RACE ROBOTICS LAB, SINGAPORE
Brand Strategy, Interior Design, Graphic Design
243 sqm | SINGAPORE | BUILT 2017
GO, GO, MR. ROBOTO
MOD was commissioned to design the branding and spatial experience for Robotics Application Centre of Excellence (RACE), a new robotic facility aimed at educating, and introducing robots into automating existing manufacturing industries. RACE intended to also feature a series of interchangeable modular robots as a key unique proposition.
BRANDING
Inspired by the concept of modularity, and influenced by aesthetics of precision and dynamism; the logotype is an expression of a complete form comprised of individual standalone parts.
SPATIAL EXPERIENCE
The brief for the laboratory space required flexibility to showcase a changing series of modular robots as well as be used for hands-on training and lectures. The laboratory needed to be a continuous open space, yet conducive for small clusters for hands-on training. Underpinning this brief, MOD also sought to create an engaging and future-forward spatial experience that denotes the idea of industrial automation and precision.
Upon arrival at the lift lobby, a vivid prelude to the laboratory space greets the viewer. A web of soaring white lines cut through the black space to create an anamorphic experience to disorient the floor from the ceiling. From the black envelope of the lift lobby, a custom oversized door pivots open to reveal a dramatic metallic faceted space, creating a contrast that is at once striking yet complementary.
For
maximum flexibility to the space, MOD introduced a second
skin -
developed to seamlessly create a dynamic space by deconstructing the ceiling
and wall planes into an array of dazzling facets. Each facet comprises stacked
layers of hand-cut aluminium hollow tubing; rotating the direction of the tubes
with every facet to create a bold multi-directional effect. The aluminium
screen cladding also serves to cloak the necessary but unsightly mechanical and
electrical services while allowing ease of access for operation. This skin was
shaped in plan with enclaves for small group work clusters accompanied by
separate access hatches to the services behind. The random sprinkle of custom
LED strips serves to highlight the multi-directional panels with a cutting-edge
aesthetic. Overall, the space provides a suitable future-forward backdrop to
usher in an age of automation and robotics.