UNBOX, Dubai

Swiss Bureau Interior Design has recently completed the design & build for UNBOX. Located in Dubai’s newest hot spot ‘Bay Square’, UNBOX is a creative incubator; a company that provides work spaces for independent operators, entrepreneurs, and start up. The intent was to have a space where people can share knowledge, enjoy events, work collaboratively. The aim was to cater for large number of uses in multiple functions and capacities bringing people together. The UNBOX team is a new start-up community. They believe that by creating co-working spaces for entrepreneurs, unique businesses can flourish. The design needed to facilitate budding entrepreneurs to think big. Swiss Bureau approved this project with the idea to combine the best practices from media, creativity and entrepreneurship. The layout consisted of a reception space, collaboration area which can be transformed into a space for events, a cafe bar, meeting rooms, member offices, hot design area for people, phone booths, labs, training room and storage space. We were able to accommodate these requirements in the 9,500 sq. ft. space.

The design follows the concept that is inspired by the UNBOX brand identity. The logo is a playful combination of triangular shapes which seem to be unravelling open like origami. When deconstructed it can be made into limitless possibilities. The DNA of the logo is based on this philosophy and visually interpreted through grand ceiling and flooring design. This forms the basis of the design language. Using hues of blue and turquoise with neutral greys and white, the office feels light and fresh, inviting and energizing. The carpet is a strong element with geometrical patterns taking precedence as it is combined with playful shades of light blue. The motivational and inspirational graphics on the walls allow of a relaxed environment where work and collaboration are always celebrated and encouraged. The FF&E and movable planter boxes together help to create a flexible multipurpose workspace. The inclusive flexible workstations are easily moved or transformed into a different space.

The geometric interpretation of the ceiling into the architecture of the space and the complexity of its implementation is what made this project unique and challenging on many levels. The wood effect was achieved by using an LVT and the way the lines and shapes develop the dynamic interior that was needed of a space such as this. The design of the ceiling is the main design feature – warping geometrical shapes in timber cladding glide across the space and create a pathway and movement within the office.

The 16.000 sq. ft. office space comprises a varied range of working spaces – designed for the type of function each caters to. The Hot desk Area with the views to the Burj Khalifa, has custom designed desking following the same principles developed in the concept. The FF&E and movable planter boxes together help to create a flexible multipurpose workspace. The inclusive flexible workstations are easily moved or transformed into a different space. For this office we’ve selected the finest materials, though we made sure that most of the elements are locally custom made which limited the carbon footprint created by transport. We also maximized the use of daylight so that the need for artificial lighting was limited. A positive approach was considered for selecting the products with less waste and pollution. LED lights and products which are green eco friendly are used in the project.