Architect and Builder Feb/Mar 2018 | Page 78

INTERIOR FEATURE MAERSK INTERIOR DESIGN: COLLABORATION | PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF COLLABORATION M aersk is one of the world’s largest shipping companies and they have recently relocated to their new offices at the Roggebaai Place Building in Cape Town CBD; occupying the 8th and the 9th floor. standard of height adjustable desks and ergonomic approved seating. Globally the company moved away from the private office operating standard, to more “bright, light, open and modern” office environment. Brief The brief was to create an open plan working space that would accommodate staff working in an ergonomically well equipped environment. This is why interior designers, Collaboration, worked closely with the Maersk team from Copenhagen and South Africa to establish the office space criteria. Creating an integrated interior fit out that complements the international Maersk standard was not only fun but also challenging. The aim was also to find the perfect building to accommodate the company’s future growth. The previous Maersk offices, however, did not fit the company’s criteria as the working environment was very standard and the ergonomics of the space were not within the company Design Guideline With Maersk being the first tenant to occupy both floors of the Roggebaai building, the fit–out was refreshing as it was an empty shell. Collaboration conceptualised the space within the given global template to convey a dynamic and interactive space, making it a well-rounded design. The Maersk global criteria for the work place is to ensure that there are more than enough support and meeting facilities for an open office environment but which also allows for concentration. Focus and quiet rooms were to be provided within the space for focused work and confidential talks. Maersk values their staff, as they are the company’s biggest asset and ensures that their working environment, health as well as 78 Maersk