Featuring a space for ping pong, a dance and yoga studio, a gym, shower facilities, and a massage area, the staff activity centre at the Times Property headquarters is unified by a black and white scheme. According to Peng Zheng, Design Director of C&C Design, the sombre palette allows design to recede into the background, and the users in colourful outfits become the centre of attention. “We hope that people will be the main protagonists in the activity centre, and that they will add different colours to the space,” says Peng.

A long corridor connects the different spaces in the activity centre and eventually leads to the gym with a half-circular plan. In front of the curve windows are treadmills. “This is the most spacious area of the activity centre and can accommodate the gym equipment. This space is also more open and users can enjoy the city view as they run on the treadmills,” says Peng. The ping pong area, close to the entrance of the activity centre, can also serve as a multifunctional space for conferences and parties, Peng adds.

Lockers are located on one side of the corridor. Each locker is marked by a number that corresponds to the player number of the locker owner. “The numbers are for identification, and they also create a feature wall,” Peng explains. Along the corridor, bench tables and stools are also installed so users can relax and engage in conversation with one another.

Apart from encouraging staff to exercise, Peng also hopes that the space can facilitate greater employee interaction. “The office space of the headquarters has a high density and a more rational design. Here in the activity centre, we would like to create a space that is less rigid and free from restraints,” Peng says. He explains that the activity centre has an open plan and glass partitions to enhance the visibility of each user, thus creating more opportunities for interaction.

The activity centre is open to all staff of Times Property and can accommodate around 50 people at one time. Peng says the design of the activity centre eschews the luxurious clubhouse aesthetic in favour of a more friendly and down-to-earth atmosphere for the enjoyment of all.

With proximity to the office, the staff activity centre is a convenient retreat that brings the ‘work hard play hard’ philosophy to the doorstep.

C&C Design
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