FOCUS & CREATE OFFICE SPACES

East coast cool infuses this office with casual, relaxed atmosphere

• John Tanfield Dec 30, 2020
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For their Contact Centre in Halifax, TD Insurance wanted to captivate and exceed the expectations of TD’s younger employees. The client wanted an effective workplace with ample space for relation and conviviality, with a connection to the culture of its host city, Halifax, NS. As the office is located less centrally, TD wanted to highlight the stunning outdoor surroundings, seaside, and the relaxed nature of the area.

Interior Designer: John Tanfield, ARIDO
Design Firm: SGH Design Partners
Photographer: Kelly Clark

The design team created neighbourhoods of workstations to disrupt repetition while achieving maximum efficiency. The floor plan was mapped out as a streetscape that mimics the Halifax city plan. Wide pedestrian avenues and connecting corridors become streets that link neighbourhoods of workstations, amid meeting rooms and employee pause stations. This layout encourages movement throughout the day, and the range of workspace options boosts wellness in the workplace. Open ceilings, industrial fixtures, and interactive graphics incorporate the essence of the history and vibrant arts community known to the east coast.

Employee pause stations are surrounded by coloured glass walls to reflect the colourful palette of boats in the harbour, while raw materials like reclaimed wood and metals define these areas and evoke the laid-back nature of the city. The design team commissioned murals, custom lighting, and decorative features from local artists, ensuring the space is authentic, casual, and cherished by staff.