Oakwood Worldwide provides housing for its customers in destinations all over the world. The new home for the Long Beach headquarters is surrounded by captivating ocean views and filled with light. A mixture of serenity and electricity was our attempt to reflect the energy of the ocean, creating calm quiet zones, as well as energetic collaboration spaces. Strategic use of lighter materials allowed the sunlight to reflect throughout.
Commercial Office
Oakwood Worldwide
Long Beach, CA
Oakwood’s goal was to maximize the ocean views and daylight, as well as create multi-layered environments for both collaborative and individual work. The space needed to be inspired by the environment, without leaning too heavily on it as a theme. How do you evoke the ocean without borrowing so many of the design elements we’ve come to associate with it?
Through the use of light, watery materials on the floors and walls, and a mix of bright ‘beachy’ colors, we were able to bring the outdoors in. We mixed subdued modernism with a fresh palette to create an inviting office space that connects people with the world beyond. The sea-infused interior allows those who inhabit the space to stay connected with the outdoors throughout their workday. The ‘All Hands’ dining space, workspace, and lounge allow the employees to come together to socialize and connect, whereas the sleek phone booths and niches with a view of the ocean, provide the perfect backdrop for contemplative work. The circulation throughout the space guides the path, leading in all directions to an inspiring view.
