*공사기간 2개월의 사무실 리노베이션-[ STUDIO OCTOPI ] 18 FEET AND RISING, ADVERTISING AGENCY

18 Feet & Rising의 작업용 책상을 디자인한 후 스튜디오 Octopi는 런던 중심부에 있는 5,300 평방 피트에 달하는 18 Feet & Rising의 사무실 설치 작업을 위탁 받았다. 이 작업을 완료할 기간은 2개월밖에 주어지지 않았는데 이는 작업용 책상을 설계 제작하는 데 걸린 시간보다도 짧은 것이었다. 이 시간을 맞추기 위해 회사는  스튜디오 Octopi에 전체 크리에이티브 컨트롤을 전달했고, 이는 '출현, 와동, 행동, 환상-이라는 4가지 단어로 발행된 것이었다.
모든 최종 승인 결정이 스튜디오 Octopi에 부여되었고, 18 Feet & Rising는 동등한 창의적 파트너로써 협력하였다. 작업 책상은 장부형태로 배치하고, 장부 안쪽으로 키친이 중앙 카페 좌석 공간을 향해 열린 형태를 취하면서 리셉션 구역없이 카페가 이 역할을 수행하도록 설계하였다.

 

After designing 18 Feet & Rising’s work desks, Studio Octopi were commissioned to work on the fit-out of their new 5,300sqft offices in central London. 

Appointment to completion of the fit-out was only a period of two months which was quicker than the time it took to design and build the 18 Feet & Rising work desks. To achieve this timeframe the client transferred full creative control to Studio Octopi. Only a brief four words were issued by the client; emergence, vortex, action and illusion. 

CEO, Jonathan Trimble stated “all final approval decisions were granted to Studio Octopi. 18 Feet would collaborate as equal creative partner but not as client.’ It was agreed that the project would emerge on site.

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We identified three principle zones within the agency: work, socialise and pitch. Each zone was then supported by a secondary tier of: read, make and plan. The zones were defined by black stained plywood walls and woven vinyl flooring. These act as theatrical devices in function and appearance. As with theatre the design enhances the presence and immediacy of the experience.

The work desks were arranged within a cog form. On entering the agency, the end of the cog disappears out of view. It is difficult to perceive the space denoted as a work zone, there is an illusionary aspect to the design. Power and data was taken off the existing overhead supply and distributed to the desks throughout the low plywood walls. Break out spaces are scattered to the perimeter provide views across neighbouring buildings. To the inside of the cog, the kitchen opens onto a central café seating area. There is no reception; the café area fulfils this role.

Joining the two units is a small opening. Views through the opening reveal the tunnel, the entrance to the boardroom. Approaching the entrance to the tunnel reveals more theatrics. The tunnel walls and sloping soffit are lined in ply however the supporting timber structure is visible on the other side. The tunnel reduces in height and width over its 7m length. The strong light at the end of the tunnel picks out the plywood grain and woven vinyl flooring. Within the boardroom the plywood stained walls form a backdrop for the imposing views of the Post Office Tower.

The client embraced the temporary appearance of utilitarian construction materials. As London’s fastest growing independent ad agency, it’s likely the design will be replaced within a few years. On this basis the fit-out is surprising, a little unnerving, and in places whimsical.

“It’s just incredible what happens when people are set free. They did things we never could have imagined and probably would have never approved.” Jonathan Trimble.

from divisare