Heartware Network Office in Singapore by DP Architects

Article source: DP Architects

Heartware Network, located at Ganges Avenue, is a registered charity youth organisation that reaches out to an average of 1,500 youths annually. The design of its new 350sqm office is a Community Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by DP Architects (DPA). It is also DPA’s latest foray into the design of flexible and creative workplace environment. Launched in July 2018, Heartware Network revealed a transformed office space, which showcases key ideologies of the organisation through, encouraging and empowering participation and volunteerism in youth.

Image Courtesy © DP Architects

• Architects: DP Architects
• Project: Heartware Network Office
• Location: Singapore
• Area: 350sqm
• Completion Year: 2018

Image Courtesy © DP Architects

Conceptualising the new premises, DP’s design goal was to create a space of possibilities where youths are able to gather, interact and participate – to be involved. The project explored how design can be used as a powerful tool to reach out to the youths of today; to influence the way they reimagine the environment and identify with place and space while nurturing values within them. These were achieved through the introduction of a distinctive modular and interactive grid furniture system that iterates with various plug-in elements.

Three key design strategies were applied to realise such an open, inviting and interactive work space at Heartware Network:

1) A Flexible Canvas allowing a Sense of Ownership & Participation The design acts as a canvas for customisable spaces via tiered bleachers on wheels, loose seating and individual pedestals which can pack back into the cabinetry. This enables spatial flexibility which encourages and allows users to create various settings of interaction and exchange while re-imagining and injecting their own identities within the space. Writable surfaces, freely available throughout the space, further motivates spontaneous discussion and participation from youths.

Image Courtesy © DP Architects

Image Courtesy © DP Architects

2) A Sense of Youthful Ambition and Energy While a neutral palette of plywood, white laminate and shades of grey is chosen for the base of the space, accent colours are incorporated, aligning with Heartware Network’s corporate colours. An additional overlay of hanging mobiles and signage also add distinctive character within the spaces. Each showcases and advocates the various idealisms that Heartware Network and their youths stand for – doves for authenticity, planes for enterprise, boats for dedication and crane for integrity.

3) Being Socially Responsible – Eco Consciousness & Smart Green and smart elements are incorporated within the space to allow for the youth to be aware of the global movement of smart and green, hence also taking ownership of their part to the environment. A feature green wall which harvests the condensate from the air conditioning (a wasted by-product of air conditioning which is unknown to most), is designed to greet anyone who enters the space. Sensors allow for smart control to switch off the lighting when not used and all electrical components are wired to be able to allow users to have satellite control of them through apps while monitoring their day-to-day energy footprint.

The design of Heartware Network’s new office is a reflection of the energy of the youth today; and aims to give the youths who volunteer with the organisation an empowered voice.

Image Courtesy © DP Architects

Image Courtesy © DP Architects

Image Courtesy © DP Architects

Image Courtesy © DP Architects

Image Courtesy © DP Architects

Image Courtesy © DP Architects

Image Courtesy © DP Architects

Image Courtesy © DP Architects

Tags: Singapore

Categories: Interiors, Offices

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