The new National Foods workplace reflects the company's aspiration to remain connected to the land and in touch with the people involved in the process of creating food. As a food production company their desire was to use the workplace to reinforce a market leading position and celebrate the vitality of their various brands.
The interior of the building has been carefully designed to bring staff and products together, both literally and figuratively. Metaphors are used throughout the workplace to subtly reinforce the company's commitment to their people and their brands.
A six-storey spiral staircase is a metaphor for pouring milk, and also a key device in maintaining collaboration between staff on different levels. Sculptural plant walls signal a connection with nature, but also assist in improving indoor air quality and enhancing staff well-being. The reception is visually linked to a kitchen, giving visitors the opportunity to observe food being prepared and tested.
The HASSELL design takes a non-traditional approach to corporate environments and acknowledges the journey of ingredients from farm to factory. It celebrates and reinforces National Foods' commitment to primary producers, manufacturing and food production.
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Publications
Spinning and revolving – National Foods Company Office in Australia, id+c (China), no. 181, September 2009, pp. 44-49
21st century interiors, The Images Publishing Group, Mulgrave, VIC, 2010, pp. 194-195
Food chain by Brad Hatch, AFR Boss (Australia), September 2009, p. 12
