Contributors
What features help spur productivity in your own office? DANNY SINOPOLI
Azure’s Editor
Since cutting-edge design and architecture are Azure’s stock-in-trade, it’s important that our staff is exposed to and surrounded by examples of exceptional work. To that end, our HQ, which is located in a mammoth one-time transformer factory and was realized by Toronto architect Heather Dubbeldam, is a veritable treasure trove of Canadian design talent. From the far reaches of the corridor approaching our offices, you’ll see a mass of Cloud Softlight paper pendant fixtures by Vancouver studio Molo hovering over our reception desk (pictured above). The desk itself boasts a curvaceous wood top courtesy of our neighbours, the Brothers Dressler, creators of such modern Canadian classics as the Onedge Rocker and Branches Chandelier. Our location on Sterling Road, in a burgeoning area of Toronto’s postindustrial West End, puts us right next door to several of the city’s top woodworkers on our north side; the city’s new Museum of Contemporary Art is directly to our south.
What was most memorable about your assignment for this issue? Timothy Taylor
Writer, “Red Alert”
(page 42)
Talking with Yehia Madkour about the technical innovations behind Perkins+will’s Red Pavilion in Vancouver was, in a way, the most satisfying part of researching the structure. Making something red is relatively easy. Making something in timber, involving these shapes and contours, is complicated and very impressive.
How have you noticed office design changing for the better? LAURA MAY TODD
Writer, “Crystal Clarity” (page 68)
I think we’re finally coming around to the idea that open-plan isn’t always for everyone. Privacy can do wonders for productivity. That said, variety is essential in an office. It’s important to have nooks where you can go and work solo, but ideally still have opportunities to pop back into the fray to share ideas or decompress.
What physical attributes are essential to your ideal workspace? Shanghoon
Photographer, “New Modern” (page 74) My ideal work environment would be a clean, tidy space with some sunlight, accompanied by soothing music and a cup of coffee or tea; I find that being in an empty room helps me to be productive and focused. I bring my dog, Mandu, to work. He keeps me calm and gets me out of my chair for a walk a few times a day. Those walks are also essential.