Award of Merit:

Rezen in collaboration with Templewell Studio for IGO

Rezen and Templewell Studios have collaborated on award winning projects over the past five years through the Design Stables platform. Design Stables is a collective of culturally aligned design studios who partner on select projects to deliver exceptional solutions on projects of all scales. 

As two smaller studios with large project experience, our commitment to creative solutions and intelligent design responses results in the creation of rich environments through the intersection of our varied perspectives. Whilst maintaining separate practices, our complementary approach and respect for design allows for success in our shared projects. We aim for authentic expressions of the places that exist and the people who design, build, and inhabit them. Our philosophy, both in a design and operational sense, is that of integrity. 

The Design Stables platform demonstrates a commitment to fostering great design and supportive industry relationships, through the creation of inclusive environments both throughout the design process and our final project solutions. This collaborative approach underpins our design methodology, starting with the client through to all project team members. We also engage with the wider design community from local makers to artists and material suppliers, believing that the best solutions come from open dialogue and minds.

About the Project

Rezen’s focus is on creating enriching environments that positively contribute to one’s wellbeing. We believe that order and systems underpin beauty, and in creating calm and considered environments that generate, rather than reduce. 

Key considerations
Foremost, we focussed on creating a workplace for a forward-thinking mining company that represented its people and eco-conscious approach to business. 

Site: The tenancy has amazing views of the river and the city which could positively impact on the staff’s well-being. What was the best use of the space to ensure equal access to all? 

Changing workforce: The requirements of the business changed multiple times over the course of the project as it was designed early in the pandemic. The design needed to be inherently agile and flexible to allow the business to 􀂧ex their use of the spaces as required. 

Goals
As part of our design process, a series of aspirations are de􀂦ned and endorsed in collaboration with the key stakeholders early in the project. These objectives are then referenced and reflected on at each major milestone and when key decisions are being made. The aspirations for the IGO project were: 

Environment: A clean and green workplace that embodies the IGO difference; the desire to create a better future for everyone. 

Innovative: A future focused workplace that embraces the bold and passionate nature of IGO. 

Kindness: An inclusive and fun workplace that fosters shared learning and growth. 

Smart: An intuitive multi-use and flexible workplace that can evolve with the organisation. Confident and seamlessly integrated tech. 

Empowering: A functional and practical workplace that empowers IGO employees to work to their highest capacity with ease. 

Achievements
Creating a calm and supportive workplace which embodies the clean future envisioned by IGO; a workplace that they can be proud of and that is supportive to their business on multiple levels. 

Common areas are more aligned to a work club or hospitality setting to encourage more personal and meaningful interactions. The project has a distinctive work club feel that democratises river views and provides a northern aspect for all staff and visitors. A high level of skill was required to deal with the early stages of the pandemic and the challenges that came with a changing client brief and market conditions. The sculptural garden is a symbol of IGO’s driving purpose of making a difference, signifying the importance of the people who stand for this common purpose and who are driving change towards a cleaner, better future. Use of a carefully curated collection of local artworks amplifies the company’s values, culture and people. Extensive use of locally made and designed products. Economical use of standardised finishes and elements along with highly bespoke artisanal features and finishes that personalise the atmosphere. Reuse of existing tenancy, furniture and occupation during construction reduced waste.

Category: Place

Designers and Project Team:
Rezen in collaboration with Templewell Studio
Zenifa Bowring - lead designer
Fiona Chong (Templewell Studio) - design delivery
Yvette Petit - design delivery
Chelsea Harrison - design delivery