Leo Burnett Hong Kong: A Workspace Revolution by Bean Buro

Bean Buro's Innovative Design Fosters Collaboration and Creativity

Bean Buro, a Hong Kong-based design firm, has created an innovative and collaborative workspace for the world-renowned creative agency Leo Burnett. Located in Kwun Tong, Hong Kong, the office spans two floors and a large external terrace, totaling 35,000 square feet. The design supports the dynamic work culture of a creative agency, offering a variety of spaces such as open plan work clusters, semi-private discussion areas, private meeting rooms, and enclosed offices.

The design's unique properties lie in its inspiration and realization. The main feature of the workspace is a set of sculptural meeting rooms that inhabit the reception area. These rooms, inspired by Kwun Tong's local history of ship construction, appear to be floating with walls clad in curved ribs and plywood panels. The meeting tables inside were uniquely designed with CNC techniques using layers of plywood and corian.

Technical specifications of the design include a custom-made 5-meter-long steel installation lined with light bulbs of Leo Burnett's iconic company logo. The second long bar forms the cafe area, where staff can have lunch, hold informal meetings, or throw parties. Beyond the cafe is a large outdoor terrace, where the final 10-meter-long bar was installed for flexible events. It features a barbecue area and outdoor furniture for casual meetings.

The design encourages interaction and supports the dynamic working culture of a creative agency. Several art and graphics installations fundamental to the Leo Burnett brand animate the space and help organize the overall design. The project, which started in October 2014 and finished in March 2015, was sited in Kwun Tong, Hong Kong.

The design faced challenges in creating an iconic reception area that is multipurpose and encourages social interactions. Lighting and acoustic issues had to be carefully designed to control thresholds of privacy while allowing an experience that feels open. Despite these challenges, Bean Buro's design was recognized with the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2016, a testament to their innovative approach and design excellence.