Deswik

Client

Deswik Mining Consultants

Location

Brisbane CBD

Size

2,860sqm

Cost

Undisclosed

Status

Completed 2020

Awards

2020 IDEA Awards, Workplace Over 1000sqm, Shortlist

Sector

Workspace

Workplace innovation and collaboration underpin an inspirational yet functional workplace design for global software engineering firm Deswik.

Deswik is a global software engineering company focused on delivering innovative technical solutions for the mining industry.

The company’s relocation to a new Brisbane CBD site saw Gray Puksand engaged to design Deswik’s 2,860m² three level workspace.

With Deswik’s product development teams historically working very independently, the move was seen as an opportunity to reimagine how workplace design could better support innovation and collaboration across the business.

Gray Puksand worked closely with Deswik from the outset to understand the company’s unique culture, aspirations and functional requirements. Project Leader Jaime Muller says this groundwork was integral to the project’s success.

High energy, collaborative functions are clustered around the stair element to activate this connection, and encourage vertical movement through the workplace.

A significant design element design is the intertenancy stair which connects all three levels vertically. High energy, collaborative functions are clustered around the stair element to activate this connection, and encourage vertical movement through the workplace. This zone has been treated with more visual stimulation than the focused work zones to offer queues for interaction and collaboration.

Supplementary informal meeting and breakout settings create opportunities for ‘bump and spark’ moments. Team sprint spaces, short stand up zones and intimate team collaboration pods provide opportunities for knowledge sharing and ideas generation.

Grid-like elements are overlaid with curvilinear forms, and metal, glass and concrete contrast with planting, timber and woven textures.

Some of the key conceptual ideas for the visual language of the design solution centre around juxtapositions of opposites. The quiet, focused and highly technical work conducted by the Deswik team is contrasted by the relaxed and jovial social culture they enjoy.

These opposites have been played with spatially and materially throughout the fitout. Grid-like elements are overlaid with curvilinear forms, and metal, glass and concrete contrast with planting, timber and woven textures.

Deswik’s genuine commitment to connection and community is further brought to life through an 800m² dynamic social zone with a functioning bar, games zone, kitchen and dining spaces. In addition to being a valuable asset to a vibrant corporate culture, the space is ideal for client presentations and stakeholder events.