The search for the other me
Two notaries who decided to make a new start commissioned the project for the offices of Alter Ego, in Brussels.
Four top-level rooms for notaries, open-plan offices, a reception area and a waiting room make up a cozy and modern
work space, which abandons the rigidity of traditional notary offices.
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Spaciousness, luminosity and comfort are concepts
that the HÖL Madrid studio have insisted
on for backbone of the interior design project
for this notary’s office and this has resulted in
a space full of contrasts. The inspiration for the
concept is called in Latin: “the other me”. Because
our “other self” is everything we would
like to be and we don’t dare, the opposite, the
counterpoint.
The interior designer María Rivero explains
that “we look for contrasts between colder materials
such as cement, concrete and glass; and
warmer ones like wood. From the straightness
of the most rigid vertical slats to the curves in
the screens and furniture”.
And the fact is that the curve is a very common
factor in HÖL projects because “it transmits
peace and tranquility, as well as comfort to the
people who inhabit the space. So, being the interior
design of a notary office, it was essential
to incorporate it to achieve this purpose”. One
of the key elements of the furniture is the shelves.
HÖL chose the Julia model, by Momocca,
for three purposes: to divide the workspace
without closing it off visually, to help the
acoustics and privacy of this area, and to house
a high volume of files and documentation.
Working with light
Natural light in offices is one of the most important
issues to consider in interior design
projects. “You can’t have a workspace without
natural light,” says the interior designer. So the
light had to flow alongside the communication,
and this was solved by incorporating two transparent
vertical partitions that cross the space
and surround it. The light is not cut off and
continues to flow; while the worker continues
to enjoy his privacy, but without being isolated.
Finally, a central corridor has been left for the
files and the `booths´ (cabins) are located where
calls can be made. “But natural light still
prevails, which is paramount, especially in a
city like Brussels, which tends to be gray.”
Declination of colors
The colors of the project are based on the palette
of tones for Alter Ego´s corporate color.
“Starting off from this base, we made a range
of colors that we adapted to the space”, explains
María Rivero, “blues that inspire concentration
and professionalism, neutral colors to
favor concentration and to maintain the image
of a sober place that the notary’s office should
reflect; and the green of the plants to incorporate
nature in the office and provide quality
for the air”.
The union of all this generates a pleasant atmosphere
that avoids monotony. Another of the
most important factors of the office is its very
social part, “and through a study of light, colors
and plants, much more pleasant dynamics
can be generated.