Block

Office for Adrian Chan Design and Research Office

This project is an exploration on how a tiny office could accommodate a wide range of functions, occupancies (from 4 to 18), and privacy needs, while being aesthetically curious and human-centric. A cue was taken from the interiors of the early 20th century style Prairie School. In much the same vein, cabinetry in the space are conceived as a series of floating functional blocks embedded along a peripheral gallery-like wall that invites occupants to follow its path. The remaining areas then allow for flexible programming and private moments, maximizing spatial efficiency.

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HY Blocks by Adrian Chan

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Office by Adrian Chan

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Adrian Chan HY Blocks

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Adrian Chan Office

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Adrian Chan Design and Research Office Brand Logo

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Block Office Press Releases

Explore press materials for Block, available in languages such as English.

Block Office Media Articles

We provide articles ready for publication on Block, offered in several languages: English, Italian, German, Spanish, French, Turkish, Arabic (Standard), Hindi, Dutch, Korean, Indonesian, Japanese, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin) and Portuguese.

Unique Properties

The client, an HR advisory & training firm, needed an office that could communicate openness and could facilitate different interactions from team huddles to training events. The space, however, presented some challenges: low ceilings (7 ft 4) and a small enclosure (41sqm). Referencing the Prairie School, cabinetry are conceived as a series of floating functional blocks embedded along a gallery-like wall inviting the occupant to follow along. Other areas then allow for flexible programming whilst maximizing spatial efficiency.

Tags

Office, Ceiling Height, Flexible Space, Prairie School, Cabinetry

Production Technology

Materiality leans towards warm, textural and light finishes, with abundant usage of light oak, copper and calacatta marble. Materials chosen have been vetted based on sustainability certifications.

Design Challenge

The biggest challenge was space-planning in a small area and executing a design that could satisfy the various occupant needs of the client.

Project Duration

The project started in January 2019 and finished in June 2019.

Operation Flow

The space allows for flexible programming whilst maximizing spatial efficiency and privacy where needed: The entry foyer doubles as a reception, huddle space, training room and cocktail area; the backroom serves as storage for folding chairs and a private relaxation pod.

Research

Thorough research was conducted to understand the business needs of the company. It was found that the office experienced fluctuations in occupancies due to working from home, itinerant workers/freelancers, and hosting of small to large scale events. As such, precedent research was conducted to derive spatial solutions that were relevant to each case/ occasion. Research was also conducted into historical styles where their principles could be applied where relevant.

Inspiration

The 19th C. architectural style Prairie School often featured horizontal bands of windows and lines that would direct one’s attention to the horizontal, de-emphasizing the ceiling height. The functional blocks in this project manifest this idea; they achieve the objective of expanding the space while each serving essential functions such as food and beverage, printing etc. Where office space is at a premium, functionality becomes architectural device and ornamentation.

Project Overview

Block Office has been a Iron winner in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design award category in the year 2020 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Adrian Chan.

Iron Recognition

Adrian Chan was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2021, a testament to excellence of their work Block Office.

Adrian Chan Press Releases

Access a rich repository of press releases on Adrian Chan, offered to press and media professionals for unrestricted use in their stories. Unlock 1 press releases now, directly accessible to journalists.

Adrian Chan Unveils "Block" Office Design Inspired by Prairie School Architecture

Adrian Chan's latest project, "Block," redefines office functionality with a design inspired by the Prairie School architectural style, offering a solution for maximizing space efficiency and flexibility.

Adrian Chan Newsroom

Find inspiration and award-winning creativity within the Adrian Chan Newsroom.