About Face

November 29th, 2010

WORDS LYNN TAN
PHOTOGRAPHY EDWARD HENDRICKS, CI&A PHOTOGRAPHY

Face to Face is apbcOffices’ latest addition to their High Street serviced office location to provide clients in Singapore with a meeting place that is unique and the first of its kind in Asia. Unlike conventional offices, serviced offices usually target short-term leases.

They come fully- furnished and tenants have access to office and communication equipment, basic office infrastructure, as well as other services relating to administration, cleaning and maintenance. This model is very similar to serviced apartments, except that it applies to offices.

When designing an office, a designer usually attempts to create something that reflects the individual client or organisation, taking cues from the nature of their business perhaps, or from some company icon. But when it comes to serviced offices, how does a designer create something that is versatile enough to accommodate any client and business without being too generic or lacking in identity?

The key lies in identifying a common ground – what is it that all clients do and need, regardless of the businesses they are engaged in? “The answer is interaction and with Face to Face, we set out to re-define the experience of interaction by taking a whole new approach towards conventional office spaces, such as the reception, meeting areas, lounges and even the mailroom,” explains Colin Seah, Design Director and Founder of Ministry of Design, the firm behind not just the façade and interior design, but also the branding, collateral, and art direction on uniforms and website for Face to Face.

Read the full story on page 118 of Indesign magazine Issue #43, in stores now.

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