Commissioned by Light & Lives, Anthologist Studio designed their office in Dubai; in the process, a warehouse of approximately 280 m² in Al Quoz was transformed into a space of over 550 m² that is anything but a standard office. Light & Lives serves as both a workspace and an experience center—a dual identity that has been designed without compromise. Rich in character, the project features a courtyard garden, a client experience lounge, a custom fabrication workshop, and flexible workspaces. Each component has its own identity, yet they flow seamlessly into one another thanks to a purposeful and cohesive design. The result is a work environment that feels like a place with a soul and a carefully curated character.
Given the limited floor area and the need to accommodate more than 60 employees, the biggest challenge was to maximize floor space without compromising on comfort or natural light. It was essential that the space never feel cramped; this principle led to the optimized vertical layout that was applied throughout the design. The main walls were kept neutral and light, allowing color to be used strategically as a subtle means of zoning while maintaining a playful atmosphere. Materials such as perforated metal mesh, rebar, stainless steel, and glass blocks—which are often perceived as cold or sterile—were incorporated in surprising and captivating ways. By combining these with retro and vintage-style elements, such as colorful kilim fabrics, rugs, and eye-catching artwork, a space was created that breaks away from the conventional corporate look and instead takes on a more lived-in character.
As a combination of an experience center and an active workspace, Anthologist Studio was tasked with blurring the lines between these two functions. The goal was for both visitors and employees to connect naturally with the space, without it feeling like a showroom or exhibition hall. The design aimed to create an environment where people felt comfortable being themselves, which contributes to better collaboration and higher productivity. To achieve this, various types of independent workspaces were introduced to accommodate different work styles and moods—such as areas for focused work, one-on-one collaboration, and more relaxed ways of working. A custom-made metal slide with lighting was installed—an element often viewed as a gimmick, but here it serves as a practical connection to the lab. Lighting fixtures designed specifically for this project, glass tables, murals with interactive projection mapping, and custom workstations ensure that the client’s products are not merely displayed statically but are actually experienced in daily practice.
The project aimed to challenge many of the conventions surrounding standard designs for workspaces and commercial spaces. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the trend toward “resi-mmercial” spaces—a combination of residential and work environments—became widespread, though efforts often stopped short of anything more than simply adding informal seating areas. Light & Lives took a different approach by prioritizing character, personality, and emotional connection over superficial residential features.
