The Barbarian Group, a digital marketing firm, has asked architect and designer Clive Wilkinson to transform the interior of their New York headquarters. The main task that was set before the architect, known for his striking projects for Google and TBWA, was to create the most open, creative environment in which it would be convenient for people to work together, communicate and relax. In a sense, the customer himself suggested the idea of overcoming the traditional office solution. After all, the least of all the employees of the agency wanted to work in boring and similar offices.
Wilkinson approached the task in a very unusual way, completely abandoning the cutting of offices, cluttered with the usual office furniture. Instead, only one table appeared, but what kind. In addition to providing a workplace, this table has taken over the functions of enclosures and cabinets for storing office supplies. Its length was more than 300 meters, which made it possible to provide comfortable workplaces for all employees of the agency - and this is about 125 people. At the same time, the author of the project emphasizes that, if desired, the table can be easily expanded, and then about 200 employees will be able to accommodate it.
The undulating table structure is made from inexpensive materials such as plywood, fiberboard and sheet steel used to create a glossy endless table surface. The top layers of plywood are impregnated with resin, this technology resembles the processing of surfboards, and as a result gives a very high indicator of wear resistance (in Russia: Bakelite plywood or aviation delta wood is an excellent structural material).
The table winds with a ribbon along the walls of one large room, not divided by additional partitions. Zoning is carried out exclusively by means of a table, the plane of which in specially designated places rises up like a bridge, forming cozy arches. There are seven such arches in total. Each of them has its own functional purpose: somewhere it is a territory of relaxation and communication, and somewhere a cozy lounge area where you can retire with a laptop and a cup of coffee. From the inside, such arches support beautiful wooden structures that form numerous cells that can easily be used as shelves.
As for the main workspace, then here you can find many advantages. The bends of the table create very comfortable areas for teamwork and meetings. At the same time, there is always an opportunity for individual activities. The width of the tabletop varies, so that each employee can choose the most suitable workplace for themselves, depending on their field of activity. In addition, the design provides for the placement of additional roll-out bedside tables. All wires are built into the table and are completely invisible to the eye; they are brought to the surface through special holes in the table top.
The table was transported from Los Angeles to New York disassembled. All of its parts were assembled on site, like a designer. That is, if necessary, the structure can be easily transformed, increased or decreased, all its parts are easily assembled and moved.
As the author of the project, Clive Wilkinson, said in an interview, the idea of a continuous and multifunctional space came to him back in 2004. The architect was inspired by the Fiat test track, located on the roof of the carmaker in Turin. The Barbarian Group has made it possible to fully bring the idea to life. It should be noted that the customer not only received an original, comfortable and bright office, but also saved on design and construction. According to the customer, the author's table was much cheaper than the corridor-cabinet layout.
