INCORPORATING A SENSE OF WHIMSY INTO PRACTICALITIES

In order to form the identity of the newly united entity of hapag-lloyd and uasc in Izmir, Turkey, interior architect Eda Tahmaz of Edda Architecture plays with the drama of difference in a very smart manner. The inhabitants of the 1,000 square meter head office of the company Hapag-Lloyd, which is in the business of transporting cargo through waterways, have been able to switch from enjoying the views of the Aegean Sea to concentrating on the task at hand thanks to the implementation of Edda architecture technology. This may be accomplished by establishing a dynamic environment that is focused inward and is characterized by a hierarchy of sorts that is applied to both the formal and informal settings. For example, casual spaces such as the coffee bar and breakout areas are positioned at the perimeter of the building floor plan to ensure that there are no obstructions to the view of the sea. On the other hand, formal spaces and conference rooms are positioned closer to the center of the structure. In order to instill a sense of corporate identity inside the workplace, the open office design makes use of a combination of greys and brilliant orange, which are also the colors that are used for the company’s brand. In addition, the firm logo is imprinted on glass panels that serve as dividers across the different areas of the office space. Additionally contributing to the aspect of contrast are the materials and finishes. As all of the informal areas break away, giving birth to pockets of interest, the metal grid hollow ceiling and textured gray carpet tiles on the floor complement each other to create a harmonious environment across the whole workplace. On the other hand, the reception area and the areas where people sit out have ceramic gray tiles on the floor and a solid off-white gypsum ceiling. The coffee bar has the trademark orange color flooring, which is a reflection of the ceiling. For the purpose of properly carrying out the pragmatics of spatial planning, this makes a shift easier to achieve on a visual, physical, and psychological level. Every one of the casual spaces makes extensive use of the circular shape as a symbol of vitality. This can be seen in everything from the recessed ceiling at the reception area to the arrangement of teal and grey couches in the breakout areas. It is important to note that orange is also employed in a very subtle manner as a highlighter in some of the formal areas. This is a fact that sticks out for this project, whether it be the column capitals, a bowl of sweets in the executive lounge, or the pin up boards in the meeting rooms. The second color treatment, which includes splashes of color and a dash of fresh air, also contributes to the equilibrium, so transforming the office into a calm and energy-driven workplace that is also visually beautiful. Examine the pictures that may be seen on indiaartndesign.com.