Case Study
Transforming Fareham Reach: Designing Spaces Around the User
How thoughtful interior design can improve everyday experiences, create a stronger sense of community and add value to a workplace environment.
At Axis, we believe that successful interior design starts with just one simple question: how will people experience the space?
Axis was appointed to develop a design scheme to improve Fareham Reach building, including the building’s entrance, the reception, all communal areas, the kitchen area and shared office spaces.
The project presented a really exciting opportunity to rethink how these areas worked together, and create a more welcoming, functional and enjoyable environment for all the people who use the building every day.
Finding the right design direction
At the beginning of the project, the brief was relatively open, and the desired outcome was not quite clearly defined. Rather than seeing this as a limitation, we saw it as an opportunity to explore what the spaces could become, starting from a mood board that included the company’s logo colour palette.
As part of the design process, multiple design options were developed and explored throughout the process, allowing us to test different approaches to layout, atmosphere, functionality and identity.
This iterative process was key to understanding what worked best for the building and, importantly, for its users. Therefore, by exploring different possibilities before settling on the final direction, we were able to refine the design and nail the brief as it evolved.
For us, this is an important part of the design process. Good design is rarely about getting everything right on the first attempt, as we cannot read the client’s mind (nor would we want to). It is about asking the right questions, testing ideas and responding to feedback until the right solution emerges. This is all part of the process, and the successful outcome is bound to be developed as we refine the requirements with each feedback.
Designing the user experience
Designing the reception and the entrance in a building are the best opportunity to establish expectations and influence how people feel about the environment from the moment they arrive.
Our approach was therefore focused not only on aesthetics, but on the complete user journey.
How do people enter the building? What do they need at arrival? How do they navigate it? Where do they naturally gather? And how can different areas work together to create a more cohesive experience?
These questions helped shape the design across the different spaces at Fareham Reach, developing the current proposal further.
Creating spaces for connection
The communal areas and kitchen were particularly important in creating opportunities for interaction and a community feel.
Modern workplaces need to support more than individual-focused work. They also need spaces where people can meet informally, collaborate, have conversations, or simply take time away from their desks.
This approach has changed considerably during and after Covid, but a well-designed communal space must be at the heart of the project, as it can encourage these interactions and help create a stronger sense of community within a building.
At Fareham Reach, our aim as designers was to make these spaces feel purposeful, inviting, and welcoming, rather than simply areas people pass through.
More than just aesthetics
Aesthetics is important; it sets the tone of the space, it created a user experience and it creates brand and individual identity. But as designers, we believe interior design is more than selecting attractive finishes, furniture and colours. Good design should, no, must! improve the way people experience and use a space. Comfort and functionality are just as important, and must intertwine with aesthetics to create the perfect design (if there is such a thing).
Ultimately, a great design can influence productivity, wellbeing, collaboration and how people perceive the building itself; it can also add value by making better use of existing spaces and, most importantly, it can create an environment that people enjoy spending time in.
Putting people at the centre
In a nutshell, this project reflects one of the principles that underpins our work at Axis: design should serve people.
By exploring multiple options, listening to the evolving brief and carefully considering how each space would be used, we were able to develop a design that brings together aesthetics, functionality and user experience.
For us, that is what good interior design is about: creating spaces that work better, feel better and add value to everyday life.
Looking to transform an existing space?
Get in touch with Axis to discuss your project.
Questions? Comments? If you are considering refurbishing a workplace or commercial environment, our team can help you explore how thoughtful interior design can improve the user experience while making better use of your existing building.
