THIS SPREAD : EY Interiors
Working closely with Ergoform , Savile Row developed custom workstations in order to achieve the vibrant yet comfortable workspace that EY envisioned
EY INTERIORS With the bustling Waterfront dock on one side , and an open vista of the mountain on the other , EY ’ s new workplace is firmly rooted in Cape Town ’ s thriving business hub .
When they decided to move out of their downtown offices EY were clear they wanted their new home to be a comfortable , welcoming , flexible and inspiring space . A workplace that accurately reflected the EY personality and their position as an innovative leader in their industry .
Savile Row design director Adrian Davidson explains : “ The client brief over and above implementing EY ’ s global new ‘ Ways of Working ‘ principles , was to encourage us as the Interior Architects , to push the design in terms of a non-corporate look and feel . As a practice when planning we usually work using metrics , data , best practice etc . On EY we had lots of workplace user data , and we designed spaces based on the numbers . However the problem with the measurable is it can become generic and you end up with space that doesn ’ t represent anybody . As a studio our strength is that we constantly remind ourselves that the spaces we create are for people , so to us it ’ s more than getting the metrics right , its about creating a balance between the cool head and warm heart – the measurable and immeasurable .”
Savile Row ’ s aim was to make the work environment pleasurable and not just address functions , but create spaces people feel good in . So they designed the space as somewhere that reflects different psychosocial needs : there are places to relax , recharge , work ,
learn , celebrate . With flexibility in mind , Savile Row designed the Harbour Terrace with full height sliding doors so the whole area can become one flowing indoor / outdoor entertainment space .
To create easy interaction between the two floors , a central staircase was introduced , with its overhead skylight flooding light into the area .
The distinctive design aesthetic was achieved through mixing and contrasting textural finishes and tones to achieve an effective balance between laid-back industrial and refined comfort . The client and design team are thrilled with the result , and the lively work atmosphere bears witness to the success of the design .
Waterway House 517