After 20 years in Pitt Street, Accor Hotels has moved to 1 Bligh Street, occupying the whole of Level 23. A highly sustainable and collaborative new workplace, this project encapsulates the spirit of Accor Hotels Asia Pacific, crafting an immersive space that reflects the brand’s core identity.
The design breaks conventional norms, cultivating an ambiance rich with anticipation and excitement. The Accor office is characterised by a dynamic blend of curves, angles, and patterns, bringing rhythm and vitality to the space.
With precise attention to detail and a vibrant expression of the brand’s values by alkimi studio, the project showcases a pioneering and transformative approach to interior design.
The Brief – Indigenous Engagement
This project brief aimed to ignite excitement and anticipation in office design, drawing inspiration from the warm and luxurious ambiance of a hotel lobby.
Moving away from the traditional desk model, the office design celebrates Accor’s welcoming culture through intentional design and layout. The open environment is deliberately designed to welcome staff, their families, suppliers, and clients into the office without visual restrictions. This design philosophy embraces the evolving nature of work, creating an adaptable and inclusive environment that fosters community and belonging.
With Indigenous engagement initiated by Accor, fabric and carpet choices are primarily sourced by alkimi studio from Indigenous ranges, further enhancing the cultural richness of the space.
Materialised Product
- Meandering Mirage by Jimmy Pike, printed on Arizona
- Spring Blossom Red Earth by Robyn Caughlan, printed on Arizona
- Spring Blossom Outlook by Robyn Caughlan, printed on Arizona
These Indigenous textile prints play a crucial role in workplace interior design by infusing the space with rich cultural heritage, promoting diversity, and fostering inclusivity.
Integrating such elements into workplace interiors not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also serves as a powerful statement of respect and recognition for Indigenous cultures. This incorporation creates a more welcoming and inspiring environment, encouraging employees to appreciate cultural diversity and fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Moreover, using Indigenous engagement can support local artisans and contribute to the preservation of traditional crafts, aligning corporate practices with broader social responsibility goals.
The Team & Credits
Interior Design: alkimi studio
Client: Accor Hotels
Photography where noted: © Tyrone Branigan
Materialised Team: Sydney
About the Author: Catherine McGowan
