379 Collins: An Orangerie-Inspired Office Lobby
At 379 Collins Street, Studio Tate, in collaboration with Gray Puksand and Riverlee, has created an arrival experience that feels closer to an urban conservatory than a conventional office lobby, bringing together natural light, lush planting and a hospitality-inspired amenity in the heart of Melbourne's CBD.
379 Collins Street is a prime example of how workplace amenities are moving to the building level. As organisations continue to reassess the role of the physical office, commercial landlords are increasingly competing on experience rather than floorplates alone. It provides a truly unique arrival experience into the building with its light filled atrium, jungle-like cafe and showroom, casual gathering nooks and surrounding street views.
At the heart of the refurbishment is a soaring atrium that floods the lobby with natural light. In a city where many office towers still rely on enclosed, artificially lit arrivals, the openness of the space creates an immediate sense of relief and orientation.
Central to Studio Tate's vision is an orangerie-inspired design concept, drawing on a European architectural tradition that dates back to the 17th century. Historically, orangeries were elegant glass structures used to house exotic plants while also serving as spaces for gathering and leisure. At 379 Collins Street, the influence is reflected in the lobby's black steel-framed glazing, which evokes the refined framework of historic conservatories.
The building itself occupies a prime location at the corner of Collins and Queens Street in Melbourne’s CBD. The corner itself combined with the strong vertical light beaming in from the atrium, draws ample natural light in to support the lobby's extensive and thriving planting palette. These windows frame inspiring views of nearby heritage buildings and its open façade retains visual connectivity to the street level, making the building feel a part of the city rather than an isolated indoor environment. Its position in the centre of the CBD makes this an attractive office for tenants with it being conveniently close to a plethora of public transport options, as well as Melbourne’s best dining and recreation, encouraging an after-work social culture.
The hassle of travelling into work, particularly in the city, is a problem that can easily be solved through spaces that are designed with a holistic sense for work-life balance. The location itself becomes a catalyst for social interaction, to go shopping or run errands on a break, and to connect over a coffee in the morning. Nowadays office design is being asked to empower people’s desire for autonomy, choice and to inspire intrinsic motivation.
The lobby and cafe act almost as a third workspace. A chance to break away from the office premises above and work independently whilst still feeling connected to a sense of broader community and movement around.
Warm pendant lighting drops down from the lobby’s high atrium ceiling. Plush round sofas in sage and burnt burgundy are punctuated by surrounding plants to create cosy nooks. Black marble cafe countertops are contrasted against lighter themes of stone, wood and warm travertine. An expansive cream and black pattern carpet that ties all of the elements together.
A lot of the time these third spaces are surprisingly where the most important interactions occur. The third space offers something a formal boardroom cannot - an even playing field and a relaxed atmosphere. Natural light, planting and a comfortable environment help create the conditions to focus and relax into informal interaction. Deals are closed over a humble cup of coffee. Bump-ins and passing interactions occur on ground level between the journey from the façade to the lift. A space as inviting as this, provides a further opportunity for people to cross paths, linger, connect deeper and network. Long gone are the classic ‘water-cooler conversations’ of the 60-80’s cubicle-farm offices. Nowadays people are shaking hands in the lobby, in the elevator and at the cafe.
Beyond its impressive ground floor, 379 Collins is also home to an impressive roster of tenants including the Bank of China, boasts state of the art end-of-trip facilities and has multiple bookable conference rooms located on level 8.
Studio Tate has created an inspiring arrival experience in 379 Collins that feels interconnected with the city around it. Combining clever use of its location, lighting, materiality and biophilic elements in its design - this new lobby and cafe raise the commercial real estate standards on what it takes to motivate people back into the physical office, whilst embracing the city as a lifestyle.
Credits
Client
Riverlee
Interior Architecture, Interior Design & Styling
Studio Tate
Architecture
Gray Puksand
Photographer
Tom Blachford