DB&B Shanghai boldly reimagines the law firm workspace, crafting a youthful and sustainable design to attract today’s top talent.
DB&B, renowned for creating exceptional workplace environments, took on the challenge of designing the national headquarters for Guang Ji Law Firm in Shanghai, China. The objective was to create an office space that reflects the firm’s youthful culture while adhering to its vision, cultural values, and functional goals. The regional commercial interior designers expertly blended youthful design, flexibility, employee wellness and sustainability to create a thriving office space.
Youthful Vibes
DB&B’s design team aimed to infuse the office space with youthful motifs and materials subtly. By incorporating vibrant colours and modern design elements, the space exudes an energetic and innovative atmosphere. The overall design and colour palette align with the company’s dynamic culture, ensuring that the office is not only functional but also inspiring.
Multifunctional Spaces
Guang Ji Law Firm’s reception area greets employees and visitors with a variety of workspaces. These versatile areas serve dual purposes as waiting areas for guests and open spaces for discussion and work. Activity-based workspaces are strategically placed throughout the floor to accommodate different work styles.
Small Gathering Spaces, Pods & Collaborative Workspaces
Both private and semi-private areas are available for team collaboration. Quiet pods are designed for focused work, ensuring minimal distractions. Meeting rooms are equipped with conferencing systems to facilitate remote communication. Located along the perimeter, collaborative workspaces offer unobstructed views and ample natural light through full-height windows.
Biophilic Design Elements
To promote employee wellness, biophilic elements are integrated throughout the office space. Potted plants and hanging plants bring the outdoors in and enhance the aesthetic appeal. Acoustic panels are specially added to the decor, improving sound quality.
Unique Discussion Spaces
Creative discussion areas with a childlike feel, such as swings, are designed to foster informal conversations and brainstorming sessions. Special attention is also given to female partners with offices featuring a feminine touch, a wellness room, and a mother’s room for breastfeeding mothers.
Warm and Inviting Atmosphere
The overall warm colour palette complements the wood grain flooring, creating a cosy and welcoming environment. This thoughtful design ensures that the office space feels inviting and comfortable for all employees.
Balancing Modern Design with Building Constraints
DB&B faced the challenge of subverting the traditional office model of law firms and defining a youthful concept within the constraints of the existing building structure. The existing curtain wall and ceiling structure could not be modified, requiring the design team to optimise their approach to achieve the desired effect without compromising the integrity of the building.
Eco-Friendly Materials and Smart Technology
Sustainability was a key guiding principle in the office design, aligning with Guang Ji Law Firm’s values. The design incorporated smart energy-efficient lighting controlled by motion sensors to reduce energy consumption, use of eco-friendly materials including sustainable carpeting, vinyl flooring, wall tiles, and acoustic panels. Recycling bins have been built into cabinets for easy access and waste separation, promoting recycling practices.
DB&B successfully transformed Guang Ji Law Firm’s national headquarters into a space that embodies youthfulness, flexibility, and sustainability. By addressing the company’s vision, cultural values, and functional goals, DB&B created an office environment that supports various work styles, promotes employee wellness, and adheres to stringent green initiatives. The result is a modern, vibrant, and eco-friendly office that stands as a testament to DB&B’s design expertise.
Project: Guang Ji Law Firm
Location: Shanghai, China
Design Studio: DB&B
Photo Credit: DB&B
Website: dbb.com
