One of the main objectives of the project for completing its interiors, as assigned to Progetto CMR, was to create a well-defined visual identity to increase the Cisco company’s visibility and help people understand its qualities and the services that it offers, in addition to letting Cisco stand out in the building’s surroundings. Though the building’s structure could not be touched, the interior design is nonetheless strong, making itself
apparent from the outside too. The dominant features are transparency, light and color. Its transparency lets people inside enjoy the outside view and provides total natural lighting, and it lets those outside of the building feel as if they are part of it, a kind of spectator to what’s going on inside. Red and blue, the corporate colors, and combinations based on them suggested by Progetto CMR, including beige, baby blue and gray, mark the cubic volumes built with glazed walls on each of the five operational floors.
This choice served to make the building recognizably unique both from the square in front of it and from the highway bypass. The seven floors become a decoration that lets people see the organization of spaces within
the building, which serves as a frame for the entire system.
The double-height reception, separated from the square by large transparent openings, was made as “communicative” as possible. This is the place that must immediately communicate what Cisco is and what it does. From here, you can glimpse the work being done on the upper floor and the large server that makes all
the employees’ work and communications possible.
This is a comfortable, attractive work environment for people who can work anywhere, including
at home.
The idea governing the floor layout was to superimpose a computer motherboard design on the building’s regular plan. The motherboard includes fixed and moveable parts and elements of exchange and communication. Each individual area becomes an essential component of a system that works through the people who use the spaces, defining their configuration. There are diversified work situations with both open spaces and closed spaces, punctuated by “soft” areas, with a homey feel, suited to informal meetings. This forms a kind of open landscape in which functional areas, interactive routes, and shared and individual
spaces are defined.
Light is one of the key components of this project. Close attention was paid both to making the most of natural light and designing the lighting systems in all the workspaces.
Cisco stayed true to its environmental policy and strong belief that eco-compatibility should be a daily choice in choosing low-energy lighting fixtures that ensure each space the proper level of lighting. The fixtures that Progetto CMR suggested have a modern, distinctive design and adopt high technology for optimal flexibility, while giving spaces an informal feel. A light dimming system was included, so that each person can regulate the light level according to needs, helping save energy. Visual comfort is ensured for every part of the building. The integrated system used to light colored spaces creates light effects visible from outside the
building as well.
In the Break Area and in the e-Café, dark-light fixtures were used.
They can be easily adjusted and have a distinctive character, providing direct or indirect lighting.
Suspended lights were included in the open space for optimal visual comfort through proper direct or indirect lighting in the surrounding work environment.
