THE CREATIVE PROCESS
Clipsal's new facility is a bold business vision combining training and education, technical, marketing and sales as well as a software division into its midst whilst showcasing its products and services to the building industry.

The creative challenge we faced were twofold:
Firstly, how to fit like a puzzle, the five main sections of the office into an awkward plan shape that was far too wide from wall to wall without obliterating daylight altogether. The training section had to be designed as a stand-alone facility with the public kept away from the rest of the office. The Technical section had to have direct access in and out of their department without crossing other areas.

Secondly, there was how to integrate the many lighting control systems into the design of the interior and in what form should they take. Much needed was a voyeuristic experience. One is taken through the spaces to see lights glow to full brightness and fade out or get triggered suddenly to life. The backdrop springs to life, an animation of an interior that when still, projects a very technical and clean of a systems company.

CONCEPT STATEMENT
The main reception hall and training facilities:
A simple curve on plan was drawn ... to envelope the visitor and to create the sense of arrival in the heart of an operation or engine room. The illuminated curved wall sweeps around, thinning out at one end as though to direct people into the meeting or training room. This wall is used to screen out existing service rooms whilst containing the new facilities. It showcases Clipsal's fluorescent dimming system dazzling the beholder as he looks into the endless blue of the etched glass wall. Repetition of elements and a "nuts and bolts" detailing of this wall of light adds to the visual sophistication of this feature. The end profile of the wall can be seen at the sides of openings, its form and profile visible for all to see.

The large meeting room is glazed on one side so as to expose another "demonstration wall" to the visitor. Small square niches, each equipped with a low voltage lamp, are recessed into a dark blue wall. Connected to Clipsal's 'Scenemaster' control, these niches glow to full brightness while ceiling fluorescent lights dim to darkness in tandem.

In the training room, the integration of dimming and lighting systems are put into good use during AV presentations. The innermost part of the floor plan contain the technical area, printing room and passageway..areas that do not require daylight. The "blue box" contains the Technical workshop, an area for the testing and assembly of products. Beyond a blue passageway, the office opens across the full width in an open plan manner.

CUSTOM DESIGNED FURNITURE
Large meeting room table, U-shaped training table, projector stand, long oval chest of drawers, the "window" housing open shelves and cupboards and reception desk.

BRIEF
Reception hall
Large conference room
Informal meeting/demonstration room for suppliers / visitors
Training room for 16 persons with AV facilities
Small discussion room
Technical area
Printing/Fax/Stationary room
Offices for 6 managers
26 workstations
Finance and accounting department
CEO's room
PA to the CEO
Server room
Pantry