What happens when we take the ‘tech’ out of office design? Analogue business technologies are on the rise again.
In 2013, Sydney-based firm THOSE Architects was approached to design an office for Ansarada, an Aussie start-up in the financial services sector. Most of the company’s work is done online, presenting the designers with unique opportunities for flexible design.
The space, in Sydney’s Rocks area, was within a heritage-listed space. “Our architectural approach was to treat the fit-out very similarly to the ideology of operating in the cloud, so the building we inherited in Sydney, we were kind of backed into a corner in that way because it was heritage listed. Quite literally we had to get approval from the state-base heritage council in order to fit every last screw.” The resulting spaces had to ‘sleeve’ into the existing fabric. Luckily, because the tech infrastructure was so minimal, this task was much easier.
However, rather than squandering the additional floor space by inserting single function spaces, the designers wanted to make the best use of it. “One thing we try to do with all of our work is to imbue spaces with multiple uses. So rather than dictating uses to our clients we try to create spaces with a second or third use. Say in a house, taking a typical brief from a client that would result in a 300sqm house, we give them a 200sqm that achieves the same through flexibility of design.”
Since developing this first office for Ansarada, THOSE Architects have completed a second fit-out, this time in Chicago. The new site continues and builds upon the lessons learnt in the first project, and reflects an evolution of the company and the relationship with the designers.
Designing for the cloud has resulted in some truly innovative solutions, and some unexpected new ‘business technology’. Read all about THOSE and Ansarada’s development of ‘analogue technologies’ for the workplace in Issue #69 of Indesign, on sale now.
–
Read the full story in Indesign #69 on sale May 11.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Suitable for applications ranging from schools and retail outlets to computer rooms and X-ray suites, Palettone comes in two varieties and a choice of more than fifty colours.
The Sub-Zero Wolf showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne provide a creative experience unlike any other. Now showcasing all-new product ranges, the showrooms present a unique perspective on the future of kitchens, homes and lifestyles.
‘The Elevation of Gravity’ installation was an immersive showcase of innovation that heralded the debut of Gaggenau’s groundbreaking Essential Induction cooktop.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
The latest print magazine is about to arrive! With Guest Editor Adam Haddow in the hot seat, we are delighted to share some of the highlights.
We spoke to Ketil Årdal, CEO of Danish green-tech design brand, Mater, as they unveiled the Alder collection at Milan Design Week.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
The build-to-rent model stands out as one of the most prominent discussions in design and development circles, so we’ve engaged with various perspectives and case studies from industry leaders and shifters. From citymaking design practices to entrepreneurial viewpoints, these stories provide a nuanced understanding of this increasingly prevalent model.
‘The Elevation of Gravity’ installation was an immersive showcase of innovation that heralded the debut of Gaggenau’s groundbreaking Essential Induction cooktop.
An entry by MuseLAB, in The Retail Space in the 2024 INDE.Awards, takes shoppers to another planet where diamonds and great interior design make a lasting impression.
When iconic brands wield their influence, the ripples extend far beyond aesthetics. And so when the MillerKnoll collective formed, the very concept of design shifted, supercharging the industry’s aspiration to create a better world into an unwavering sense of responsibility to do so.