Abstract Rhythm
d+a|Issue 120
Gibert&Tan reframes industrial building conventionality with its interpretive asian headquarters architecture.
Nizar Musa
Abstract Rhythm

The Janusian tableau of the mega-shed/front office industrial building is a common sight in this part of the world.

Reflecting pervasive, cost-conscious attitudes, the schemes are often a comical shunting of utilitarian design into a modern rear end, almost entirely irreconcilable in language and character.

Malaysian practice Gibert&Tan, who was tasked with designing a headquarters and warehouse, decided that the only way to address these dichotomic qualities was to embrace them, and specifically on their terms.

PRACTICAL, FUNCTIONAL, BALANCED

“ECT is one of Malaysia’s leading independent chemical distributors. What they wanted first was a building that was practical and fairly easy to maintain.

“Functionality was important to the owner, so the design, I would say, is straightforward overall; warehouse at the back, main office out front,” says architect Michael Gibert, a 20-year veteran who, for several years, had been based in Kisho Kurokawa’s office.

“By looking at the orientation of the plot, entry points and logistics, these are what defined the location of the warehouse, delivery bay and how you access the site.”

The front office’s role as a representation of the company invariably creates the schism inherent in this industrial milieu.

In this project, Gibert&Tan reframes the notion of a warehouse headquarters.

Rather than fight it, Gibert opts for acceptance, “When I was looking at that (the office), one of my priorities was not to lie, meaning the design had to remain honest by reflecting the geometry of the warehouse roof.

“It’s a totally different approach, different from the typical boxes you see in this kind of context,” he says, alluding to the office’s unconventional asymmetric silhouette.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Issue 120-Ausgabe von d+a.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Issue 120-Ausgabe von d+a.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS D+AAlle anzeigen
timeless appeal
d+a

timeless appeal

Cosentino’s new collections continue to offer sustainable, durable and innovative surfaces that seamlessly blend into and enhance any contemporary space.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 134
FIND - design fair asia 2024 returns for third edition
d+a

FIND - design fair asia 2024 returns for third edition

Exciting design innovations and the latest trends from Southeast Asia under one roof.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
Issue 134
Global design hotspot
d+a

Global design hotspot

Highlights of Ambiente 2025: An extensive and diverse global marketplace for consumer goods

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 134
the natural balance
d+a

the natural balance

Inspired by the serene beauty of dewdrops, the Antao Collection by Villeroy & Boch transforms bathrooms into wellness sanctuaries, combining sustainability with timeless elegance.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
Issue 134
balancing act: nature and humanity
d+a

balancing act: nature and humanity

In this inspiration-led series, we asked Jay Liu and Alex Liu, co-founders of Right Angle Studio, to dream up a unique interior concept using mainly items from Space Furniture.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
Issue 134
rethinking, remaking, reframing
d+a

rethinking, remaking, reframing

Aoki Akio, the founder of DESIGNART TOKYO discusses the importance and legacy of Tokyo’s eminent art and design event, particularly for young creatives.

time-read
5 Minuten  |
Issue 134
rebuilding communities
d+a

rebuilding communities

Shift2024, the much-anticipated conference returns with a stellar line-up of prolific architects making their mark in Asian urban design.

time-read
5 Minuten  |
Issue 134
unparalleled italian craftsmanship
d+a

unparalleled italian craftsmanship

Filippo Arnaboldi, Chief Executive Officer of Frette, tells us how this ry lifestyle Italian brand is moving forward with times yet not forgetting about its existing legacy.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
Issue 134
where the mountain meets the sea
d+a

where the mountain meets the sea

This bespoke hillside residence features modern design elements, natural touches, and panoramic ocean views.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
Issue 134
building a green home
d+a

building a green home

This semi-detached house by Zivy Architects explores passive tropical design the delight in architecture and the issues of multi-generational living.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
Issue 134