Modus Creates On-Brand Office for Travelfusion
We recently completed a large-scale CAT B office fit out for Travelfusion in the City of London. Travelfusion operates one of the world’s largest travel payment platforms, which allows users to easily access millions of daily routes, timetables, fares, hotel descriptions, holidays and deals that have been aggregated from hundreds of travel suppliers.
Having asserted itself as one of the world’s leading companies in the travel sector, Travelfusion was ready for the next chapter in its growth plans. This included a visual re-imagining of its brand within the 10th floor of the iconic ‘Can of Ham’ building.
Moshe Rafia, CEO of Travelfusion, knew that moving the company’s headquarters into this prominent building meant the design needed to be suitably impressive and ambitious. Furthermore, Moshe wanted the design to reflect the company’s forward-thinking ethos and include lots of collaboration areas to imbue a buzzing, vibrant atmosphere. To realise this vision, Moshe enlisted the help of project manager and VARdesign founder Elli Vardy, who worked closely with our in-house designers to create the new interior design concept.
Travelfusion's stunning breakout area overlooking the City of London
In order to build a space to befit Travelfusion’s progressive culture, Elli and our designers combined two themes: travel and the Memphis design movement. If you are unfamiliar with Memphis, it is a colourful, abstract and wacky design style that was founded in Italy in 1981. Memphis has crept back into vogue in recent years and combining it with the travel-themed elements has made for a unique, contemporary, innovative design.
To see more pictures of Travelfusion’s incredible new space, click here
The bold pattered ceramic tiles, geometric wall prints, striking printed fabrics and luxurious terrazzo-effect flooring all owe their inclusion to the Memphis revival. Equally, the kitsch breakout area furniture underpins the Memphis theme without tarnishing the space’s contemporary edge, while a suitably diverse colour scheme pervades.
Meeting room with bespoke travel-themed manifestation
In addition to Elli and the designers, our graphic design team played in a key part in realising Moshe’s vision. For example, to reflect the travel theme, the graphic design team was called upon to create arrow graphics for the exposed concrete flooring. Not only does this create a circulation route between different areas of the office, it gives the impression of a tarmac airport runway.
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Above this, the plasterboard ceiling with integrated strip lighting was intelligently lowered to mirror the concrete runway. This illuminates the circulation route and helps to define a connection between the different areas of the office.
Wayfinding wall signage and a runway-style circulation route
Our graphic designers also created wayfinding wall signs with icons (male and female figures for WCs, a coffee cup for the tea point etc.) to accompany the circulation route. These are inspired by authentic British Airport Authority signage, making for interesting, fun and fitting additions.
Another lightbulb moment came when we decided to install a bespoke office divider made out of large airplane-style fins. This makes for an eye-catching feature and complements the artistic theme by providing a hint of abstractism.
A contemporary, on-brand office design with an open plan desk area
To create a buzzing, collaborative space, our design team opted for an expansive open-plan layout combined with glass-fronted meeting rooms. The shared desks cultivate a vibrant and egalitarian environment, while the meetings rooms offer alternative spaces for private conversations. Additionally, we introduced ad-hoc collaboration zones around the space to encourage collaboration and employee engagement.
Another key aspect of the layout design was its direction to the sun. Instead of designing the layout in line with the existing floorplate, we shifted our perspective by creating a space that faces true north. This innovative design decision reflects Travelfusion’s progressive ethos and brings to life the Memphis style with its bold, colourful aesthetic.
Colourful geometric furniture: fitting for the Memphis design theme
Through outside-the-box thinking and intelligent space planning, Elli and our design team have created a workspace that achieved Moshe’s objectives. As a result, Travelfusion now has a modern and unique office suitable for its present and future operations. Furthermore, the cutting-edge new working environment will ensure the company feels right at home in the prestigious Can of Ham building.
Based in Westminster, Modus is London's leading office design and build company. If you're inspired by this project and are looking to make changes to your space, then get in touch with our friendly team today.