Photo by Dion Robenson of the MRA office in Perth featuring LEN's Softscape Lounge.

Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority Offices – Perth

Location:3/7 Forrest Pl, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Designer: Woods Bagot

Photography: Dion Robenson

 

Crafting Australian Spirit: Woods Bagot’s Masterful Redesign of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority Offices, Perth

The spirit of Australia resonates through the heart of Perth in the form of Woods Bagot’s masterful architectural conception, the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA) Offices. This stunning structure epitomises the ethos of MRA, a body committed to constructing vibrant, authentic, and sustainable spaces for communities.

A testament to the art of fine craftsmanship, Woods Bagot’s design philosophy lies not within the rigidity of a signature style but instead in a multi-authorship practice. The handpicked Australian made furniture seamlessly blends local and national craftsmanship, offering an understated nod to the community within which the MRA operates.

Nestled within the spatial intricacy of the structure, a distinctive feature stands out: LEN’s Softscape Lounge in white and black leather. The Softscape lounges are strategically placed in the lobby area of the office, ready to welcome MRA visitors. This lounge epitomises Australian made furniture’s elegance, serving as a fulcrum that inspires collaboration and individual focus. Softscape Lounges, as part of the broader collection, invoke a gentler, intuitive environment. Their mobile, modular, reconfigurable, and versatile nature encapsulates the needs of the modern-day work environment, prioritising individual contentment and team dynamism as pillars of productivity.

The design journey was anchored in understanding MRA’s identity, which was then echoed through space personalisation. The use of selected Australian made furniture played a crucial role in this vision, helping to build a friendly, energetic, and collaborative environment. Three key thematic areas emerged from the discourse: friendliness and accessibility, energy and engagement, collaboration and connection.

With its high-quality textured fabrics and sustainable sourcing, the Perth office furniture selected for the space strikes a harmonious balance between aesthetics and responsibility. Twenty per cent of the furniture was lovingly relocated from the MRA’s previous office, underlining a commitment to minimising waste.

The salvaged Oregon timber sourced from Midland Train Yards and repurposed as part of the arrival experience speaks volumes about the ingenuity of using Australian made furniture. This element adds a touch of character and a narrative of sustainability and respect for local resources.

As Woods Bagot’s global influence grows, stretching across 17 studios in 6 regions, their commitment to creating alongside clients, communities, and fellow creatives remains unfettered. This transformative project in Perth โ€” a confluence of architecture, interiors, master planning, and Perth office furniture โ€” epitomises their commitment to exploring data to predict changing human behaviour and their passion for design that fosters a sense of place and character.

The Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority Offices are more than just a physical space. It’s a living, breathing entity that mirrors the innovative spirit of MRA, the design prowess of Woods Bago. The seamless integration of Australian designer furniture, the Softscape Lounge โ€” a masterstroke in Australian made furniture โ€” into the architectural narrative. The result is an inspired work environment that sings the song of luxury while championing the virtues of sustainability and community connection.

To learn more about Softscape, please speak to one of our team members, or contact our distribution partner for Australia at Stylecraft. For all international enquiries, please get in touch with us at info@lenfurniture.com.