UNStudio create complex merging work, culture and nature
In 2015, Georgia’s TBC bank ran a tender to find designers for new headquarters in Tbilisi. UNStudio emerged as the successful firm, with an approach that proposed a flexible design to support the innovative and creative work strategies increasingly embraced by financial institutions. Now, the resulting TBC Forum has broken ground, situated within the natural setting of the Lisi Lake resort. The location offers an opportunity for the headquarters to merge work, culture and nature, while becoming part of a green journey from the Georgian capital through the local landscape and vineyards.
The designers drew inspiration from the historic highland village of Shatili, where clustered stone and mortar towers connect to the surrounding hills with large balconies and terraces. An esplanade forms the backbone of the new TBC Forum, which serves to unite the different areas within one public realm. Flexible outdoor spaces offer hosting opportunities for social events and leisure activities, while connecting the buildings to the landscape. As the building’s fourth façade, the roofscapes were designed to become part of the Lisi valley and the Georgian panorama. The headquarters, innovation lab and culture hub surround the public esplanade, enabling interaction between different fields of interest.
UNStudio carried out research into optimal work environments, which led to a design that promotes physical vitality and psychological wellbeing. Environmental concerns were considered in relation to social sustainability and worker performance, as well as the building’s overall energy performance. Reflecting the need for different spaces to suit different tasks and job roles, diversity was adopted by including seated work areas, standing desks and open lounge areas throughout the offices.
Lucy Nordberg
TenderStream Head of Research
This competition was first published by TenderStream on 14.05.2015 here
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