As remote and hybrid work arrangements continue to gain popularity, Architectus is stepping up to the challenge, luring workers back to the office with innovative fitouts and redefining the workplace experience for a new era.
Recent projects for Allianz Australia in Brisbane and Adelaide epitomise Architectus’ commitment to employee wellbeing, fostering environments that make the idea of returning to the office attractive again.
With aesthetics and functionality underpinning these initiatives, Architectus sets a new standard for workplace design, uniting community and productivity in a modern work setting.
At the heart of Architectus’s design philosophy is an unwavering focus on employee wellbeing. Architectus Principal Troy King, who spearheaded the Brisbane fitout, articulates this vision: “We’ve set out to create environments that draw employees back to the workplace, where they feel supported and connected.”
The resulting spaces are thoughtfully crafted to promote functionality while enhancing the overall employee experience. With accessible, light-filled interiors, Allianz’s new workplaces provide spaces that encourage collaboration and engagement.
This design ethos directly addresses the shifting dynamics of work culture. As employees increasingly lean toward remote options, creating a physical environment that feels inviting and supportive is critical for employers. King emphasises the importance of aesthetic appeal and a sense of community, noting that without these elements, employees may prefer the comforts of home. The newly designed fitouts serve as a deliberate effort to reverse this trend, inspiring workers to reconnect with their company’s culture.
A hallmark of the fitouts is the incorporation of large, central staircases strategically placed to promote interaction across floors. Unlike traditional front-of-house staircases, these are intentionally placed in back-of-house areas, encouraging spontaneous encounters and employee collaboration. Social respite zones also contribute to the social nuances designed to prioritise the comfort and connection of Allianz’s workforce.
Designed with flexibility in mind, the spaces offer myriad areas where teams can convene for meetings or retreat to quieter, plant-filled environments for focused work. Biophilic design principles play a significant role in this aesthetic, with natural light flooding the workspaces and lush greenery enhancing the connection to the outdoors. The inclusion of biomorphic forms and patterns in materials, such as timber grains and organic carpet designs, further reinforces this commitment to nature
The Brisbane fitout also boasts an upgraded outdoor terrace, allowing employees to take in the fresh air and sunshine without stepping away from the workplace. This concept of taking the indoors out, serves as a crucial amenity, encouraging staff to take breaks and recalibrate in a natural milieu. Dimmable and warm lighting solutions create a calming atmosphere reminiscent of domestic and hospitality settings.
In Adelaide, Architectus has embraced a vibrant colour palette that infuses energy into the workspace. Architectus principal Andrew Schunke describes the central ‘street’ that connects various areas of the floorplan as “fun and invigorating”. This lively design contrasts with the calmer retreat areas, which embody a biophilic approach similar to Brisbane. The fertile landscaping creates an inclusive theme that nurtures both engagement and tranquillity.
In a notable cultural initiative, the Adelaide team engaged First Nations artisans to curate installations featuring suspended woven sculptures and rich, coloured artworks. These elements enliven the stair void, celebrating local artistry while further enhancing the communal feel of the space. Such integrations not only beautify the environment but also pay homage to the cultural heritage of the region.
Both fitouts are equipped with integrated technology that supplies uninterrupted connectivity for employees moving between workpoints and collaboration zones. This flexibility is paramount in supporting Allianz’s commitment to hybrid work models, where adaptability and efficiency are critical.
Allianz general manager workplace service Gwendy Arnot highlights the significance of these new spaces: “We’re so pleased to have uplifted our offices in Adelaide and Brisbane, creating an environment that better supports hybrid ways of working while prioritising our employees’ wellbeing.” Her sentiment reflects the wider goal of these fitouts, which is to leverage human potential in a productive manner.
Through their innovative design strategies, Architectus is not only transforming physical spaces but is also reshaping workplace culture, encouraging a return to the office that is both inviting and inspiring.
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