Cathay Ins
Office for MODE ON+HHAA+UD
As the digital technology development center of the insurance company, it combines the classic elements of industrial style, such as metal pieces, track lights and air ducts, and creates diverse looks with a neat and modern style as the main theme. To overturn the stereotype of a stressful and stiff office, the central multi-functional area features a serene ocean blue canopy, while keeping the original structure and the unconcealed pipes. The unadorned rusticity contrasts strongly with the vertical clean-cut lines, creating tensions and layers in the compact environment.
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Cathay Ins by Ian Chen
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Office by Ian Chen
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Ian Chen Cathay Ins
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Ian Chen Office
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MODE ON HHAA UDBrand Logo
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Unique Properties
As the digital technology development center of the insurance company, it combines the classic elements of industrial style, such as metal pieces, track lights and air ducts, and creates diverse looks with a neat and modern style as the main theme. Highly saturated sofas in complementary colors along with earthy-colored chairs inject a sense of warmth into the cold frame and balance the overly rigid and cold tones.
Tags
Interior Design, Office Design, Industrial style, Ocean blue, Stage effect
Production Technology
Stone, wood fiber board, stainless steel board, movable partition, system board, black iron, tempered glass, wallpaper, cement paint, square carpet
Design Challenge
The square carpet encloses the central communication area. Sliding doors offer the flexibility to change between an open concept layout or sectioned-off spaces. When open, sliding doors can completely open up the room to accommodate more people. On the contrary, the space can serve as a small meeting room when sliding doors are closed. Behind the entrance screen, a high bar table creates a change in the height of the horizontal axis, adding rhythmic layers to the neat view.
Project Duration
The project is finished in June 2022 in Taipei City, Taiwan.
Operation Flow
In the transparent layout, an open sofa area is in the center of the traffic flow, which cleverly separates two sides of the office area and creates an invisible boundary between spaces. In front of the sofa area is a bar area, while a projection area locates behind it. By introducing the concept of "stage effect", the seemingly fragmented areas can be integrated by the projection screen. The sofa area not only is an area for team members to share their ideas, but also serves as the core for employees to have lunch and chat with each, which naturally strengthens the bond among them. With sharing as the design concept, the seating area serves a variety of functions. Without fixed partitions on the long tables, the number of seats is increased. Moreover, it allows employees to choose their seat according to their preferences and needs. With movable partitions in the middle, it provides the right amount of privacy.
Research
As a screen at the entrance, sandblasted glass adds privacy and allows light to enter without casting shadows. On both sides, dual traffic flows offer ample space for walking. The ceiling follows the angle of the screen, and the symmetrical curvature of the arc extends the visual line, releasing a generous and unobstructed depth of view.
Inspiration
To overturn the stereotype of a stressful and stiff office, the central multi-functional area features a serene ocean blue canopy, while keeping the original structure and the unconcealed pipes. The unadorned rusticity contrasts strongly with the vertical clean-cut lines, creating tensions and layers in the compact environment.
Image Credits
MODE ON+HHAA+UD
Project Overview
Cathay Ins Office has been a Silver winner in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.
Silver Recognition
Ian Chen was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Cathay Ins Office.
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