A historic industrial landmark located in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, is the home of the Digital Development Hub for Barclays Africa. Longkloof Studios, situated in arguably one of Cape Town's most vibrant business hubs, houses a team of software developers, who focus on high-end mobile app and web app solutions for the African market.
Designed and refurbished by dhk thinkspace in 2015, the space was set up to meet the team’s specific workflow requirements, focusing on agility, collaboration, innovation and creativity. This office space, which can accommodate up to 60 developers, can be modified to support different project requirements and was designed with flexibility in mind.
There is a beautiful and calculated juxtaposition in the design, with dhk thinkspace ensuring that the space retained many of the factory’s original fittings and finishes, while incorporating modern touch points to suit a team of modern software engineers and developers. Other features of this landmark including exposed brickwork, restored and original timber flooring, heavy steel doors and riveted columns, which ensure that the essence of this heritage building is still alive and well. A balanced mix of modern and industrial style furniture and fittings, raw textures and materials, is in harmonious contrast with the state of the art technology, hardware and software on display within the office.
The Barclays Africa Digital Development Office is an innovative blend of old and new, housing a team of forward-thinking problem solvers, looking to make a marked difference on the continent.
Material Used:
1. Exposed brickwork
2. Restored and original timber flooring
3. Heavy steel doors
4. Riveted columns
