Designing with a Purpose: Hurray and Creating Functional Commercial Spaces
Designing beautiful and functional commercial spaces presents a unique challenge for architects and designers alike. In an urban society like Metro Manila, the task becomes even more complex due to limitations in space and budget among other resources. Yet commercial design must balance supporting business operations and enhancing the customer experience.
To guide you through the process of commercial design, we at Hurray created a comprehensive guide highlighting the key elements essential to creating purposeful and functional work environments
The Booth and Partners signature mural as designed by Women Create as seen in Booth & Partners Aguirre
1. Interior Branding
Interior branding is a powerful tool for shaping how a space communicates its identity and values. Beyond logos, interior branding looks to shape entire spaces, carefully considering colors, aesthetics, and design. It crafts a cohesive visual identity that reflects the unique character of the space and its occupants.
Sample Applications:
Restaurants: Incorporation of materials that reflect the essence of the cuisine. For example, a farm-to-table restaurant might use natural materials like reclaimed wood, earthy tones, and soft lighting to reinforce its commitment to sustainability and organic ingredients.
Retail store: Alignment of the store’s design with its brand identity. For example, a high-end fashion boutique may use premium materials like marble, brass, and gold to create a sophisticated atmosphere.
Hospitals: Use of soothing color palettes and calming designs in waiting areas to reduce patient anxiety
Law firms: Selection of strong colors and sleek furnishings to convey professionalism and authority
Considering its importance, Interior branding should be considered early in the design process. This ensures that every detail aligns with the brand's message, creating a lasting impression that connects visitors and occupants.
Wayfinding signages as seen in Arch Nex
2. Wayfinding
An extension of Interior branding, Wayfinding enhances navigation and user experience in commercial spaces. This involves a thoughtful integration of various design elements. One may look to effective signages, color schemes, and design elements to work together to guide occupants through the environment. Strategic lighting also plays an important role in wayfinding, highlighting pathways and key features to ensure clarity and ease of movement. A common example of effective wayfinding can be seen in emergency exits.
Sample Applications:
Restaurants: The inclusion of clear signage at the entrance can indicate whether there’s a waitlist or if guests can seat themselves. Lighting can also highlight pathways, ensuring guests feel comfortable and secure as they move through the space.
Showrooms: Use of lighting to showcase products. In larger showrooms, interactive maps or digital kiosks can also provide detailed layouts, allowing customers to plan their route through the showroom.
Wellness Centers: Clear directional signs can guide clients to various treatment rooms, relaxation areas, and amenities like saunas or meditation spaces.
Lighting can guide users through spaces as seen in SuperSalone Showroom
3. Effective Layout and Furniture for Multi-Functional Spaces
In optimizing spaces in populated areas, effective layout design becomes essential. Strategic planning enhances functionality and traffic flow, using layouts like U-shaped for efficient movement or L-shaped for maximizing storage. Incorporating flexible elements like modular furniture and movable partitions can also help create various environments that balance aesthetics with practicality.
Sample Applications:
Cafes: A well-designed cafe can utilize a combination of communal tables and cozy nooks to cater to different customer preferences. With the addition of movable furniture, the space can easily adapt to accommodate both small groups and larger gatherings when needed.
Creative Studios: Flexible workspace design allows artists and designers to reconfigure their environment based on project needs. Using modular furniture, movable partitions, and dedicated areas for collaboration, the space can easily transition from a focused work area to an open workshop for group activities.
Workplaces: Incorporating adjustable workstations and sound-absorbing materials helps balance noise levels, while strategically placed meeting rooms encourage spontaneous discussions and brainstorming sessions.
Flexible communal area and pantry allow multi-purpose use as seen in Clock In Makati Stock Exchange
4. Stay updated with new Design Technologies and Techniques
As designers and architects, staying informed about new technologies and techniques is essential for creating effective spaces. Functionality is crucial; well-designed environments should not only meet the needs of occupants but also reflect the brand's identity and business goals. When companies seek to align their vision for growth and innovation, integrating new technology becomes a powerful tool. This approach ensures that spaces are both functional and strategically relevant, allowing us to deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients.
The addition of ceiling lighting replicates the effect of natural skylights as seen in Converge ICT Executive Floor
Through our 15 years in the industry, Team Hurray has learned that by harmonizing design elements with a brand’s goals, we can create cohesive environments that enhance productivity and engagement. As we continue to innovate and adapt to the evolving demands of the market, we remain dedicated to curating spaces that not only meet but exceed expectations, ultimately Designing The Future of commercial interiors.
For more tips and insights, check out the rest of our blog at Beyond Ordinary!