Shell collaborated with Gensler and Haworth to overhaul its Dubai offices, following a successful initial phase in 2021. The goal was to create a functional, aesthetically pleasing workspace that adheres to Shell's standards while reflecting regional culture.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
1200 m2
Resources
The Shell's inviting reception area showcases the company's Middle East presence and distinctive brand elements.
The versatile boardroom features foldable tables, adaptable for various meeting setups from U-shaped to training configurations.
Along the corridor, the open area is designed for flexibility and productivity, accommodating different work styles and interactions.
The vibrant Energy Hub café embodies energy and brand identity. The space encourages relaxation and social interaction.
The library and quiet zone provide a retreat within the bustling workspace environment. The inspiration for this space comes from the Haworth virtual showroom.
Collaborative spirit with various meeting configurations, open spaces, and bench seating designed for teamwork and creativity.
Shell chose the Nia chair for most meeting rooms due to its versatile design and ergonomic comfort without complex adjustments.
The partnership aimed to cultivate a workspace that feels like a 'second home' for employees, emphasising usability, productivity, and a welcoming atmosphere but ensuring that the office represents Shell's footprint in the region and complements the local culture. Shell's framework agreement with Haworth guaranteed bespoke furniture solutions, with the HAT Elements workstation notably achieving the desired balance of formality and accessibility.
Designing office interiors is like designing a home, as our office is a second home for our staff daily. Understanding our team's needs and translating them into a workspace that's efficient and enjoyable to use is key to our project's success.
Shell’s Portfolio Manager
The project aimed to create diverse furniture settings enabling employees to choose work areas based on their tasks. Haworth and Gensler worked closely with Shell to select suitable furniture solutions for each zone, drawing from the Haworth and Haworth Collection portfolios. One standout area is the quiet zone featuring BuzziSpace products, inspired by Haworth's virtual showroom, complemented by the innovative Nia chair developed as an active seating solution for meeting applications.
With the combined efforts of Gensler and Haworth, the result is a space that is not only functional but also sustainable. The primary driver of the project was sustainability, aligned with Shell's initiative to introduce their carbon neutral program. Consequently, every choice of furniture, material, and lighting had to meet stringent sustainability standards. We took on the challenge of integrating these requirements into the design, focusing on functionality while aiming for sustainable certification across the spaces.
I appreciated Haworth’s focus on sustainability, which made the process enjoyable and ensured we easily found suitable materials for our project. The service was exceptional, and we felt well-supported throughout. Additionally, many might not know that Haworth collaborates with other brands from the Haworth Group, offering a wide range of products from BuzziSpace, Poltrona Frau, Cappellini, Cassina, and more.
Gensler’s Associate/Senior Interior Designer