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INDOOR SLIDE IS CENTREPIECE OF NEW MIRAL HEADQUARTERS
GODWIN AUSTEN JOHNSON HAVE HANDED OVER THEIR LATEST PROJECT – THE NEW MIRAL HEADQUARTERS IN ABU DHABI
The new office explores a progressive work environment with unconventional spaces that create an inspiring and efficient environment where employees enjoy the space they are in which in turn leads to greater productivity .
A first for the region , the stainless steel indoor slide , which runs from the first floor to the ground floor , adds a sense of playfulness to the workplace .
Another dominant design feature is the open red stairway . This industrial looking staircase sits on a raised concrete plinth which also serves as informal seating and acts as a social connection between the two levels . The rawness of the red oxide metal and the concrete is balanced by the colours of the soft seating .
“ The office space of today is focused on balance . It is an environment designed to inspire employees so they enjoy coming to work and are much more productive while they are in the office ,” said Jason Burnside , partner at Godwin Austen Johnson . “ The slide is designed to recreate the element of risk-taking and independence just as it does in children which in turn helps foster revolutionary ideas , promote interaction and connectivity .”
Spread over two floors the new office is fluid and flexible with open workspace concepts , engaging spaces and collaboration nodes . The raised access flooring system with ceiling voids has been designed to house the building infrastructure to ensure the space stays flexible for potential future changes .
Single and double seater booths are equipped with AV connections to allow for virtual meetings with a giant projector screen installed at one end to allow the area to be quickly converted into a presentation zone .
Continuing the industrial theme , greyscale has been used as the basic palette punctuated by vibrant splashes of colour – most notably the bright yellow individual booths that are cleverly recessed into the interior walls . The stark neutral tones of the raw concrete is interspersed with black metal and warm wood accents .
The design , throughout , is characterised by an unconventional selection of materials , finishes and furniture to create unique spaces for a distinctive spatial perception .
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