For BluPrint’s 2024 in Art series, we compile four different exhibitions that invert and subvert religious imagery as commentary on our world today. As a country with a Catholic majority, religion occupies a large space in Philippine society. Even for non-Catholics, these values seep through in different public views and practices. There’s a need to […]
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.
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.
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.
Related reading: C-Studio Is A Recreational Facility that Serves As The Owner’s Man Cave
Tucked in a charming 1999 building, the executive studio apartment of branding and creative strategist Ben Enilo is a masterclass in thoughtful, intentional design. At just 53 square meters, his space transcends the confines of its footprint, feeling open yet intimate, inviting yet personal. Enilo’s keen eye for detail and love of vintage charm breathe […]
Have you ever wondered why you’re always greeted by a familiar and comforting sight of rich red and green hues during the holiday season? They’ve become so intrinsically linked to this festive occasion that it’s hard to imagine celebrating it without them. Whether it’s a small ornament or a grand centerpiece, you’re bound to have […]
As 2024 comes to a close, BluPrint highlights the newest wave of modern Filipino homes. These residences blur the lines between art, function, and sustainability. They showcase how architects and designers interpret modern living in diverse ways. Some reimagine vernacular architecture, while others emphasize environmental consciousness or integrate art and design seamlessly. From the lush […]
For BluPrint’s 2024 in Art year-end series, we’d like to highlight exhibits that exemplified the importance of archiving. These historical art exhibits incorporated these ideas in interesting and innovative ways. While these exhibitions work to preserve history, they also reinterpret it, interrogating our collective memory and offering fresh perspectives on the past. Whether it interrogates […]
Interior designer Ivy Almario of Atelier Almario has long been revered for her ability to weave elegance and personality into the spaces she designs. Known for her sophisticated yet approachable aesthetic, Almario has created countless environments that merge timeless beauty with modern functionality. But when it came to her own home—a two-story condominium in the […]
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