While many architecture and design studios grapple with the new working environment – is it traditional, remote, hybrid or WFH – Ministry of Design (MOD) in Singapore has created its own response to how people are working today and designed a unique working place to support its team and best practice.

MOD is always a leader in design and Founder and Director of Design, Colin Seah, was recognised this year as a Luminary at the 2024 INDE.Awards. Seah pushes boundaries and explores possibilities and with the MOD Workshop, it’s evident that he and his team are changing not just the perception of a workplace but the actual space itself.

After 13 years working in its award-winning purpose-built office named ‘Bar Code’, MOD has moved and, daring to be different, has pioneered the “Workshop by Ministry of Design”, a creative collaboration space that embraces the possibilities for systemic design innovation. In line with MOD’s transition towards a technologically enabled work environment which allows for most designers to work remotely, the Workshop dispenses with typical workplace conventions. 

With a floor plate of 93-square-metres, Seah has devoted 60 per cent of the layout towards creative face-to-face collaboration in recognition of the importance of staff gathering, collaborating and connecting. The remainder of the space is shared between hot desk and auxiliary functions. 

The spatial footprint is conceived as a series of layered and interlocking three-dimensional metal scaffolding that create distinct yet seamless zones of activity. Connection is enhanced through the application of frosted polycarbonate and fluted glass screens that also facilitate utility such as storage, display, and occasionally as worktops when used horizontally. 

Storage of weighty items is enabled by reinforcing the polycarbonate panels with solid aluminium rods inserted through their depth. The ephemeral materiality of the polycarbonate and glass is contrasted by the structural rigidity of the encompassing hollow metal extrusions and solid surface tabletops. While mirrored surfaces help to create spatial generosity and contribute to a layering effect.

Creative collaboration is focused around a counter-high “war room” style table and an adjacent magnetic wall display crafted from lengths of cable tray can be adapted for material explorations, design discussions and formal presentations. 

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At the heart of the studio is an extensive material and artefact library that runs the length and width of a five-metre-long table, that extends the entire length and width of the Workshop.

Designed to enhance the creative process, the library and display scaffolding is within easy reach and always in plain sight, serving to provide inspiration and to stimulate creativity. 

Also included is a customised adjustable lighting system over the table that allows for additional light should it be required, although there is ample natural light from the south and west-facing windows. Beyond this zone there are discussion areas and hot desks along with pantry, printer and concealed storage areas.

Perhaps an unanticipated surprise is the stripped back and scaled-down black tiled bathroom – the only space not designed with collaboration in mind.

While there are some staff at the MOD studio and those who work remotely, when everyone gathers there is the perfect place to create, discuss, design and explore and the MOD Workshop is there to support and encourage interaction at every juncture.

As usual, Seah and his team are creating refined and sophisticated design that comes from great thought, experience and attention to every detail. With its own workplace, MOD is reinterpreting the template of a working space and doing it with exceptional style.

Ministry of Design (MOD)
modonline.com

Photography
Jovian Lim

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