Marconi weaves local design into new office

Their wish-list included a design that accommodated more staff, an office that reflected the technology business, more sophisticated security measures, an open layout to encourage interaction, and interestingly enough...a touch of Arabesque.

"We wanted to create a look that not only reflected Marconi, but also our presence in the Middle East", explains Andrea Coulter, Office Manager, Marconi Middle East. "Anyone walking into our office would recognize it as a Marconi office, but with some indigenous flavor weaved in."

When Marconi approached Dubai-based Architectural and Property Consulting firm, Cityspace with its specific brief, the Cityspace design team instantly understood the client's requirements.

"You can blend in old and new, modern and traditional in a way so subtle that it communicates creativity and class," explains Mark Hargadon, Design Director at Cityspace. "It's key to not overdo either aspect and to smoothly integrate both elements into one consistent elegant look."

Nowhere is this combination more successful than the reception area. Wooden Mashrabiya frames, reminiscent of traditional Arab houses, and low built-in seating that resembles the majlis style familiar to any visitor of a Gulf home, blend easily with a high-tech reception desk, toned down in a sand-coloured beige, and a modern plasma television screen displaying CNN and Bloomberg news.

"The high-tech look communicates Marconi's modern cutting-edge technology, whereas the traditional elements represent the human quality of the company, adding warmth and a welcoming touch to the overall mood", explains Hargadon of Cityspace.

This welcoming atmosphere is also reflected in the casual hospitality area outside the conference rooms, designed as a waiting place for visitors and Marconi staff to interact before meetings. The low seating and warm atmosphere was created by the Cityspace design team to again simulate a majlis environment to put visitors at ease and break the ice before meetings, while the conference room names, selected from UAE landmarks, underline the mixed theme.

Cityspace managed to carry out the entire project including space planning, interior design furniture procurement and construction in a matter of two months. The new office accommodates 45 staff in an open workstation area, with low partitions that encourage interaction while simultaneously allowing some degree of privacy. In addition, some space was allocated for six fully enclosed offices for senior staff. It also boasts more sophisticated security measures, with only employees gaining access through card recognition machine at the entrance.

The Marconi character is reflected in the use of corporate branding and colours as well as the layout. With the aim of producing a working office environment with style, Cityspace created a spacious, open and relaxing atmosphere to optimize staff motivation and efficiency. The Cityspace team, headed by Hargadon, selected fabrics and furniture for the office to complement the mixed theme. Colours, even in the modern design furniture, tended towards the warm such as sand-coloured beige and earth brown.

To ensure that staff shared the project team's enthusiasm for the new office, employees were given the opportunity to vote on furniture design and colour theme options recommended by Cityspace. The design team also created a recreation area for employees to mingle socially while getting their morning coffee and to take a break during the day when required.

Today, 2 months after Marconi has moved in, the staff has long forgotten its previous office and has taken a great liking to the new set-up.

The office is "modern, comfortable and warm" as described by one employee. Another says that it creates a cheerful and friendly mood in the office. An even stronger reaction has been felt from customers.

"The feedback we've received from visitors has been really rewarding," says Andrea. "We think our new look reflects the image that we want for Marconi in the Middle East. Cityspace's professional approach and guidance have been valuable to the success of this project."