This space is in a heritage building, under a dramatic undulating roof. It is designed for a government body responsible for major public projects that also hosts workshops and exhibitions. A key challenge is the fluctuating office occupancy because of a changing number of external consultants.

Rediscovering the building’s architectural qualities, its genius loci, was the core of this concept. We focused on the clarity of space, previously underutilised due to awkward shape, poor AC, damaged finishes, and suboptimal acoustic performance. We retained the walls, including the original cylindrical volumes. Outdated materials were removed and systems reconditioned.

Innovation
While the original brief called for open workspaces, private offices and meeting rooms, the project eventually increased three-fold. Once ambitions outgrew the available space, we expanded vertically, by adding functional platforms interconnected by staircases. Extensive 3D studies determined multiple connections between levels, creating varying paths for employees and visitors.

Executive areas used switchable glazing, allowing to toggle between transparent and opaque. Super-thin LED light strings spanning up to 17m allowed the illumination of areas where recessing lights in walls, floors or ceilings was impossible.

Creativity
Rather than fighting the irregular shapes, we drew inspiration from them. We designed a nesting system that can be playfully reassembled for the pantry tables, located in a narrow and curved space. For the washrooms, we divided the space diagonally with free-standing vanities. The vanity mirrors, produced locally, combine translucent, reflective, and matt surfaces within a single pane.

Functionality
The space is flexible, geared up for different teams who can rearrange it thanks to the spanning structures that can hold partitions and reconfigurable modules: acoustic pin-up boards, magnetic white-boards and storage units. The furniture design allows setting up for smaller or bigger groups. Inaccessible gravelled roofs have been resurfaced and given access to serve as breakout areas. The project added spaces for prayer rooms, ablution areas and nursing rooms.

Sustainability
To reflect the organisation’s mission, forward-looking yet rooted in Emirati heritage, we used contrasting materials: rough plaster, widespread in traditional architecture, and woven palm mats known as safeefah, paired with sleek and patinated steel. We produced locally when possible. Cushions were woven by Emirati artisans, using a technique called sadu. The reception volume and staircases were made from recycled mild steel by a local manufacturer. The acoustic glass partitions were also produced locally.

A decision against adding ceilings above the open offices helped minimise the material waste and let through the daylight. We used FSC-certified timber and recycled wood-wool in corridors. Acoustic fabric panels are made from rapidly renewable materials.