In the middle of all design projects, is there anything more overwhelming than designing an office for yourself? It is always a challenge when a group of architects and interior designers hold their own opinions on design. To avoid this, the Melbourne studio adopted a consultative strategy, gathering input from the staff who use the studio. During this time, the common desire was to have a space to collaborate together and a place to meet socially. This resulted in an outline of the design, but a conceptual vision remained undefined. The design team was inspired by Ferran Adria's simple yet inspiring cookbook, "The Family Meal", which is inspired by a few of the dishes that the staff at El Bulli restaurant love to eat every day. The book is mostly about the most important moments of the restaurant's day - when the chefs get together to exchange ideas, share cooking ideas and collaborate. Studio principal Woods Bagot and Bruno Mendes, who led the design, say the project created a sense of home and familiarity. "It's this simple concept of coming together and sharing experiences that drives the central design philosophy of the studio. It's this spirit of collaboration and collegiality that we want to encourage" Based on this concept of aggregation, various formal and informal spaces are arranged around a large space at the center of the studio. Stitched together, the various formal and informal work areas form a major gathering space that serves as a small open auditorium. It opens up the two floors of the studio, giving a platform for invited speakers, and for Friday's dance movie night. It also connects the staff lunch area and provides access to the work area, which plays a key role in enhancing socialization and collaboration. To create a grand gesture, wood became the material of choice. At key locations in the studio, wood is woven and blended into natural steel panels, which are also used as a transitional element for changes in the floors. This makes the studio more of a place to "live" than a place to "work".
