“Designing office interiors is very similar to designing a home,” declares Werner Immelman, Shell’s Portfolio Manager, his voice brimming with passion and purpose. To him, the office transcends its functional role, evolving into a sanctuary where employees invest a substantial part of their lives.
The quest to perfect this second home began when Shell, a global energy giant with over 80,000 employees worldwide, embarked on a post-pandemic real estate reduction journey. Their goal? To create a more agile workspace for its 150 members in Dubai’s One Central Building (Phase 1). Credit for Shell’s stunning corporate oasis is shared by Gensler and Haworth. While Gensler breathed life into mundane spaces, Haworth was entrusted with crafting furniture so vibrant and ergonomic that it could effortlessly immerse individuals in their work environment.
Reflecting on the decision to enlist Gensler for this pivotal role, Werner highlights their proven track record in executing successful interior design projects for Shell globally and regionally. With a knowing smile, he acknowledges Gensler’s inevitable involvement in the new 12,000 sq ft extension project at One Central Dubai, given the stellar results of Phase 1.
The Brief: Sustainability Driven Design
In a multi-layered brief, Gensler was tasked with designing an office space that adhered to Shell’s internal workplace design standards. Meeting staff needs was as important as reflecting the company’s regional footprint and local culture.
Amidst this intricate tapestry of requirements, Marcela Munoz, Associate/Senior Interior Designer at Gensler, unveils the North Star behind their design voyage. “The first and the biggest driver was sustainability. When we started the last phase with Shell, they introduced their carbon-neutral program. So, we needed to ensure that every single selection of furniture, material, lighting is going to be as per their standards,” she explains.
“The first and the biggest driver was sustainability. When we started the last phase with Shell, they introduced their carbon-neutral program. So, we needed to ensure that every single selection of furniture, material, lighting is going to be as per their standards.”
– Marcela Munoz, Associate/Senior Interior Designer at Gensler
Marcela commends Shell’s sustainability-first approach. “Thanks to Shell’s dedication to sustainability, our library of certified and sustainable materials is so much bigger,” she shares with elation. She goes on to explain how in this project, the team reversed the usual process by first seeking out brands with certifications, ultimately leading them to Haworth. “We reviewed their catalogue first and adapted our design intention accordingly,” she explains.
The Outcome:-
Entrance Grandeur and Details
Stepping into the Shell Office, one is greeted by abundant natural light and a plethora of touchdown and collaboration spots thoughtfully scattered throughout the space. Every activity area is infused with changing colour palettes—be it the serene workstation blue, the refreshing conference green, or the inviting lounge yellow—each hue is meticulously chosen to define the mood and purpose of the space.
Upon arrival, guests are met with the grandeur of Shell’s reception area, adorned with the iconic Shell logo—a symbol of the company’s global presence—and a towering map showcasing their expansive footprint across the Middle East region. Adding to the allure is the customised ripple effect logo on the glass, further enhancing the space’s uniqueness.
Versatile Boardroom Solutions
On the right side, one will find the boardroom, enhanced with an extra layer of versatility thanks to Haworth’s foldable tables system. Marcela shares insights into the team’s study of different layouts to find the most adaptable furniture solutions. Whether it’s set up in a traditional U-shape for boardroom meetings, aligned rows for training sessions, or devoid of tables for presentations, the team enjoyed coming up with multiple furniture configurations.
But the journey of innovation doesn’t stop there. The real challenge lay in extending this flexibility to AV, IT, electrical, and connectivity elements. “The positioning of the floor boxes, the cameras, the microphones was really crucial and required extensive coordination between the different teams involved,” Marcela notes.
“What’s remarkable about Shell is that they provide a variety of spaces where you can meet and collaborate with others. It’s where the magic happens in a way! Towards the end, you’ll find the library with a quiet zone with these BuzziSpace Pods in which you can disconnect a little bit.”
– Marcela Munoz, Associate/Senior Interior Designer at Gensler
From Meeting Rooms to Open-Plan Workstations
As one moves from the reception area to the left, a series of meeting spaces in varying sizes—from small to medium rooms and phone booths—unfold. “What’s remarkable about Shell is that they provide a variety of spaces where you can meet and collaborate with others,” Marcela reveals. Along the corridor, one will find open areas for collaboration, bench seating, and high tables offering views of the atrium. At the far end awaits the open-plan workspace, equipped with workstations, a secondary pantry, and a print station.
“It’s where the magic happens in a way! Towards the end, you’ll find the library with a quiet zone with these BuzziSpace Pods in which you can disconnect a little bit. It’s the first time we were doing this for Shell and I think this is a very successful space” she beams.
A Closer Look: Key Haworth Additions to Shell’s Workspace
The Library area featuring BuzziSpace products (BuzziBooth and BuzziVille) are among Brian Kelly, Managing Director at Haworth, personal favourite additions to the project. “The inspiration for this space was taken from the Haworth virtual showroom, which we explored with Gensler during the initial design workshops. Also, the use of the recently launched Nia chair throughout this space and other meeting applications is worth mentioning as the product was developed to meet the requirement as an active seating solution,” he points out.
When asked about his preferred Haworth addition, Werner Immelman, Real Estate Portfolio Manager at Shell carefully considers before choosing the HAT Elements Workstation procured for the VP and Country Chair. “It ticks all the right boxes in terms of design, functionality, looking formal enough to host external stakeholders yet welcoming enough to promote approachability towards staff,” he explains.
“[The HAT Elements Workstation] ticks all the right boxes in terms of design, functionality, looking formal enough to host external stakeholders yet welcoming enough to promote approachability towards staff,”
– Werner Immelman, Real Estate Portfolio Manager at Shell
Before revealing her favourite Haworth addition, Marcela takes a moment to express her admiration for the brand’s evolution in materiality, tones, and textures, while aligning with current trends. She highlights the project’s colour-driven nature and expresses her satisfaction in never facing difficulties in finding the right colour or product, thanks to Haworth’s wide range of options under the same umbrella, encompassing both Haworth and Haworth Collection brands.
Conclusion: Designing with Purpose
Wrapping up, Marcela highlights another vibrant transformation: the Shell café, also known as the Energy Hub, adorned in a lively shade of yellow. Despite the challenges of matching the yellow with fabrics for all the furniture, and then balancing it with various finishes, Marcela asserts that the Shell café and the reception are the areas that truly define Shell’s identity, with their innovative design twist and commitment to sustainability.
She further stresses that Shell’s sustainability strategy surpasses mere certification, involving a thorough analysis of the project’s environmental impact. “They even had a team of consultants that measured and created a scorecard of the carbon footprint of the project,” she adds. “The dedication of companies like Shell really inspires us to become better designers,” concludes Marcela on an optimistic note.
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