14 January 2010

Happy Corp Global

Elana Castle reports from New York on a whimsical workspace.

It’s hard to believe that the interior of Happy Corp Global’s 500 sqm headquarters in Manhattan was conceptualised and completed in under two months.

“The rapid time frame provided the generative design solution for the scheme,” explains Hayley Eber project architect from EFGH, the architectural duo responsible for the project.

“Budget and program demands were critical factors in ensuring a successful result.”

In addition, the offices needed to represent the nature of the company - an advertising agency whose self described goal is to “improve gross national happiness through the invention, management, and maintenance of progressive brands and ideas.”

To this end, EFGH proposed a palette of original and versatile yet budget-conscious materials.

“For example we used brightly coloured stretch spandex throughout the scheme,” Hayley adds.

“Given the clients need for supple programming, the material was used as a versatile room divider. When required, it can also be used to cover all the workstations transforming the space into an area for intimate programmes and public events.”

The conference room is also multi-purpose, functioning as both a meeting room and storage platform. Its acoustic privacy curtain doubles up as a stage curtain for office presentations.

Despite the schedule, the team succeeded in designing and constructing customised office workstations.

Made from oversized oak legs, the desks create a deliberately condensed environment so that communication and collaboration can occur naturally and easily amongst all staff members.

Exposed brick walls with custom artwork complete the look.

The result – a highly original and playful interior with some very unique touches - pink rubber urinals and translucent plexiglass cubicles included!

EFGH
efgh-ny.com