Scania
Head office
Project info
Client
Scania
Project Year
2021
Location
Bloemfontein
Project Leader
Helé Buys
About project
In the vibrant city of Bloemfontein, a remarkable transformation unfolded in March 2022. Scania, a global brand in the transport industry, reached out to Furniture Fair to breathe life into their new office space. Let’s dive into the journey that turned a simple premise into a functional haven.
Helé Buys, the driving force behind the project, led the charge in crafting a workspace that catered to Scania’s needs.
Scania's new offices were more than just rooms; they were a canvas awaiting the touch of creativity. Furniture Fair was tasked with a unique challenge – create a layout that marries practicality with functionality.
Scania’s objectives were clear – practicality and functionality were at the forefront. The design also needed to harmonize with the brand’s global identity, making it a space that resonated with their essence.
The approach to this project started as a simple quotation for furniture, but it evolved into something much grander. Furniture Fair embarked on a comprehensive design journey, incorporating not only furniture but also blinds, sandblast stickers, wallpapers, and custom canvases. The exterior of the building wasn’t forgotten either; two magnificent Olea sub Africana trees now stand proudly in massive pots, adding an organic touch.
In the world of construction, delays are often par for the course. However, overcoming these hurdles is part of the journey. The building’s one-week delay didn’t pose a significant challenge, thanks to Furniture Fair’s adaptable approach.
The color scheme and materials chosen for the project were a delicate dance. Maple, matt black, grey, and a hint of blue were meticulously selected to align with Scania’s corporate identity.
The key design elements were centered around functionality and practicality. Furniture Fair curated office furniture that catered to the work environment’s needs, creating a space that was both stylish and efficient.
Among the standout features were two custom wallpapers – one featuring the “evolution” concept and the other showcasing a blueprint of one of Scania’s iconic trucks. These details added a unique flair to the workspace.
The challenge lay in crafting a space that was both practical and visually pleasing. With a team predominantly comprised of men, the space needed to strike a balance between professionalism and functionality. Furniture Fair achieved this by selecting furniture with clean lines and easy-to-clean materials. Chairs were chosen for low maintenance, without sacrificing comfort. The visitor chair’s fabric echoed the blueprint theme, harmonizing with the distinctive blueprint wall.
A special highlight was the large reception counter – a custom creation that combined maple wood with a rubber inlay, perfectly tailored to the space.
Modernity met functionality with the installation of power reticulation units on all desks and boardroom tables, showcasing Furniture Fair’s attention to detail.
This project wasn’t just about furniture; it was a collaborative effort. Building a strong rapport with Scania during the project led to Furniture Fair also supplying new chairs to Scania’s Durban branch.
As the final pieces of the puzzle clicked into place, Scania’s Bloemfontein offices transformed into a functional masterpiece. The successful collaboration between Furniture Fair and Scania stands as a testament to the power of merging creativity with functionality, all while staying true to a brand’s identity.