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The entrance is the teaser
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PLACES NoVeMBer 201450
Workspace
PLACESNoVeMBer 2014 51
eNTraNces to offices are often overlooked – the dumping
ground of old furniture, uncomfortable chairs and outdated
magazines – and decorating them can prove to be a headache.
This is usually because they come at the tail end of a mega
renovation – when budgets have been exceeded and the coffers
run dry.
in the case of old buildings, which have lots of character, the
train of thought is often that the appreciation of their history will
overshadow the final ‘look’ of the entrance. so old pieces of
furniture find new homes here and the outcome is a space that
lacks soul and warmth.
Waiting rooms, receptions, foyers, anterooms, lobbies and halls
can leave a positive or negative impact on a visitor, who ends up
creating a first impression of the professionalism of a company,
how established it is and the level of service it can offer.
They say you cannot judge a book by its
cover. But you do! Just as you judge how
established a company is and its level of
professionalism from the state of its reception
and waiting area. Michele o’reilly adds those
touches that really make a visitor feel
welcome, comfortable and in the right place.
THe eNTraNceis THeTeaser
pHoTos: roBerTas riaBoVas
PLACES NoVeMBer 201452
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PLACESNoVeMBer 2014
But it goes beyond that too: the first impression begins even before entering
the building. and in the case of this office space, when you turn into the street.
st Frederick street has all the charm and quaintness that you can hope for, so it is
important not to be disappointed once you walk into the building.
The entrance sets the tone not only for those working there, but also for any
visitor who has an appointment in the building. The bar is already raised and one can
only hope for a continuation of professionalism.
overall design is very important and an entrance should be aloof without being
too daunting – a ‘teaser’ for want of a better word!
DesigNer Michele o’reilly.
DesTiNaTioN conversion of a palazzo to serviced office space in a narrow alley in
Valletta.
DescripTioN after an extensive renovation, the final touches are often left by the
wayside and, in this case, while the major structural works were completed, i came in
to give it my interpretation of what i thought would be appropriate for a lasting first
impression when entering the building.
although the double-fronted, large, wooden doors are imposing, the alley is too
narrow to actually stand back and appreciate the façade, so i envisaged an entrance
whereby the double doors would always remain open, inviting you into a space that
was ambiguous in its function, yet sophisticated and enchanting in its outcome.
i wanted the passer-by to wonder what went on beyond closed doors, so there
are no obvious telltale signs to give the game away.
the fine leather hand-stitched
door handles, the antique
polished silver light switches
and the silk handmade shades
are all small touches that help
create this sophisticated space
53
PLACES NoVeMBer 201454
Workspace
The contrast between the old
and the new is obvious, and while
the focal point is the statue in
the alcove in the background,
i wanted to attract the viewer to
the foreground.
so i concentrated mainly on
this area and that’s where the
quirky ‘lollipop’ chandelier makes
you do a double take; the statue
is quickly forgotten and the fine
details of the pieces of furniture
in the entrance are worth noting.
The desk, where the
receptionist sits, appears to be
floating as the oak top sits on
glass legs. The idea here is that,
as you look up the stairs, you then
focus on the statue beyond.
i think it is imperative to
allocate a substantial budget
for the finishing touches of the
entrance to any property as this
is the calling card to any business.
in this case, the fine leather hand-
stitched door handles, the antique
polished silver light switches and
the silk handmade shades are all
small touches that help create this
sophisticated space.
FroM THe DraWiNg
BoarD Nowadays, when we
present designs to clients, the
end result is very much a true
representation of what was
proposed on paper. This makes
everyone’s life much easier
because the client can visualise
the end result from the outset.
in terms of hindrances in the
execution of the project, humidity
was one area that needed to be
addressed because, very often,
these building have wells below
them, which are a nightmare to
keep under control where rising
damp is concerned.
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