Project Value £32,600.00

Project Duration 7 weeks

Project Description Re-design the Main Reception Area

Objective

The main Reception Area which had last been refurbished in the mid eighties was a mixture of very dark wood finishes, heavy wall papers and drapes and dim old fashioned lighting. There was no facility for effective product display and the seating area for visitors
was not at all user friendly.

The objective was therefore to create a new modern image which matched the dynamics of the company and to incorporate effective and stylish product display facilities along with an interactive and flexible plasma screen visual display. The seating area for visitors was to be comfortable and stylish and positioned so that they could interact with the product display and the plasma presentation and could also facilitate informal discussions and meetings.

The Receptionist desk area was to be a focal point in the whole space and be functional in terms of its use as a workspace, but also be very much part of creating the ‘WOW’ factor of a first impression on approach. It must also be
fully compliant with the requirements of the DDA Regulations (Disability Discrimination Act).

The external approach to the Reception was also to be considered in terms of its aesthetics and its ability to create the ‘WOW’ factor of the new image, and it also needed to provide access for the Disabled as required by DDA Regulations.

The Challenge

The challenge was to create a design which would meet the criteria of the objectives and fulfil the requirements of the client, and in addition decide how the works could
be carried out with the minimum of disruption to the normal working operations of the client.

The Solution

The solution in fulfilling the requirements and criteria of the objectives lay in creating a greater feeling of space by lifting the ceiling height and getting in more natural light so that as an open area it felt light and airy. We could then design fixtures, fittings and finishes which would react with and enhance the light and airy atmosphere.

The design of the reception desk is reflected in the curved detail in the floor and also in the shape of the visitors seating area. Product display cases and the plasma presentation screen
are positioned to form an interaction with visitors and also for informal presentation meetings.

Lighting is a mixture of concealed feature lighting and subtle task lighting. Concealed lighting and computer cut graphics also enhance the Reception Desk and the presentation of the company image and logo,

New aluminium and glass frontage and doors allow maximum light into the space and the new entrance incorporates a disabled access ramp with stainless steel balustrade and hand rails.

After careful consideration it was decided that in order to minimise the contract period the best solution would be to re-locate the reception function into a hired in portakabin unit which would be positioned close to the main entrance.

The completed installation has been extremely well received by both visitors and Danisco staff, and now reflects the image and dynamics of this major player in the Food Processing Industry.