Shape Shifting
NAB House Sydney
Urbanite was briefed to inject “a breath of fresh air” for staff involved in lengthy training sessions, including a special placemaking feature located in the breakout area of Level 15 NAB House, Sydney. The breakout area is adjacent to the training rooms and provides staff with casual seating and kitchen facilities, to be used during training breaks.
Taking clues from the interior fitout, designed by Geyer, which in this area has a classic, Scandinavian look and feel, Urbanite created a sculptural 3D installation, made up of over 300 white diamond shaped pieces on a midnight blue background. The shapes are inspired by the unique octagonal form of the building and has a relationship to the star shape of the NAB logo.
Made from 3D printed plaster, the forms are mounted on a clear vinyl pattern to provide a background grid. The feature creates a sense of lightness and movement in the space and adds visual play as it reflects in the mirrored splashback in the kitchen. The placemaking feature adds a lively element for staff to engage with throughout the day.
A signage and graphics scheme was developed for the remainder of the floor, which is predominantly client-facing. The wayfinding signage needed to meet the needs of both Private Wealth clients and internal staff visiting the floor for the first time. Urbanite devised a simple and sophisticated black and white system, with the signforms referencing the angles of the interior’s joinery. It not only provides integrated wayfinding information but also intuitively directs people to the correct location using its form.
