Wesfarmers Health
Wesfarmers Health
Central Meeting Table
Melbourne Headquarters in Southbank, VIC.
When Wesfarmers Health approached us with the idea of repurposing their old Teradata Server Cabinet, they presented us with a unique challenge: to transform an outdated yet sentimental object into something both functional and visually striking. Our goal was clear—to create a contemporary design that incorporated the essence of the original cabinet while meeting the needs of their new office environment.
Step 1: Identifying Key Design Elements
The first step in our process was to carefully examine the server cabinet. It was crucial to identify the elements that were not only visually appealing but also held symbolic value for the company. Two features stood out: the bold orange branding, which was iconic to the cabinet, and the intricately designed ventilation cut-out facade. These elements not only carried the visual identity of the cabinet but also reflected its practical past. We knew these were the elements to preserve and recontextualize in the new design.Step 2: Collaborative Design Process
Next, we entered into a series of collaborative discussions with Wesfarmers Health. The focus was on understanding how we could repurpose these elements while creating something that aligned with the aesthetics of their modern office. We explored various concepts and presented nine different designs to the client. Each concept explored different ways of integrating the orange branding and cut-out patterns into a functional piece of office furniture.The feedback we received from the client was invaluable. After reviewing the designs, they were drawn to the idea of repurposing the cabinet into a meeting table. This solution not only retained the cabinet’s industrial essence but also gave it new life in the form of a centerpiece for the office. The orange branding was subtly used in accents around the table, while the cut-out facade became the focal point of the design, set into the table’s frame as a visual and symbolic highlight.
Step 3: Innovating Through Materials and Manufacturing
With the design finalised, we moved on to the manufacturing phase. Our goal was to recycle as much of the original cabinet as possible, minimising waste and staying true to the principles of sustainability. The cut-out facade had to be carefully removed and resized to fit the new dimensions of the table. We ensured that the bold orange branding was used sparingly but strategically, adding pops of color to enhance the table’s modern aesthetic.The manufacturing process was intricate. The original materials were given new life, while newer elements, like the table legs and additional support structures, were designed to blend seamlessly with the cabinet’s original components. Every detail, from the precise fitting of the cut-out panel to the smooth integration of the orange accents, was executed with craftsmanship and care.Step 4: The Final Product
The result was a one-of-a-kind meeting table that not only served a functional purpose but also told a story. The table’s bold design honored the history of Wesfarmers Health’s data storage era while marking a new chapter for the company in their cloud-based future. The meeting table now sits as a centerpiece in their office, blending history with innovation.This project was a testament to the power of collaboration and creative reuse. By working closely with the client and focusing on sustainable design principles, we were able to transform a piece of outdated technology into something that is both functional and symbolically significant.
