Combine: A Serene and Innovative Office Design

Creating a Workspace that Blends Freedom and Functionality

The Combine project was born out of the client's desire for a workspace that fosters creativity and collaboration. As an interior and branding designer, the client wanted an office space that resembled the lively discussions held at restaurants, where design experiences were shared and ideas were born.

What sets Combine apart is its serene ambiance and avant-garde look and feel. The office design reflects the working patterns of its inhabitants, who spend more time in the office than at their own homes. It is a design for living and social spaces, where work and leisure seamlessly blend together.

The open-plan layout of Combine allows for a sense of freedom and flexibility. Staff members can freely switch seats and work independently or collaboratively. The office design caters to the diverse needs of professionals from different industries, providing them with a versatile and adaptable workspace.

In terms of materials and aesthetics, Combine achieves a balance between contrast and harmony. The design team mixed and matched different materials to create a visually pleasing and consistent space. The use of carpet on the floor ensures acoustic comfort, while the grey walls create a serene atmosphere. Fire-proof boards were used to demarcate different functions and provide ample storage.

Natural lighting plays a crucial role in the design of Combine. The office space is flooded with natural light, creating a bright and inviting environment. Interior lighting fixtures further enhance the spatial layers, adding depth and dimension to the space.

One of the standout features of Combine is the use of continuous arc-shaped arch doors. These doors create a sense of rhythm and layers, breaking away from the conventional linear layout of traditional office spaces. A long table, complemented by bottom-up lighting, traverses through the interior space, reminiscent of a scene from a library.

The brick wall, with its weathered marks, adds character to the space. The intersecting arches create a pulsating movement, while the glass partitions in the center of the office allow for optimal spatial freedom. Staff members sit across from each other, resembling a restaurant setting, fostering collaboration and communication.

The Combine project was completed in April 2019 in Shanghai. Throughout the design process, extensive research was conducted to ensure that the layout and materials used catered to the specific needs of the client. The result is a workspace that combines aesthetics, functionality, and comfort.

Recognized for its ingenuity and creativity, Combine was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2020. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that excel in incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

With its unique blend of open-plan flexibility, avant-garde aesthetics, and a serene ambiance, Combine sets a new standard for office design. It offers professionals from all walks of the industry a space where they can work freely, independently, and collaboratively, fostering creativity and innovation.