Gensler Brings Al Ghurair Investments’ Progressive Vision to Life
Firm designs dynamic space for AGI’s new office headquarters
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, JANUARY 21, 2014 — Al Ghurair Investment LLC (AGI), one of the largest diversified industrial groups based in Dubai, with operations spanning more than 20 countries, has unveiled its new group corporate headquarters. AGI engaged Gensler, the leading architecture and interior design firm, to design a modern and innovative workplace that reflects its rich heritage and provides a collaborative and productive work environment.
With a history of pioneering innovative businesses built upon excellence, trust and responsibility, AGI desired a workplace that exemplifies their values, while also fostering an enriching employee experience. The 25,000-square-foot space occupies two floors in the Al Ghurair Center and consists of an open-floor-plan workspace, mixed with private offices, meeting spaces and a majilis.
AGI tasked the Gensler team with incorporating the industrial group’s brand essence into the design of its state-of-the-art workplace. A colour strategy coordinated with refined material finishes projects AGI’s vision and corporate identity to customers and employees alike. The result is a contemporary and dynamic headquarters office that represents the evolution of the company’s brand.
Core to the project’s intent was establishing an office that encourages a balance of focus and collaboration for employees. Gensler’s designers used the floor plan’s clean architectural lines to offset the building’s curvature, creating a sense of space and allowing for maximum efficiency. Natural light and glass partitions give the space depth and provide a positive, high-performance working environment. Additionally, rich materials, such as oak, marble and leather, convey a workplace of understated excellence, one typifying the very essence of AGI.
“Gensler has a long-standing relationship with Al Ghurair, designing the interior for Mashreq Bank corporate offices back in 1996,” said Tareq Abu-Sukheila, Gensler principal and managing director. “We are honored to have partnered with Al Ghurair to design a corporate workplace that provides a productive environment, supporting employee effectiveness, business performance and opportunities to promote a culture of innovation.”
SOURCE: Gensler