Case study: Floor Architecture III and Nordic collections
Inside BASF's Biophilic Office Design: Merging Nature with Modern Workspace
Istanbul, Turkey
BASF Turk's newly unveiled Istanbul office envisions corporate workspace design, seamlessly blending biophilic elements with cutting-edge technology to create an environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and collaboration. Modern and flexible workspace where Shaw Contract flooring solutions seamlessly integrate with the overall design philosophy.
The design team's vision materialised through thoughtfully planned zones, where Shaw Contract's flooring patterns and textures guide occupants through different functional areas whilst maintaining visual continuity.
Flexibility, modularity, transparency, and experience were the main starting points for the design. An idea to plan space not only for work, but also where employees can develop themselves, socialise, share, celebrate special occasions, and embrace hybrid working practices. The design team approached this office transformation with sustainability and biophilic principles at its heart, utilising Shaw Contract flooring as a crucial element in establishing the space's distinct character and flow patterns.
Sustainability and material health at the core of the design approach routed reasoning in supplier selections. The project incorporated the principles of ‘Nature in space' 'Natural Reminders,' and 'The Nature of Space,' alongside fourteen biophilic design principles within these categories. The exploration of natural forms and patterns through the biophilic design methodology led to the discovery and integration of Floor Architecture III styles within the space.
Shaw Contract products were selected in consideration to be the first flooring product in the world to earn Works with WELLTM mark, supporting the creative team's objective to meet the "regular fresh air" requirements of WELL. The Floor Architecture III range, like all Shaw Contract products, complies with WELL and BREEAM criteria, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability.
Floor Architecture III styles were incorporated as design elements to facilitate occupants' connection with nature. The collection presents design that mirror natural stone formations, polished concrete surfaces, pebble textures and organic, biophilic patterns. The carpet tile configurations created an outdoor ambiance, reminiscent of a streetscape. The extensive colour palette enabled designers to achieve seamless transitions between various natural textures.
Due to acoustic priorities, carpet tile was preferred in open office and working areas, while durable LVT products, which allow for easy cleaning, were chosen for high-traffic areas where food and drink might be consumed.
Shaw Contract Nordic LVT complemented space with its sophisticated timber appearance that harmonised with the interior design scheme whilst providing practical and upkeep advantages: the multi-layer construction is purposefully designed for improved longevity and incorporates our maintenance friendly ExoGuard+ surface finish.
The product's logistics were crucial in the project timeline. The transportation of materials from the United Kingdom to the construction site was executed within a satisfactory timeframe. Floor Architecture being Made in UK collection together with LVT collection Nordic – our In-Stock programme collection, offering products made and stocked in UK, ready for a swift dispatch to the EMEA region.
All these statements about the project are a study that focuses entirely on the well-being of the employees. The aim was to create spaces where employees could be healthy and happy both physically and mentally. So, the well-being of space users was prioritised by integrating the 10 criteria’s of the WELL approach into the project. Here, the eco-friendly properties of the flooring were particularly important for achieving “regular fresh air” criteria.
The project team met their goals effectively by creating an environment that promotes stress reduction. The design scheme incorporated muted, nature-inspired hues alongside natural materials, ensuring users are not visually overwhelmed or overstimulated. The entirety of these project elements stemmed from research centred on employee welfare. The fundamental aim was to establish environments conducive to both the physical and mental health and happiness of staff members. To this end, user well-being was given paramount importance through the implementation of all ten WELL building standard criteria. Resulting an office concept that appeals to different age groups, balancing connection and individuality.
· Design: Mimaristudio
· Shaw Contract Collections/styles/colours specified: Floor Architecture III – Stone Tile in Marble, Formation Tile in Marble, Fragment Tile in Marble and Mortar, Fragment Colours Tile – in colours Sage, Sky and Apricot; Nordic 5.0 mm – in Honey and Blonde
· Flooring Contractor: AGK
· Project Designer: Ayca AKKAYA KUL, Onder KUL
· Total sqm: 1,700 m2
· Date of completed project: August 2024
· Photographer: Gurkan AKAY