Covering 26,400 square feet, Suntory’s new headquarters in Guoco Midtown, Singapore, is designed to celebrate the brand’s mission while fostering collaboration and providing space for talent growth.
Suntory, one of the world’s leading consumer product companies, has unveiled a thoughtfully designed headquarters that transcends the traditional office concept. This space embodies the brand’s mission and vision, fostering team collaboration and providing ample room for talent growth. Every aspect of the headquarters is meticulously crafted to inspire creativity, enhance connectivity, and cultivate a thriving workplace culture. With a focus on functionality and collaboration, the Suntory workspace serves as a reflection of the company’s brand and its rich heritage.
The reception features a Suntory logo with debossed signage set in a textured wall, symbolising a strong and reliable image. The use of natural materials such as wood and incorporation of greenery into the reception space create a soothing environment that aligns with Suntory’s commitment to sustainability.
Embracing Fluidity
Drawing inspiration from Suntory’s philosophy of “Mizu to Ikiru,” or living with water, the office design captures the essence of this concept. Water flows freely, meandering along unique paths while harmonising with elements it touches, translating into a distinct spatial identity that embodies the Suntory brand.
The design envisions a space that conveys fluidity and equilibrium, incorporating circular features, ripple patterns, and flowing waves. The thoughtful application of Suntory’s brand colours further unifies the environment, while the deliberate absence of sharp corners fosters an open and interconnected atmosphere, creating a workspace that reflects both nature and the company’s values.
Journey Through Suntory
The experiential walkway leading to the reception offers a delightful journey into the world of Suntory and its range of beverages. Enhanced with a water trellis design that represents ripple effects, the product display along the walkway slowly reveals its surprises. Arranged at a 45-degree angle, the display casts an anamorphic effect on the Suntory signage visible from the lift lobby.
Rather than segmenting the office into isolated zones, the space plan embraced intertwining zones catering to diverse needs. Inspired by Suntory’s product colours and Singapore’s public housing flats, the zones feature vibrant hues of blue, yellow, purple and green.
Taking inspiration from the surrounding neighbourhood, the zones also include playful references to the local context through customised signages and murals.
Design for Discovery and Harmony
Extending the concept of fluidity, the office’s design guides its users to embrace discovery, connection and harmony.
Recognising that innovation and collaboration can occur serendipitously, the design activates spaces like the reception, workspace, pantry and game area with multiple ways for employees to collaborate.
Innovative Spaces for Connection
Unique circular magnetic panels in the games area were introduced to offer a fun and hands-on platform for employees to brainstorm and express their creativity. These panels can be arranged to create different words, patterns, or even artwork, offering limitless possibilities.
Dynamic Open Floor Plan
The open floor plan was also carefully designed to accommodate for a growing headcount of over 10% and features a variety of work settings.
Collaborative areas feature flexible seating arrangements, while hot desking options offer room for configurability. The CEO’s work area and tech hub are seamlessly integrated into the open floor plan, offering a blend of privacy and functionality. The pantry features an open layout interspersed with breakout areas that encourage movement and interaction.
The Brand Story
Calligraphic expressions of “Yatte Minahare” or “Go for It!” – Suntory’s spirit of dreaming big – and a Japanese-inspired mural add a sense of liveliness to the pantry.
The meeting rooms have also been uniquely designed to showcase the various brands Suntory offers, offering a platform to display branding elements and product visuals in a memorable way.
Since its completion, the Suntory office has garnered positive feedback as an inviting workspace that creatively expresses the Suntory brand.
Project: Suntory Beverage & Bood Asia Pacific
Location: Singapore
Design Studio: DB&B
Photo Credit: Focal Collective
Website: dbb.com
