Forward-Thinking Workplace

Interior design firm DWP used wooden organic structures and greenery to provide a bright workspace for Smart Dubai’s new office

The brand also wanted the design to tie back to the Middle East but without being too literal. Taking inspiration from shifting sand, DWP created several organic structures throughout the space. An intricate ceiling at the entrance and wooden slats that surround the coffee bar area are the key design features. Designed in Revit, each wooden slat needed to be individually created and produced to follow the form. “The entire concept was based on elements of UAE and a story rooted in the Middle East. We were looking at shifting sands, a meandering creek and desert oasis,” says Nadine Abedzadeh, interior designer at DWP, adding that all these elements were used as subtle references.

“The client wanted to have a workplace, where staff would be efficient and enjoy working,” says Abedzadeh. “Future expansion was addressed from the early stages of design and has been allowed for in terms of MEP requirements. The current state allows for 42 staff, which can increase to 60.”

Spanning 1,800sqm, the new office occupies an entire floor and, inspired by the Dubai Creek, the central walkway meanders through all areas of the office, making the entire floor accessible and connected. Moving away from the traditional entrance layout, the designers placed casual seating area and a hanging bubble swing chair set against screen partitions made of natural rope. To the right sits a virtual reception with a touchscreen, which helps navigate all visits to the office.

“An unmanned reception directs visitors to the relevant space—it can be a meeting room or the coffee bar oasis—and allows visitors to interact with the space. Visitors type in their name and who they want to visit and employees are then informed by SMS that their visitor has arrived,” explains Abedzadeh.