IBM Executive Briefing Center
category /
Offices
location /
Rome
architect /
Massimo Iosa Ghini
IBM, the U.S. computer giant is celebrating its first century of existence with the new Software Executive Briefing Centre in Rome. The centenary was the occasion to refurbish and enlarge the space in Rome. The project was designed by Italian Architect Massimo Iosa Ghini, who restyled the famous “stripes” of the IBM logo in an innovative and fascinating way.
The building has been redesigned as a modern-day agora and occupies a total area of 1,500 m2 on one level only.
The building has been redesigned as a modern-day agora and occupies a total area of 1,500 m2 on one level only.
“Hearing how the new IBM technologies can contribute to face and solve technical and business problems – Iosa Ghini explained – I tried to shape a space designed like a new agora, where constructive dialogue would be fostered and stimulated in a dimension of communication that would do away with traditional parameters so that virtual interfacing scenarios could hold centre stage”.
The distinctive features of this project as well as its complexity and originality represents steps forward in the world of possibilities that creativity applied to design can provide.
Multicolor LED lighting modifies the schemes at different times of the day, enhancing the shine of the glossy laquered finish and highlighting the areas displaying the stripes of the IBM logo.
Effebi supplied furnishings and glass and wood are among the prevailing materials used. Glass was used for the walls, either curved or straight, which from the entrance lead towards the heart of the building, whereas oak and wengè wood was chosen for the walls of both dining areas and in the four briefing rooms, though here in lacquered white finish. Last but not least, corian is the material used for the reception desk.
A crucial part was assigned to multicolour led lighting that modifies the schemes at different times of the day, enhancing the shine of the glossy lacquered finish and highlighting the areas displaying the stripes of the IBM logo.
And the stripe is indeed the key element on which Iosa Ghini based his project: long stripes on transparent glass walls alternate with protruding stripes around LED backlit columns and walls. The stripe becomes a “path” which accompanies the visitor starting from the flooring of the corridor marked by a long “LED strip”, which runs from the entrance and unites the different rooms of the building.
Another key element of this project is the luminous grooves on the ceiling, that wind along corridors and constantly change shape and dimensions, thus creating an effect of great fluidity.
Implementing such a particular and challenging idea was made possible only thanks to the close collaboration work and synergy of a team that has succeeded in creating such a complex and original space.
The distinctive features of this project as well as its complexity and originality represent steps forward in the world of possibilities that creativity applied to design can provide.
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