About the project
Bluehaus Group were approached by Dubai Airports to challenge the way they were working, and had been working for many years. KPS was responsible for the fit-out of the project. The Dubai Airports workplace had grown organically, and despite being a very successful organisation, there were considerable inefficiencies and the workplace was very cellularised. The CEO, Mr. Paul Griffiths, who was previously with Virgin Group, wanted to develop and deliver a more collaborative, open, vibrant and exciting workplace that encouraged ‘a sense of one’ as well as greater innovation and communication.
The process involved an extensive workplace strategy process inclusive of occupancy tracking, stake-holders interviews, existing workplace evaluation before the design process could start. It is rare to have the opportunity to be able to design an office of 125,000 square feet and 600 people on a single floor, so our design team saw this as an opportunity to develop a workplace that was connected through a central artery encouraging ‘collisions’ between people and departments, as well as private spaces for people and teams to focus when required.
Due to the need for greater transparency and open-plan, the central artery has been designed to offer ‘just-in-time’ meeting space off the central artery for drop-in and impromptu collaboration and meetings. These spaces have been designed to offer AV and IT as needed due to the way Dubai Airports works, and its fast-moving nature.
Ergonomics is fundamental to the well-being of the team at Dubai Airports so height adjustable desking has been specified with Wilkhahn ON chairs throughout. Remaining within the theme of well-being, both the acoustics and lighting are well-considered, other than ambient or emergency lighting, there is no lighting in the acoustic feature ceilings and individualised ‘absence detection’ lighting was used.
An acoustic ceiling solution has been installed inclusive of an acoustic panelling and partition system to ensure the space, whilst considerable open, functioned well from an aesthetic perspective.
The ceiling design has been very well considered to offer a balance between an open, industrial feel and a well managed acoustic solution. There are areas which are semi-enclosed, and where the partitions stop-short of the ceiling allowing the ceiling to pass-over the partitions ensuring the aerodynamic ‘wing’ concept reads visually. Audio Video and AV being readily available, was fundamental to the success of this workplace, with this in mind we worked closely with the clients AV team, and external experts to ensure we understood what was required and that this was provided everywhere required and as required.
Throughout the course of the design process Bluehaus Group worked closely with the brand consultants to understand the language developed for this project. Bluehaus Group and the designers have been sympathetic to the brand in both application of colour and aesthetic details.
Designed into the space is a screen to the back of reception including a fixed Dubai Airport logo from which moving LED light will burst out replicating flight patterns from Dubai Airport to international destinations. The flight patterns will be based upon a 24hr cycle of air traffic from Dubai Airport condensed into a 3 minute cycle. Only one line will be visible at one time and as one ends another begins. When the moving light meets its destination a corporate message/ stat fades in the out. The ceiling design developed is designed to minimise services within the ceiling where possible, and to reflect aviation and aerodynamics. The ‘wings’ are places through the office and are not obstructed in any areas so as not to lose the effect of a wing, in some cases the partitioning passes underneath the wings whilst still maintaining the acoustics required.
Fundamental to the success of this project, and the key driver, was ensuring a significantly increased efficiency across the workplace. Bluehaus Group’s brief was to almost double the number of people the space could occupy, whilst also ensuring the space was aesthetically exciting, engaging and interactive. Significant work was undertaken, briefing workshops and running of numbers to ensure the brief was met and the increased head-count could be catered for whilst also achieving the aspirations wellness brief requested by the client.
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