Architectus Offices – Melbourne
Architectus has designed a human experience in their new offices located in Melbourne, Australia.
The Eggleston, MacDonald and Secomb-designed building at 385 Bourke Street is one of the few in Melbourne to have been built on an angle counter to the CBD grid. The 1010m2 simple workplace plan of Architectus’ studio on the 25th floor, exploits that geometry and the building’s framed views of Melbourne’s CBD. It suggests an office floor plan.
The connection with the views extends through the work and underlying ethos of the practice, being context and the human experience. The human experience of creating, working towards a shared goal, striving for the perfect solution and enjoying the process of designing, is evident as soon as you enter the space. A large informal design review space and adjacent social hub in the heart of the studio, where events are hosted and wall spaces exhibit drawings. From a social and cultural perspective, this space sets the tone for the practice culture, imbedded in the DNA. The creative process is noticeable and transparent; the flexible workspace brings people together, sharing knowledge and inspirational experiences.
Collaboration is the core idea for Architectus’ new studio; an effortlessly combining commercial and residential typologies, creating a warm and inviting workplace. Deliberate planning around the central hub and consideration of light, furniture and form attributes to the overall experiences of ‘creating’ and ‘wellbeing’. Working with the existing building presented constraints; The building’s details are detailed and detailed by the year 1983. The details are layered and divided by timber, textural carpets, translucent curtains and task lighting, transpiring into an inspiring agile work environment.
Essential to Architectus’ design process are the wall spaces – they are intentionally dedicated to displaying, designing and reviewing project work. Located centrally around the workroom and in the office, the black magnetic core wall encourages people to work and move around with them as they evolve.
By 40% since occupation. Exceptionally well, productivity was maintained, with no disruption to the team. The design industry is unpredictable, having a workspace.
Designer: Architectus
Design Team: Matthew Smith, Madeleine Joyce, Joanne King, Grace Wong, Andrew Schunke, Kirstin Farchaus
Contractor: Schiavello
Photography: Brett Boardman
