Recently, the PPCG Genuine Reach team successfully completed the renovation project for the Beijing representative office of Dorsey Law Firm in the U.S.,providing end-to-end services from design,procurement to construction.The project covers a total area of approximately 400㎡, with an effective area of less than 300㎡.How to achieve "though small, it has all the essentials" in a compact space? How to make the space "appear larger" through design techniques?

To this end, we have specially invited the lead designer from the company's design department, Hao Yu (YoYo), to provide a detailed explanation of the design wisdom behind this "small" space renovation.

Q1:Can you introduce the background and initial challenges of this project?

YoYo:

 The representative office of Dorsey Law Firm in Beijing is located in a high-end office building in the Guomao commercial district. The original space has several obvious problems: firstly, there is insufficient  lighting, making the overall appearance relatively dim;  Secondly, the functional zoning is unreasonable and the flow is relatively chaotic.

 The most important thing is that the owner hopes to showcase the professional image of an international law firm within this limited space,while also meeting multiple functional needs such as lawyer's office, client reception, and conference discussions. This places high demands on us.

Q2:How to tackle these challenges?

YoYo:

We have adopted a systematic design thinking approach based on PPCG's core positioning as an efficient spatial intelligence creator.

1.From an aesthetic perspective, we have chosen a simple and modern design style to create a professional yet warm atmosphere;

2. From the perspective of efficiency, the work flow has been optimized, and the efficiency of space utilization has been improved;

3. From a cultural perspective, incorporating a combination of Chinese and Western design elements, reflecting the international positioning of the law firm;

4. From the perspective of intelligence, an intelligent lighting system has been adopted to enhance the user experience;

5.From an emotional perspective, lawyers have a relatively rational way of thinking in the industry, so in spatial design, lawyers' rationality and rigor are particularly emphasized, such as the application of straight lines and the rigor of square ceiling shapes.

We pay special attention to the reshaping value of space, not only through surface decoration, but also through the re planning of space, to enhance work efficiency and corporate image.

Q3:What functional areas have been planned when the usable area is less than 300 square meters?

YoYo:

In this limited space, we have planned a complete functional system,including an image front desk, open office area, tea break area, CEO office, 1 large conference room, and 18 independent offices.

Q4:What are the special considerations for designing the conference room with sliding doors?

YoYo:

Although sliding door design is common in home decoration, it requires more consideration when used in office spaces.We chose this design mainly for the consideration of functional flexibility: when the sliding door is closed,it can be used as a large conference room that can accommodate 15-20 people, ensuring the privacy and focus of the meeting;When the sliding door is opened, the conference room is integrated with the public area, instantly expanding the visual space.

This design is particularly suitable for small office spaces, as it achieves "flexible use" of the space,flexibly changing the spatial form according to different usage needs greatly improves the efficiency of space utilization.

Q5:What special considerations have been made in terms of brand presentation?

YoYo:

Brand presentation is the focus of our design.

In the front desk area, we have adopted a cross design of marble and wood lines, which not only looks beautiful but also contains profound meanings - representing the integration and dialogue of Chinese and American cultures, reflecting the pattern and vision of an international law firm.

Secondly, we have specially set up a brand wall that not only showcases the company's development history, but also allows visitors to experience the professional image and historical heritage of Dorsey Law Firm in the first place.

Across from the brand wall, we have designed a fully illuminated logo wall that allows visitors to quickly locate the location of the law firm after exiting the elevator. 

The bright white and eye-catching logo wall not only serves the purpose of brand promotion, but also has a very practical corporate identity function.

In addition, we maintain consistency with the international brand image in color selection, material matching,and detail processing, ensuring that every detail conveys the professionalism and high-end positioning of the law firm.

 In terms of color strategy: We use light beige as the main color tone, which is a neutral tone that not only brightens the overall space but also creates a sense of visual expansion.

 In terms of spatial planning,：we have planned a reasonable flow line, ensuring that each space is utilized most effectively through precise size control and humanized layout.

 In terms of furniture selection：bright color schemes are used to create embellishments, such as orange seats in conference rooms, which not only brighten up the space but also enhance its sense of hierarchy.

In addition to design, PPCG also strives for excellence in construction details:The computer room adopts a concealed door design and is lined with perforated sound-absorbing panels, which not only maintain aesthetics but also effectively reduce noise;The top of the conference room is made of wood wool board to enhance texture and sound absorption performance,and is equipped with atomized glass to flexibly switch space privacy;The brand wall lightbox is specially customized with imported frosted resin board. After multiple adjustments to the lighting fixtures and color temperature, it achieves a visual effect of soft and uniform light, bright and not dazzling.

These fine craftsmanship may seem subtle, but they are the key to quality. The final project was accepted by the owner in one go.

Through the successful practice of the Dorsey Law Firm project, the PPCG team has once again demonstrated the professional ability of "efficient spatial intelligence creators". We believe that regardless of the size of the space, through scientific planning, innovative design, and meticulous construction, a beautiful and efficient office environment can be created.