Citrix’s Collaborative Auckland Offices
Networking solutions company Citrix recently upgraded their Auckland offices with the help of design firm HBO+EMTB.
The designers note that the goal of Citrix’s new office was to create a space that “not only promoted and crystallized their brand personality for visiting clients; but also encouraged the growth of their internal culture towards an environment of continuous innovation, successfully harnessed.”
HBO+EMTB worked to design the office to reflect the changing ways people work – one of which is an increase in collaborative efforts. The design focused on both collaboration among staff as well as between staff and clients. An interesting note is that though such efforts are encouraged, the design team aimed to create an office where collaboration does not interrupt traditional office tasks.
The design firm explains further:
“Within the office space, this flexible work environment is achieved by the combination of ‘traditionally’ designed offices and meeting rooms, with hot desking areas, open plan bench desks and meeting hubs; as well as the addition of fabric cushions to the pedestal mobiles, to encourage impromptu meetings. We have also used additional soft finishes to ensure acoustic quality throughout the open plan area. This is exemplified in the carpet, fabric desk screens and dividers, echo fabric in the phone and utility areas, and a feature pin board that wraps around the core.”
While maintaining acoustic quality is important, the design also takes into account aesthetic quality.
“Block colour has been used through the space to create an aesthetically stimulating environment. Storage cupboards that wrap around the core are finished in an orange laminate which draws your gaze through the space. Feature carpet tiles are used in the internal meeting room, offices, phone rooms and utility areas to add colour and create a zoning effect; while colour blocking is consistent throughout the open plan area, encouraging collaboration and movement around the floor. This supports new workplace practices, ensuring familiarity and comfort no matter where work is taking place.”
Using a standard color palette throughout the different work areas and collaborative zones is meant to bring a familiarity to each, making employees comfortable no matter where they happen to be.
Staff can also take advantage of an Xbox station, pool table, and a fully-equipped kitchen connected to an outdoor balcony with BBQ.
Design: HBO+EMTB
Project Management: Jones Lang Lasalle
Fitout Contractors: Alaska Interiors and Services Consultants – Pacific Consultants
