INTERIOR FEATURE
ZENITH OPTIMEDIA
INTERIOR DESIGN: PARAGON INTERIORS
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PHOTOGRAPHY: RIKKI HIBBERT
Z
enith Optimedia (ZO) is the third largest media company in
the world and is the leader in trend forecasting. They have
joined forces with Newcast, a small company with highly
skilled staff providing a specialised service in branded content
on TV, online and print media. ZO saw this as an opportunity
to create a more suitable work environment at their new South
African offices and express themselves as the trend setting media
agency that they are.
Design Concept
The Paragon Interiors team spent many hours collaborating in
order to ensure the Zenith Optimedia/ Newcast design brief was
met. By taking into account what their requirements were, as well
as the history of the company, they came up with the idea of the
‘Tree of Opportunities’, based on the concept of African children
sitting under a tree; learning from their elders; sharing knowledge.
The design team took cognisance of the international standard
of their various branches worldwide, while maintaining a strong
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African connection, and most importantly, creating a corporate-yet
playful office interior. Each design element relates back to the big
idea of the ‘Tree of Opportunities’, from the tree-like pod design,
to the dappled shadow effects of the carpet pattern, the design
works together harmoniously by telling a single story. The design
scheme essentially reflects the character of Zenith Optimedia – a
corporate but playful culture.
Colour palette and design features
There were many special design features used for the project.
The use of dramatic design elements instantly creates interest
and draws in the viewer or client. With the oversized ZO lightbox
in reception and the stretched canvas ceiling in the boardroom –
both of which are visible from the building atrium – a curiosity is
created before even entering the space. Once inside the office
space, the palette of white, black and grey is highlighted with bold
features and shots of bright blue accents; the most striking of
which is the round, blue pod at the heart of the interior, creating a
Zenith Optimedia