View Kvadrat Headquarters Project Profile
As sunshine pours in from the windows on a sunny day in Hackney, London, the airy spaces of the Kvadrat Headquarters are filled with a dazzling colored light. The use of laminated glass panels in every color of the spectrum has transformed the Victorian “cavernous” spaces of the office into a spectacular display of light and color that changes every hour with the movement of the sun. This choice of color in the architecture is appropriate to Kvadrat, as the textile company is well-known for its refreshing and imaginative use of color in its creations.
The design concept was developed by architect David Adjaye and graphic designer and art director Peter Savile. Their ide a for the building w as to alter the space in a subtle and understated way using delicate and un-obtrusive laminated glass panels. Installation of the panels proved to be a difficult undertaking, but had gratifying results. Both visitors and employees of the Kvadrat Headquarters frequently show surprise that the impact of natural light and the play of light and shadow could produce such a powerful and beautiful effect. Jury member Shashi Caan commented that the building was “a strong statement made with few notes and careful editing. I like the clarity of this project.” The strong, clear aesthetics of the work were one of the main reasons the jury chose this project to receive the Honorable Mention Award in the 2010 World of Color Awards by Vanceva.
The warmth and vibrancy of color is not the only effect at work here, however. The play of light and shadow w as also a fundamental concept of the design, as the spectrum of colored panels fall between the two extremes of black and white. Architect David Adjaye noted that, “The finished space has a dynamic interaction with the environment around it,” and indeed, the continual effects of light, color, and shade on the building’s spaces are nothing short of astounding.
Project Category: Interior
Project Name: Kvadrat Headquarters London
Location: Shepherdess Walk Hackney, London
Engineer: Malishev Wilson Engineers
Glass Laminator: Barretts Group
Photographer Credit: KVADRAT
Architect: David Adjaye
Adjaye Associates
Address: 23-28 Penn Street, London, N1 5DL
Phone: +44 (0)20 7739 3484
