Forget your typical head office. Walking into Vodafone’s new head office is like stepping into an ultra-modern environment, dotted with breakout areas that bring a dash of colour throughout.
Antoinette Camilleri, property manager at Vodafone Malta, was responsible for the transition from Vodafone’s old head office to the new one. She explains the idea behind the modern design adopted at Vodafone’s new head office.
“A lot of thought was put in the designing stage, in the way we laid out desks and where we placed our relaxing areas and multi-purpose spaces, which can be used for work, meeting or leisure purposes. We made sure never to obstruct the views of the office, terrace or the countryside that surrounds us, so no high cabinets were allowed,” she says.
As you walk through the floor and a half that Vodafone is currently occupying you will notice the futuristic cafeteria which has been strategically placed to provide employees with the ideal recreation spot, with ample light and views.
“Our design approach for the staff cafeteria was to highlight Vodafone’s brand themes of innovation and fluidity,” says Caroline Webb, interior designer at DeMicoli & Associates. “The walk through concept acts as the main link between the open plan office spaces. In the cafeteria the focal point is the “fin wall” which wraps around the walls and service elements while preventing reflection of sound,” she says.
Another colourful space is the small canteen on the fifth floor – it’s an oasis of energised relaxation thanks to its vibrant colours and hip concepts.
The reception area is avant-garde, with its minimalist style and a splash of red throughout.
“The main driving concept was to have a clean and rather minimal space which celebrated the connectivity of smartphones – each display tube is interconnected through a network of angular backlit panels. The main focal point is the reception desk which was designed as a metamorphosis of the iconic Vodafone speech mark. The desk further symbolises Vodafone’s dynamism and creativity,” says Steve DeMicoli, architect and digital fabricator at DeMicoli & Associates.
The modern design of Vodafone’s new head office reflects the innovative ideas the company introduced including hot-desking, where employees change desk every day since they do not have their very own desk or area where to sit.
Being a telecommunications company meant that introducing the latest technology was of utmost importance. The new offices are completely wireless with no desk phones. Wi-Fi services are available throughout including the terrace that surrounds the top floor. All furniture was selected with great care and custom-made furniture was specifically designed for some areas.
Vodafone included its team members in all the phases leading to the move, making sure to adopt design ideas and suggestions that they made and to keep them informed. Vodafone’s main aim was to keep its team members excited about the move and the success of its policy is evident in the way Vodafone employees embraced the new environment and working methods.