As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of workspaces, the concept of a modern office extends beyond the traditional confines. Modern Working’s headquarters, located in the heart of Zaha Hadid’s Opus Tower in Business Bay, Dubai serves as a prime example, embodying innovative design principles that cater to diverse work modes and foster a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere. Accordingly, Modern Working has unveiled a groundbreaking office space, a harmonious blend of innovative design and practical functionality, conceptualised and designed by XBD Collective.
Spanning 850 sqm on the tower's first floor, the project not only serves as the new headquarters for Modern Working but also introduces a pioneering concept of coworking spaces and individual office rentals for digital nomads and companies who seek flexibility and comfort.
Vision and Layout
For Modern Working, the primary objective was to create an open and visually continuous workspace, seamlessly integrating fluid shapes with geometric lines. The office, occupying a triangular floor layout, takes cues from Zaha Hadid's architectural masterpiece, optimising space utilisation and creating a dynamic environment. One-third is dedicated to Modern Working, while the remaining two-thirds offer business centre rentals, fostering a shared yet distinct workspace.
Key Elements
A neutral palette adorned with glass and marble sets the backdrop, while unique features like a coffee bar, an amphitheatre, a high-tech recording studio, and an art gallery, which is home to a private collection portraying emerging and established artists and changes on seasonal basis, add a distinctive touch.
Flexibility for Varied Workstyles
Modern workplace design understands that employees have diverse workstyles and preferences in a post-Covid era. The incorporation of flexible layouts ensures that individuals can choose the setting that best suits their tasks and work mode. From focused workstations to collaborative hubs, the workspace adapts to the needs of the workforce, promoting agility and adaptability.Top of Form
Zoning for Productivity and Collaboration
“In today's dynamic work environment,” Managing Partner and Design Director, Marc Roca Bravo, states, “the need for dedicated zones is paramount. Modern workplace design recognises that individuals require different settings to maximise productivity. The incorporation of focused work zones provides a space for solitary tasks, ensuring uninterrupted concentration and deep work.”
“At the same time, collaboration lies at the heart of a thriving workplace”, he adds. “The office layout allows for areas for both physical and digital collaboration. The thoughtful design of collaborative zones encourages spontaneous discussions, ideation sessions, and team meetings. With the integration of technology, these spaces facilitate virtual collaborations, facilitating communication for remote teams.”
Amphitheatre Concept for Presentations
The traditional meeting room takes on a new avatar with the amphitheatre concept. This innovative approach to presentation spaces transforms the conventional meeting setting into a dynamic amphitheatre, fostering engagement and interaction. It creates an environment conducive to impactful presentations, workshops, and collaborative discussions.
Social Spaces - Coffee Bars and Art Galleries
Project Architect, Tracy Haupt, chimes in: “Recognising the importance of social interactions in fostering creativity and camaraderie, contemporary workplaces incorporate dedicated social spaces. Coffee bars serve as hubs for casual meetings, providing a relaxed atmosphere for impromptu discussions. Art galleries and libraries within the workspace add a touch of inspiration and creativity, encouraging employees to engage with diverse perspectives.”
Design Harmony with Opus Tower
Inspired by the Opus Tower's dual design aspects, the office mirrors the building's play with curvy and organic shapes in the atrium and rigid linear lines on the façade. This design continuity creates a welcoming and comfortable experience for occupants and visitors alike. A single organic curved element along the curved façade serves as a transition point, seamlessly connecting different areas, from the reception seat to desk, to the platform of the amphitheatre, to the coffee bar, to the informal seating and meeting area, transforming in design and function as it progresses. This element adds a touch of creativity and dynamism, reflecting the innovative spirit of Modern Working.
Biophilic Design and Flexibility
To enhance the work environment, non-habitable spaces due to height restrictions are transformed into a pebbled garden with plants, embracing biophilic design principles. The greenery, however, is not only limited to areas of insufficient height, but scattered all over the office to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy a glimpse of nature and added oxygen. In summary, the office combines traditional office layouts with more fluid and dynamic spaces, offering flexibility for diverse work collaborations and a healthy environment to thrive in.
Materials and Finishes
The choice of materials plays a pivotal role in defining the workspace. Timber finishes with black metal or champagne gold trims, extensive use of marble, and a combination of flooring materials create an elegant yet functional aesthetic. Glazed office partitions maximise natural light penetration, contributing to a well-lit and vibrant atmosphere.
Innovative Workspace for the Future
Modern Working's offices in Dubai redefines the workspace, embracing innovation and practicality. With its unique design, commitment to flexibility, and incorporation of distinctive features, it marvellously expresses Modern Working's vision for the future of workspaces.
