Yamaha Office Fitout
Award: QMBA Commercial Award 2009
Understanding Client Objectives
Yamaha Motor Australia required a fitout that would reflect the technological and recreational aspects of their products. This was expressed throughout the fitout from the selection of polished finishes and strong colours to the use of spatial volume and planar relationships to give the visual impression of movement and speed. Very specific technical requirements were also met to ensure that training functions were met within an environment that reflected the corporate philosophy.
Clarifying and developing the brief.
The brief was developed with intensive involvement from the specialists within Yamaha both Australian and Japanese. Complexities included managing the high level security requirements, the technical educational environments and future proofing the facilities for a 15 year expansion period. Relationships between secured staff areas, warehousing, and more publicly focused presentation areas also had to be managed within the design. Particular attention was paid to the facility as a corporate showcase for the Yamaha brand and the final design reflects a successful outcome.
Developing rational and elegant planning strategies.
Planning strategies revolved around establishing zones for public interface and between the various levels of security access within the non-public areas.
The office environments were managed within working pods arranged with continuous desking to allow the flexible accommodation of more or less staff in each working pod as needs changed and mobile staff came and went.
The pods were organized to reflect the divisions with the Yamaha Group. A central spine of printing, copying and storage facilities rationalized the space and a variety of meeting areas allowed for more formal and informal discussion. Circulation paths were arranged to allow for easy access to work areas.
Encouraging positive, healthy environments.
The building enjoys a northern facing aspect and the fitout design takes advantage of the river views with outdoor areas integrated with the training and staff facilities. Particular care was taken to provide high quality staff facilities and to consider the comfort of the working environment, for example- through selection of chairs and the creation of flexible and user friendly spaces.
Research appropriate material and construction technology.
Materials were chosen for their compliance with the general goals of the fitout and ease of maintenance. Because of Yamaha’s long term commitment to the site, products were chosen that provided good value for money and ease of maintenance over the life span of the fitout. High efficiency lighting technologies were used combined with good daylighting to minimize electrical consumption.
Architectural & Interior Design | Marion Wilson, Shae Tillbrook, Robert Biscoe
Photography | Logan Photography
Fitout Contractor | Integral Constructions