KODAK'S FUNKY WORKPLACE

Imagination and vitality are the hallmarks of the Kodak office at Harbour Front Avenue in Keppel Bay Towers. Its office décor, which reflects Kodak's long history with colours and image forms, leaves a stamp on all those working there or visiting.

Previously, Kodak's association with colours was limited to its product offering but the design team from DB&B has since changed that. Michelle Goh, senior project director at DB&B says: "With each account we try to enhance what they [the companies] already have. It's just that they don't know the strong element that they have in their corporate identity. For Kodak we used very strong and hard colours. To them it was a big change and they were very happy."

Jeanette Siew, business development director, adds: "I think they were also looking at a total change in their environment. When they moved into this office they had one whole floor, with over 30,000 square feet. They wanted openness for ease of communication. So space planning was very critical in terms of relationships between each department and for the flow of communication." Today the office sports an ambience that encourages and brings people together.

In a complete deviation from the norm, the reception is the centre point of the whole design at Kodak. Goh elaborates: "Receptions are usually put into a corner and cuts the office into two, but in this case we placed it in the centre and from there the whole office revolves round it in the back. So it creates a very smooth flow. It was a bold step from our side. What you see is what we proposed and that was our winning factor."

"With each account we try to enhance what the companies already have. It's just that they don't know the strong element that they have in their corporate identity. For Kodak we used very strong and hard colours."

Other features include the rooms being named according to colours with matching furnishings and doors that have shutter-like peep holes. Graphics from Kodak advertisements also adorn the walls of the corridors. What is the effect of this funky workplace design on employees? "They feel very proud. They suggest tips to improve the place and try not to spoil the environment," says Goh.

The Kodak office is yet another example of organisations who realise the value of creating a place that looks funky and makes workers feel at home. "It's the mood and the captivating environment that bring people to them and leaves a lasting impression on whoever goes to their office," Siew concludes. HRM