A collaboration with architect Sean Buttiġieġ to visualise a business hub in central Malta. Buttiġieġ’s concept revolves around tasteful radicalism. The front façade is characterised by many triangular projections which create a bold and playful interplay between the site and its surroundings.

Fully glazed walls highlight the tapering ceiling slabs. The overall effect is of lightness meeting the brutalist raw concrete finish. A natural green wall reveals an approachable dimension to the character of the building.

Inspired by the more rugged environs of the side street, the building features a staircase which climbs and dissects the property. This serves both, as a functional fire escape route and an aesthetic feature. Black perforated steel mesh adds a bold touch to the façade and provides privacy to the businesses inside and visual coherence to the whole structure. Depth is created by having two layers of projections which also serve to break the visual perimeter resulting in a lighter finish.

A showcase interior solution was proposed to show the potential of the space as a modern work environment where employment protocols are rewritten to increase productivity through comfort. Raw finishes are maintained and utilities are left uncovered. Soft furnishings introduce occasional hints of bright colour while natural timber imparts warmth and comfort.

The result is a comfortable, playful and unpretentious work environment where everyone can feel free to express themselves and give their best. The tone is key.
The design solution presented here establishes a tone that is sensitive to the functional needs of the businesses that will be using the indoor spaces and to the architect’s vision.