Giant Pixel in San Francisco is a software developer occupying three floors near the City’s Mint Plaza, an area known for creative redevelopment and modernity drawn from vintage architecture. With a busy Blue Bottle Coffee shop as neighbor and stylish restaurants just minutes away, Giant Pixel wanted a casual urban look in keeping with its neighborhood. Our design challenge was to fit a variety of distinct work areas into three small footprints—and to do so with both beauty and economy.

A laser-cut blackened steel canopy at the entrance to the office begins the exercise with computer code patterns that create a striking visual matrix and divide the front into reception and waiting areas. The custom-fabricated concrete reception desk eschews traditional forms and substitutes a sweeping sculptural elegance offset by the wit of a desk-lamp chandelier. In the basement a lounge and bar provide a cozy in-house retreat for Giant Pixel’s staff and visitors.

Upstairs a suspended fireplace and chimney create another arresting focal point evolving into mid-area workstations, a conference room, private break cabanas and finally a coffee counter at the back. Each area is spatially discreet, but each informs the other through proximity, light—and in the case of the fireplace: warmth. Throughout Giant Pixel’s office one design thought prevails: that small spaces may acquire richness through an abundance of uses and careful orchestration of detail.

Designed by Studio O+A
Team: Primo Orpilla, Denise Cherry, Neil Bartley, Caren Currie, Jeorge Jordan, David Hunter, Liz Guerrero
Photographer: Jasper Sanidad

http://www.o-plus-a.com/