FX Awards 2017: The Winners
Workspace Environment Small (under 40,000 sq ft)
Winner: Fender HQ
by Rapt Studio
Photo Credit: Eric Laignel
Sponsored by Bisley
Transforming music worldwide, and a cultural icon, Fender partnered with Rapt Studio to create a new office along Los Angeles’ Sunset Boulevard. Built to engage professionals and music enthusiasts alike, Fender’s new home reflects the company’s commitment to redefining the experience of music.
Surrounded by celebrated music icons such as the Fonda Theatre and Amoeba Records, Fender’s new office at Columbia Square embraces the vibrant music scene of LA by placing instruments close at hand for employees and visitors alike. As a bold presence in Hollywood, the office fuses with the city’s creative energy to engage future generations of musicians.
Home to executive, creative, marketing and digital teams, the office comprises two unique spaces: two floors of a mid-rise office building and an adjacent 800 sq m structure called the Bungalow. The ground-level reception area welcomes the public in to explore a large installation and feature wall. Throughout both spaces, large windows allow views into the design zones and music lounges.
The design was influenced by the sleek contours, niche colours, and finely tuned hardware of Fender guitars – while still taking into account the workflow and product development process unique to Fender.
The judges said
‘A fantastic, engaging space that definitely supports and reflects the creative nature of the business, housing, unique solutions, details and material that harmonise with the quality and detail of Fender instruments.
Refreshingly cool and a good representation of the client’s DNA. Masses of space and great graphics. Wow!'
Finalists & judges' comments
Atrium London by Barr Gazetas
‘A real people space, an exciting mix of activities and solutions that meld to create a vibrant, stimulating and creative community’
TOPOSITION Construction Office by Chain10 Architecture & Interior Design Institute
‘Meticulously considered design’
AccuraGen Institution Office by Docee Team
‘A dramatic and visionary approach to refurbishing and repurposing a tiered Eighties’ building. Beautiful entrance’
Hyundai Capital UK by Gensler
‘The “sophisticated industrial” aesthetic actively encourages the occupants to “hack” the space to suit their requirements’
Office 07 by i29 interior architects
‘Love the simplicity and calmness of the interior space, using a colour palette from nature'
Typeform by Lagranja Design
‘“Happiness generator plants’ in the space unites it while allowing other spaces to coexist. This is fun, colourful and on brand’
Bloomberg by LSM
‘Generous space that feels refined and elegant. A sense of openness through the vast amounts of glass yet there’s a still quiet and seriousness‘
Deskopolitan, Château d’Eau, Paris by MoreySmith
‘The originality of visual aesthetic creates a surprising disconnect behind the heritage facade’
CardConnect by Rapt Studio
‘Cool booth/ alternative meeting and work areas. Nicely executed sequence of spaces that feel like they flow together’
Rapt Studio San Francisco by Rapt Studio
‘Refreshingly simple approach and elegant use of materials, form, light and colour’
Dr Martens, HQ by SpaceInvader
‘A space the exudes the values of Dr Martens through every touchpoint’
