The Outside Inside Inverted

This transformative project at the OCT Loft in Shenzhen reimagines an industrial building space into a vibrant office for an outdoor sports company. It reflects a deep understanding of the employees' preference for open, park-like spaces, catering to their dynamic work-life and fostering creativity, communication, and collaboration. Inspired by Shenzhen’s lush subtropical scenery, the design seamlessly blends interior with exterior, introducing a central green zone, full-height glass colonnades, and natural lighting to create a soothing yet stimulating environment. This not only embodies the company's spirit and culture but also promotes a new standard for workspace design, emphasizing flexibility, well-being, and a connection with nature.

The innovative approach lies in transforming the concept of an office from a series of enclosed workspaces into a fluid, open environment that mirrors the dynamics of outdoor spaces. By situating the open public area and general office space in the center of the layout, flanked by windows, the design maximizes natural light and creates a cross-ventilation system that enhances the indoor environmental quality. This central positioning not only invites the outdoors in but also promotes a sense of openness and connection among employees, crucial for a company rooted in outdoor sports and activities.

Flexibility is central to the design, featuring spaces that can be easily adjusted for various activities and workstyles, allowing the workspace to evolve with the company's dynamic needs. Adjustable lighting in the communal areas replicates the nuanced shifts of daylight, setting the stage for evening events with dimmed, warm tones that transform the space into a lively social hub.

A significant challenge was enabling natural light to reach interior offices without direct window access. Full-height glass partitions were introduced, ensuring light penetration and visual connectivity throughout, reinforcing the indoor-outdoor thematic continuum.

The material palette was chosen to echo outdoor architectural and landscape elements as well as nature: textured stucco walls and concrete floors evoke the ruggedness and of the outdoor urban environment, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor perceptions. The central green public space adopts stone paving that mirrors outdoor landscape designs, enhancing the park-like atmosphere. The lawn areas feature a high-quality turf from Forward Group, commonly used in golf courses, emphasizing the sports-centric theme of the company.