Exhibition designer Baby Imperial of All At Once shaped the spatial strategy of ALT ART 2026, its largest edition to date. The fair occupied Halls 1 and 2 of SMX Convention Center Manila, expanding in both footprint and ambition. Organized by the ALT Collective—Artinformal, Blanc, The Drawing Room, Galleria Duemila, Finale Art File, MO_Space, Underground, […]
Cave Office Flows to the Rhythm of Human Movement
Is there really only one way of working? For example, should offices really just be composed of cubicles and a break room? Or can we break out of that thinking? The Cave Office in Mexico offers a different approach on how to play around with form to meet a function.
Located in Ciudad de México, Cave Office overlooks a business park filled with buildings and greenery. Javier Senosiain created the design alongside Luis Raúl Enríquez M. and Julieta Badillo taking on the role as lead architects.
Adapting to Human Patterns
Cave Office was created to be a natural evolution to the idea of open plan work spaces. Or perhaps more of a de-evolution, as it pushes against modern practices of how offices should be, and instead finds the flow of humanity through the past.
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The office interior evokes the appearance of a cave, achieved through the undulating walls and yellow lighting. To achieve this look, they applied maple root veneer to the ceilings, walls, and floor, emphasizing spaciousness through the pine wood skeletons. The overall effect resembles the iconic Cantina from the original Star Wars film.
Constructing the Interior
The architects imbued the rectangular layout with a sense of naturalness reminiscent of cave-like structures, typically characterized by rounded forms resulting from erosion. Within this layout, strategic pathways delineate separate zones: private, secluded areas conducive to focused work, and communal spaces. Surfaces upholstered in leather add further comfort.
This design results in three distinct zones, with a central volume serving as the communal hub, with workshop spaces and private meeting rooms for interactions with colleagues and clients. Additionally, an adjacent terrace provides an outdoor space for workers seeking external stimulation.
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Stimulating Dynamics
The rooms’ layout use interconnected curves rather than solid wall partitions, creating a dynamic flow throughout the interior. By examining the schematics, you can observe this intentional choice to promote fluidity. Additionally, the furniture seamlessly integrates into the overall design.
The architects stated plainly in their intent for the building: they wanted “environments that follow the natural rhythm of human movements, are areas where integrated furniture facilitates circulation.” It flows well to and from each other, and follows the rhythm of human movement rather than boxing it in.
Cave Office echoes the need of a dynamic office that is people-friendly in its design. The look is naturalistic, its openness encourages interaction without removing the privacy aspect in the matter. This office shows that, sometimes, you see the future by looking towards the past.
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Related reading: C-Studio Is A Recreational Facility that Serves As The Owner’s Man Cave
ALT ART, organized by the ALT Collective—Artinformal, Blanc, The Drawing Room, Galleria Duemila, Finale Art File, MO_Space, Underground, Vinyl on Vinyl, and West Gallery—presents a focused platform for Philippine contemporary art. As the fair continues to evolve, it expands its scale and curatorial scope, reinforcing its growing presence within the Philippine art scene. Creative Practices […]
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Inside Art Fair Philippines 2026: Religious Imagery, Material Experimentation, and Social Commentary
Art Fair Philippines 2026 gathered art enthusiasts and collectors in Makati for one of the country’s leading showcases of contemporary Philippine art. Designed by Nazareno/Lichauco, the fair moved to Circuit Corporate Center One in Ayala Circuit, marking a new chapter in its spatial identity. Across its booths and projects, the fair positioned contemporary Philippine art […]
Ronald Ventura is one of the most recognizable figures in Southeast Asian contemporary art. Since his first solo exhibitions in the 2000s, Ventura has become known for his signature multi-layered paintings. Featuring hyperrealism, cartoons, graffiti, and other recurring motifs, hisworks—from paintings to sculptures—are pluralistic in both form and material. Throughout his career, his art has […]
As the built environment evolves, the role of the architect demands reconsideration. For Jose Siao Ling, Co-Founder and Principal Architect of Jose Siao Ling & Associates (JSLA Architects), the role extends far beyond being a licensed professional who designs and oversees construction. By championing ethical practice, ISO-certified systems, and mentorship-driven leadership, he built a firm […]
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Public spaces in Metro Manila are often defined by movement rather than pause. People in transit hurry through; the underpass is a shortcut, not a place to stop. Underground, the installation by photography group FotomotoPH, reimagined the Paseo Underpass as a visual experience. FotomotoPH is a Philippine-based photography collective dedicated to promoting, exhibiting, and fostering […]
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