Concurrent to its expansion plans in Asia Pacific with openings in Tokyo and Shanghai this year, American computer software company Tableau recently unveiled its new office in Singapore.

Designed by Gensler, the office is based in South Beach Tower, chosen for its strategic placement in the heart of the city for a number of reasons: easy commute for employees and clients, nearby amenities, expansion possibilities, as well as the sharing of a driven spirit with fast expanding neighbouring firms.

In Tableau’s new office, acrylic poles resembling histogram charts lead from reception, flank the hallways and envelope the entire office, emphasising creativity as a key facet of the company. Besides offering visual pleasure, the installation, when viewed from multiple angles offer differing dimensions, created to inspire employees to “look beyond to create great work.”

“The brief was to maintain consistency in design with Tableau’s other offices across the globe, but still injecting aspects of local flavour, all while keeping in mind Tableau’s brand philosophy and people-focus [outlook],” says JY Pook, Senior Vice President of APAC for Tableau on the modern workspace designed to reflect Tableau’s human-centred and collaborative philosophy.

“It is intentional that none of the Tableau offices across the globe have meeting rooms around the corner, printers on two sides of a big floor, and also do not have multiple coffee joints on one floor – we want people to meet, talk and work together,” he elaborates on the sense of openness within the office.

While focusing on fostering a community-driven spirit in the workplace, it was important for Tableau to find balance between collaborative and personal spaces. “On one side of the office, you will see several spaces that encourage collaboration, as well as facilities for knowledge sharing in a classroom-style setting. We also have a comfortable and colourful grand pantry that doubles up as a casual meeting space for all employees,” says Pook. 

On the other side of the office, personal space and privacy was also considered in equal measure. The individual employee’s work space has been equipped with desks and chairs that can be adjusted to suit one’s preference ergonomically. As Pook explains, “These workstations give our employees the freedom to work from different positions throughout the day at a flick of the buttons.”

Synonymous with the company’s belief in “the power of data for everyone”, smart technology is implemented throughout the office. Hand sensors automatically open toilet doors; meeting rooms can be booked electronically; the office is equipped with video, telephone and conferencing equipment that runs across all offices internationally such that any of its staff can get to work, regardless of which office they are working in without having to relearn how to use them. This invites collaboration and enhances productivity seamlessly.

“What’s unique about this newly designed office is the focus on setting our employees up for daily successes, while maintaining the right balance of collaborative work and personal space in the office,” says Pook. While smart technology and open spaces enables creative collaboration in Tableau, personal spaces are equally emphasised to maintain personal equilibrium within the workplace.

Gensler
gensler.com