U-Ming Marine Taipei HQ Expansion Office

裕民航運台北 總部擴充辦公室

CLIENT & SITE
Taipei City, Taiwan
530㎡
2023-2024 Completed & Launched
BACKGROUND
In response to the company's expansion, the client seeks a new office space to accommodate planned growth in staff. This opportunity allows for a fresh rethinking of the existing office layout, alleviating the original workspace's density and enhancing comfort for a more relaxed environment.
VISUAL
The design concept draws inspiration from U-Ming’s maritime heritage, with each element thoughtfully chosen to reflect the company’s identity. A color palette of navy, white, gray, and a hint of matte silver subtly evokes the ocean and the glimmer of light on the water’s surface, grounding the design in U-Ming’s core industry.
Every aspect, from material selection to spatial arrangement, was crafted to create a sense of calm and unity, fostering an environment where employees feel a meaningful connection to U-Ming’s values and mission.

Showcasing pictures selected from U-Ming's annual photography contest. Photos are taken by fleet crews and office staffs.

We aimed to foster a sense of shared purpose and connection between onshore staff and frontline crews, serving as a reminder that everyone, whether in the city or at sea, is part of the U-Ming team—a unified community contributing to the maritime transport ecosystem. 
To enhance this connection, ship models are displayed in prominent spots, while the hallway serves as a gallery space with rotating exhibitions. Currently featured are maritime photos from U-Ming’s annual photography competition, showcasing perspectives captured by both office staff and crew members.

The hallway is designed as a gallery, displaying the company’s image and achievements.

Hallway and a tailored cabinet island.

Magnetic glass is used extensively on walls, serving as whiteboards.

Magnetic glass is used extensively on walls, serving as whiteboards.

Reflecting U-Ming Marine’s core business, each meeting room is named after different bulk carrier types, with room sizes corresponding to various ship capacities.

Meeting room 'Panamax'.

Meeting room 'Capesize'.

Inside 'Capesize'.

Inside 'Capesize'. Stylish partition walls incorporate 'waistbands' with small drawers or flip-top cabinet, ideal for storing small objects like meeting
supplies and tech accessories.

Inside 'Capesize'. 

Inside 'Capesize'. 

Inside 'Capesize'. Closer look at the furniture.

By the windows, each alcove bench not only provides a restful seating area but also offers ample space for employees to store personal items.

Open plan area.

Meeting room 'Supramax'.

Inside 'Supramax'.

Lounge area.

Open plan area. A glass divider between U-Ming and its subsidiary.

Formica FENIX surfaces are incorporated into the kitchen design, offering a sleek, durable, and modern finish.

Open kitchen area. 

FURNITURE & FIXTURES
Furniture and fixtures were chosen with a focus on energy efficiency and smart functionality, fostering an environment that supports comfort and sustainability. 
We use DALI-controlled lighting system to integrate natural and artificial light, adjusting with automated shading to create an optimal balance that enhances focus while minimizing energy consumption. The selection of ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, and loose furniture by Steelcase promotes health, flexibility, and active engagement with the space throughout the workday.
Nautical lamps in key areas like the dining space, bar area, lounge, and printing station are also integrated into the DALI control system, delivering a warm ambiance during lunch breaks and providing a gentle glow before the end of the workday.
MATERIALS
The material palette balances hard and soft elements to shape the office environment. Metal, glass, and mirrors introduce a sleek, clean aesthetic, while softer materials like carpet, fabric, and cork panels provide warmth and enhance
tactile and acoustic comfort.
Cork is widely used for its sustainable properties, being a renewable resource that has minimal impact on the environment. Its natural texture not only adds tactility but is also beneficial for indoor air quality and humidity regulation, making it a human-friendly choice.
Interface Carpet is known for its carbon-negative materials and ocean-friendly practices. This selection aligns with environmental goals, supporting a reduced ecological footprint in the office space.
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