To dealing with the relationship between those many small offices and the entire office environment, Studio DOTCOF design the office workspace along the exterior window for a better view and natural light.
By calculating the minimum size for each partner’s independent office, the designer grouped these offices, but in a scattered way, making them inter-locked with the open area to avoid spatial tension which a bigger volume may bring, also the separation between the manager level and ordinary staff, however to link them together instead.
In every office, the partitions parallel to the exterior window are designed to be transparent glasses. Natural light comes into the building, and reach to a deeper area. In order to alleviate the strong sense of enclosure and avoid the blocking of natural light, a 600 milimetres wide transparent glass panel at the end of partitions which perpendicular with the exterior window are created.
Several public spaces are inserted between the offices. The designer also created a communal waiting lounge at the entrance of the big space, which let people feel the welcoming and friendly atmosphere once they enter the space. At the south-east corner, where has the best view, a communal activity area is located. It can be used for formal and informal meetings, lectures, drinking coffee, and enjoying the city’s best skyline view. These public areas balanced the right to enjoying view and natural light between managers and staff. They are also place where people can meet and communicate with each other.
The space is divided and formed by a series of slabs which expanding horizontally. These slabs are made of wood, ceramic tiles, carpet etc. The combination and location of them represent the first letter Z and H of the company name: Zhi He. These slabs confine the spaces, but not losing the quality of openness and linking. Horizontally-expanded slabs, also make sure people can enjoy the spectacular exterior view while walking, just like being inside of a first-class airplane above the sky. It emphasizes the place character as a modern high-rise view office.
With a modern, relaxing, open and transparent office space to accommodate the company spirit, the design balanced the weakness of the many tiny independent offices.
PROJECT DATA
Project Title
Zhihe Partners Lawyers Office
Location
Shanghai, China
Completion Date
September 2019
Gross Floor Area
654 square metres
Interior Design Firm
Studio DOTCOF
Principal Designer
Xi Chen, Lan Lan, Rong Li, Mu Li & Weifeng Wang
Images
Sa Xiao
