from XTRA, Catifa 46 chairs from Stylecraft, and existing MTM Solutions Summa tables. In Loft Huddle Room,
tables from Stylecraft. In Café, Segis Mygingol and Yeah Baby chairs, existing Taormina chairs, and Eames chairs from XTRA, Amoebe lounges from Schiavello, and Arper Dizzie tables from Stylecraft. In Touch Down, Naos tables from Unifor. In Touch Down and Team Lounge, Vitra Alcove sofas from Unifor. In Team Lounge, i2i chairs and tables from Steelcase, and side tables from Schiavello. In Touch Down and Focus Room, E03 chairs from Schiavello. In Focus Room, existing Catifa chairs from XTRA, and Arper Dizzie tables from Stylecraft. In Reception, Poltrona Frau Jockey chairs and HBF Carousel tables from Proof Living, and Kartell Stone stools from Space Furniture. In Training Room, X99 chairs from Haworth, existing Aline chairs, and Time tables from Wilkhahn. In Multi-Function, Conference and Meeting Rooms, Logon tables from Wilkhahn. In Meeting Room, Confair tables also from Wilkhahn. In Loft, Vitra Workit study stations from Schiavello, Cinus screens from XTRA, and Moooi Oblique shelving from Space Furniture. In Workspace and Touch Down, Vitra Workshelter from Schiavello. Generally throughout, Zody chairs from Haworth, On chairs from Wilkhahn, existing Cappellini Hi Pad stools. TouchDown tables from Steelcase and Cappellini Bong table from Proof Living.
Lighting Generally, lighting from Flair Illume, Xtra and Million Lighting. Finishes Echo Panel from Woven Image. Stair treads from Oxyplast Singapore. Flooring from FloorSpaec, and Microtac Systems Carpet from Shaw Contract Group. Deco Expression, SMJ Furnishings, and Tretford carpet from Goodrich Global. Marble from ESP Building Supplies. Tiles from 3MM. Corian solid surface from Osa Systems. Timber cladding and veneers from Australian Timber Products, and Nissi Woods and Veneers Laminates from Laminex, and Lam Chuan. Steel and aluminium from Nippon Metal Services. Plaster from Prospec Surfaces. Wallpaper from Vescom. Glass from Meng Heng Glass. Whiteboards from Envoy Furniture. Paint from ICI Dulux. Upholstery from Woven Image, Infinity, and Fabricnation. Graphic film from 3M Technologies Singapore. Blinds from Hunter Douglas. Plasterboard from Boral. Acoustic ceiling tiles from DB Acoustics. Fixed & Fitted Partitions by Jeb Asia. Appliances from Fisher & Paykel, Simplex, Atlas Vending, Hafele and WMF. Zip Hydro Taps from Clage. Bathroomware from Fullson Marketing, and Wan Tai & Co.
3M Technologies Singapore (65) 6450 8888 3m.com.sg, 3MM (65) 9681 8548, Atlas Vending (65) 6744 4022 atlas-vending.com, Australian Timber Supplies (61 2) 9630 5622 atstimber.com.au, Boral (65) 6272 9272 boral.com.au, Clage (49) 4131 890138 clage.com, DB Acoustics (61 3) 9793 2340 dbacoustics.com.au, Deco Expression (65) 6841 4850 decoexpression.com, Envoy Furniture (61 3) 9029 3161 envoyfurniture.com.au, ESP Building Supplies (65) 6284 7777, Fabricnation (65) 6299 0538, Fisher & Paykel (65) 6741 0777 fisherpaykel.com.sg, Flair Illume (65) 6458 9903 flairillume.com.sg, FloorSpec (65) 6484 5550 floorspec.com.sg, Fullson Marketing (65) 6548 0966, Goodrich Global (65) 6787 8787 goodrichglobal.com, Häfele (65) 6494 7400 hafele.com.sg, Haworth (65) 6735 1155 haworth-asia.com, Hunter Douglas (65) 6862 4466 hunterdouglas.asia/sg, ICI Dulux (65) 6265 0677 dulux.com.sg, Meng Heng Glass (65) 6282 2128 menghengglass.com.sg, Microtac Systems (65) 6297 7713 microtac.com.sg, Million Lighting (65) 6337 6167 millionlighting.com, MTM Solutions (65) 6438 0692 mtmsolution.com, Nippon Metal Services (65) 6861 0544 nims.com.sg, Nissi Woods and Veneers (65) 6365 7770 nissiwoods.com, Osa Systems (65) 6841 2411, Oxyplast Singapore (65) 6225 6611, Proof Living (65) 6509 0555 proof.com.sg, Prospec Surfaces (65) 6777 7888 prospecsurfaces.com, Schiavello (65) 6533 8011 schiavello.com, Shaw Contract Group (65) 6733 1811 shawcontractgroup.com, Simplex (65) 6252 4228 simplex.com.sg, SMJ Furnishings (65) 6261 1212 smjf.com.sg, Space Furniture (65) 6415 0000 spacefurniture.com.sg, Steelcase (65) 6738 5225 steelcase.asia, Stylecraft (65) 6511 9328 stylecraft.asia, Unifor (65) 6221 1822 unifor-asia.com, Vescom (65) 6251 4454 vescom.com, Wan Tai & Co (65) 6337 8484 wantai.com, Wilkhahn (65) 6221 1186 wilkhahn.com, WMF (65) 6861 6233, Woven Image (65) 6338 6619 wovenimage.com, XTRA (65) 8181 1038 xtra.com.sg
0 8 2
CUBES.COM.SG
April May 2012
