HARDLY BUSINESS AS USUAL_ Culturally, the post-covid hybrid workplace revolution has presented possibilities for systemic design innovation. In response, MOD has pioneered the “Workshop by Ministry of Design”, a creative collaboration space to replace its award winning “Bar Code” Singapore office of 13 years (2010-2023). In line with MOD’s transition towards a technologically-enabled work environment which allows for most designers to work remotely, the Workshop dispenses with typical workplace conventions. Instead, it devotes 60% of the layout towards creative face-to-face collaboration because when we do need to meet in person, we really want it to make it count. The remainder is shared between hot desk and auxiliary functions.
The Workshop is conceived as a series of layered and interlocking three-dimensional metal scaffolding, creating distinct but yet seamless zones of activity. Frosted polycarbonate and fluted glass screens enhance the seamless continuation of space, and also facilitate utility such as storage, display, and occasional worktops when used in the horizontal plane.
Creative collaboration is focused around a counter-high “war room” table and adjacent magnetic display wall crafted from lengths of cable tray, used in a variety of ways spanning material explorations, design discussions and formal presentations.
An extensive material and artefact library runs the length and width of the five-metre-long table, extending through the entire length and width of the Workshop. Designed to enhance the creative process, the library and display scaffolding is within easy reach and always in plain sight, serving to provide inspiration and to stimulate creativity.
A customised adjustable lighting system over the table allows for light simulations whilst generous daylight from both South and West facing windows means minimal artificial lighting is needed during most of the day. Beyond this zone, the layout also incorporates a variety of discussion areas and hot desks, coupled with pantry, printer and concealed storage areas.
Storage of weighty items is enabled by reinforcing the polycarbonate panels with solid aluminium rods inserted through its depth. The ephemeral materiality of the polycarbonate and glass is contrasted by the structural rigidity of the encompassing hollow metal extrusions and solid surface table tops.
"A consistently white, light-filled spatial composition elevates creative interaction in MOD WORKSHOP to a new level. Distinctive 3D metal structures organize the open layout, create clear activity zones and showcase the material library impressively. The interplay of spatial clarity, subtle transparency and functional design turns this project into a compelling reference for forward-thinking public interiors at the highest level."
German Design Awards, Germany, 2025
MOD Workshop has garnered 12 international design awards of which 5 are Top-of-Category awards:
1. Winner, Commercial - Spaces - Studios / Studios, 2025 at INT Interior Design Award, USA
2. Winner, Interior Design - Workplace / Office, 2025 at Built Design Awards, Switzerland
3. Winner, Excellence in Interior Architecture, 2025 at German Design Awards, Germany
4. Luminary, Best in Workspace Design, 2025 at Singapore Interior Design Awards, Singapore
5. Gold, Best in Workspace Design, Floor Area < 500sqm, 2025 at Singapore Interior Design Awards, Singapore
6. Excellence, Work Space, 2025 at Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards, Hong Kong
7. Excellence, Best Workplace, 2025 at Perspective A&D Awards, Hong Kong
8. Finalist, Workspace Small, Under 40,000 sqft, 2025 at FX Design Awards, United Kingdom
9. Finalist, Spaces: Commercial Spaces, 2025 at Design Anthology Awards, Singapore
10. Silver, Work-Small Office,2025 at FRAME Awards, Netherlands
11. Bronze, Commercial Interior Design, Workspace Design, 2025 at IDA Design Awards, USA
12. Longlist, Workplace Project (Small), 2025 at Dezeen Awards, United Kingdom
