Be ready to be wowed by a facility that feels like the world of Ex-Machina and Passengers colliding into one. This is Sonica’s First Landings, headquarters for the international fit-out contractor as well as a start-up base for FDIs based in , Ireland. Designed by (aka KLD) and commissioned by Sonica founder Donnacha Neary, KLD were required to create an and first ‘landing point’ for emerging entrepreneurs, but not without three overarching principles that; a—the space must not look like an office, b—feature technology and style that future proofs the workspace, and c—‘oozes the energy and dynamism’ of Sonica’s team and their high regard for quality design.
Totalling approximately 2,800 square metres and stretching over two levels, First Landings’ narrative begins by entering a narrow entrance that curves to the left into a circular function space curated with gradient orange joinery and floating blue disc ornaments. Following the curve of the breakout area sits a classy bar framing a blackhole tunnel to draw visitors in, before surprising them with a plush and velvety deep blue lounge for a dramatic and theatrical flair.
Ascending the square tiled staircase opposite the entrance unveils a collection of organised play spaces and arranged in a manner to erase tropes of a typical open office layout. Centralised at the floor plate are stationed with a boardroom sandwiched by two medium meeting rooms on either side calmly illuminated by Mission to Mars orange. Arranged on the perimeter of the footprint are inbuilt flexible offices and recreational pods that ranges from a podcasting studio, DJ booth, virtual golf to hot-desking lounges.
Towards a corner is a café distinguished by a white tiled orange glass-walled space, and in another is also a circular lounge with an added window seating for panoramic views beyond. Another place of rest also includes a Zen-like pod encased by a perforated translucent wall with green planting being the only colour within the white space.
Strong elements of linearity and geometry are layered within the program of the space to offer an endless horizon while circulating around the office area. In addition to the square tiles and fluorescent lighting, KLD encapsulates Sonica’s personality through lava-lamp-like blue and their signature tangerine orange against shades of concrete shell and occasional stone type textures.
The colour combination transforms into effective wayfinding, with orange stripes on the polished black floor around the first floor, otherwise effectively distinguishing built-in joinery found in grey panelled walls. Whilst an overwhelming amount of blue has been spilled inside the lecture theatre, spots of it are enjoyed in the scattered furniture — complimenting the space for a playful effect.
Against the hot-cold ensemble, metal elements are added to reinforce the sense of futurism — perforated metal sheets line against the reception joinery, otherwise chainmail-like blinds curve themselves around the circular lounge. Added peppered terrazzo on selected floor areas and graphical black tiled white grout tiling in other office or inbuilt seating spaces, it’s almost like KLD have pulled elements of a meteorite to tighten the space-like feel.
With each entry experience of the headquarters reminiscent of Archigram Collages, First Landings serves as an excellent precedent for future office fit-outs. Gone are the days of formalised open office areas, but now lifted with an intergalactic air ready to motivate and promote exceptional collaborative workspaces. Work hard and play hard while establishing your own career? This is the place to be!
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