First impressions matter because they leave a lasting impact. Be it a person, place or thing, your perception at first sight becomes the basis for all future interactions. This is often the case when a customer walks into a business for the very first time – the vibes they get from the ambience will likely shape their opinion about the company.
When a business has invested considerable time, money and effort to create a solid brand that is consistent and clear, it is important to project their success in the space they operate, not only to impress present and future customers but also for their employees to feel at one with the progressive and innovative culture that the brand represents.
This was the design brief from New Zealand’s leading advertising agency FCB when they commissioned interior designers Ctrl Space for an office fit-out that was required to reflect the success of the brand and the passion of their staff.
Ctrl Space’s interior designer and project lead for the FCB office fit-out, Sam Scrymgeour set out to work on the design armed with a modest budget and a set of brand guidelines.
The open plan FCB Wellington office consisted of meeting rooms and quiet zones that were visually connected throughout the space. However, the long narrow passageways, high ceilings and hard surfaces including brick walls, desks and windows made the space an acoustic nightmare, according to Scrymgeour. Given the implications of reverberated noise on the ambience as well as the overall experience of both clients and employees, Ctrl Space recommended the proven Autex acoustic solutions for interior spaces.
Having worked with Autex’s interior acoustic solutions previously, Scrymgeour was confident the brand’s acoustics range would meet both the functional and aesthetic design objectives of the FCB fit-out project. Autex Interior Acoustics would not only resolve the reverberation noise issue in the office but also complement FCB’s brand concept and Ctrl Space’s vision for the space.
Autex’s commitment to providing bespoke designs and solutions that went beyond off-the-shelf products was a major draw card for Scrymgeour.
Scrymgeour specified the artistically designed Quietspace Lattice Trapeziums and Cube acoustic panels to address the acoustic considerations in the FCB office. Autex Quietspace Lattice is a premium range of suspended sound absorbing baffles that combine excellent acoustic control with modern design elements. Autex Cube is a lightweight semi-rigid interior acoustic panel featuring a solid colour and ideal as a base material in creative spatial design.
Autex Quietspace Lattice
Five Quietspace Lattice Trapeziums in five different colours, hung end-on-end were installed as an aesthetically pleasing acoustic solution for the long narrow hallway in the FCB office. The fins were arranged to create a smooth colour gradient that transitioned from the green Bosco to the red Ironbank. Manufactured using a minimum of 65 per cent recycled materials, Quietspace Lattice also delivered a sustainable acoustic solution to the FCB fit-out.
Autex Cube
Scrymgeour’s acoustic product of choice for the workstation areas in the office was Autex Cube. Ctrl Space installed detailed screens extending from the existing structural pillars all the way above the workstation areas to provide an acoustic shield that would allow employees to work without interference from reverberated noise. Cut from Autex Cube acoustic panels, the screens were assembled using an innovative interlocking system developed by Autex to eliminate the need for adhesives or fasteners, continuing the brand’s dedication to sustainable design.
Design Institute of New Zealand’s 2015 Best Awards Finalist
A finalist in the Design Institute of New Zealand’s 2015 Best Awards in the Spatial Design, Office and Workplace Environment category, the FCB Wellington office is an outstanding example of how good design can reflect the brand story and the company’s progressive, innovative culture.
Autex Interior Acoustics – Creating productive environments
An established brand in acoustic innovation, Autex works with customers to create functional and visually appealing solutions using their 100% polyester Interior Acoustic products. Contact Autex on 1800 678 160 or visit www.autex.com.au to arrange a free consultation and reverberation calculation for your work environment.
