Amana Capital, Dubai

Amana Capital is a Financial Services Group specialized in providing brokerage services in international financial markets – currencies, commodities and stock indices. When relocating to their new office, there was a golden opportunity for the company to transform its culture and ethos. When working with Amana Capital, Dubai on their relocation to DIFC, Swiss Bureau Interior Design was tasked with the transformation process, with the aim to create a new workplace environment that would showcase the sophisticated and versatile nature of the firm.

The word Amana means ‘integrity’ and the designers wanted to create an office space that would reflect this idea of unity and cohesion, to stay true to its brand’s essence. The concept further evolved, being inspired by the Amana’s logo, which in many ways can be interpreted as ‘the solidarity of unison’. The curved walls, together with the sweeping lines of the flooring and ceiling through space, created a sinuous architecture echoing the brand identity.

The material palette is a selection of warm wood, greys, blues, white and soft taupes creating a comfortable and inviting environment. The interiors include accents of brass and chrome that are seen in the furniture and lighting. The black, powder-coated, framed-glass partitions create a simple pure form with strip lights highlighting the curves. The open workstations are situated along the windows and together with the glass-fronted private offices, they lend an open, bright and modern feel to the place.

The MD rooms have the best views out to the DIFC and are furnished with contemporary soft-lounge seating. The boardroom is in an unconventional shape, where the table is customized to match the footprint of the room and flanked by a back-painted glass and wood wall. The meeting rooms have white concrete walls with a dark vinyl flooring, light chairs, a glass table with customized chrome legs and decorative pendants.

The biggest challenge faced during the design stage was to balance the lines carefully – in order to keep it subtle and not too overpowering. During the construction, it was important for these curves to be executed with precision, to create an uninterrupted flow. And according to Kamsin Mirchandani, Senior Architect this was beautifully accomplished by the designers and fit-out contractors – Swiss Bureau Interior Design.