emphasises the form of the building and adds to
its sophistication through well resolved detailing.
High-spec double glazing was used throughout to
maximise visibility and natural light from the inside
while minimising the heat load. In areas that were
particularly exposed to harsh light the architect
made use of sandwich-insulated aluminium panels
in strategic areas which also gave the building its
distinctive patterning on the façade.
Planning
The ground floor of the building is largely
accessible to the public and is characterised by
more public and social activities. Facilities such
as a coffee shop, staff restaurant, convenience
store, digital experience centre, training facilities
and bar are located on this floor. Most meetings
can be held here making it largely unnecessary for
visitors to access the upper floors. It also serves
the purpose of encouraging employees to make
use of the public facilities, meeting and interacting
in these communal spaces, and catalysing chance
encounters and the exchange of ideas. Private
meeting rooms are located on the upper floors,
too, for use when necessary.
At podium level, the four corners of the building
were used to create a series of secure outdoor
spaces which are ideal for spill-out areas and
further enhance the building’s integration with its
urban surroundings. On the eastern side facing
the highway, where the main training facilities
are located, these outdoor spaces allow for large
crowds to break out during training sessions
without overcrowding the atrium. On the
northwest corner where the digital experience
centre is located, this spill-out area talks back
to the city. And on the southwest corner where
the staff restaurant is located, this spill out area
forms an ideal space for outdoor dining and larger
outdoor functions.
An auditorium is located on the first basement
level, accessible by escalator and fully integrated
with the atrium above, but positioned to minimise
disruption to daily activities on the ground floor of
the atrium.
Circulation to the ground floor of the building is
made up of a combination of pedestrian entrances,
escalators and shuttle lifts which serve all four
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