Barclays Cafe
INTERIOR DESIGN / WHIPPHANY, NJ
2018
CONTRIBUTION
CONCEPT DESIGN
REVIT COORDINATION
DEMOLITION SCOPE
RENOVATION SCOPE
Redefining the meaning of a “best in class” workplace, Barclays repurposed a vacant campus in suburban New Jersey to attract top talent with an amenity-rich workplace. The Barclays campus design centers on authentic experiences and choice, with a holistic live-work-play perspective. The campus’s verdant setting led to a design aesthetic featuring a natural, farmhouse style. Authenticity was an overarching theme of Gensler’s design. An authentic workplace fosters a sense of connection, and the experience offers employees a diversity of settings tailored to bolster their individual work styles—from focused, to collaborative, to creative.
AGENCY
GENSLER NEW YORK
CREDITS
BARCLAY'S (WHIPPANY, NJ) - © GENSLER., COURTESY OF GENSLER
WELCOME, THIS IS A FARMHOUSE
Modern farmhouse design takes the comfortable, relaxed farmhouse style and adds modern touches such as smooth lines, glossy accents and neutral color schemes. It's less rustic, more sophisticated and uses contemporary design elements like stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and sleek lighting.
HARD-WEARING MATERIALS
If there’s one thing that is common in all farmhouse style homes is their unmistakable relaxed vibe. There’s something about farmhouse interiors that just makes you want to snuggle on the sofa as you walk into the door! But relaxed doesn’t mean random. On the contrary, a farmhouse interior design has its specific features, that on one side create a relaxed vibe and on the other make for a cohesive and curated style. To start with, the perfect modern farmhouse style should achieve a balance of practicality and elegance. In other words, nothing should look too fragile to be touched, but the space should still retain a certain sophistication. To achieve that, hard-wearing materials should be preferred and mixed with cozy accessories for a home that is welcoming, stylish but also extremely practical for everyday life.
GUNMETAL GREY
Metals are a key element in a farmhouse style and even when talking metals, a relaxed vibe is key. In general, brushed finishes work best for this style because they tie in better with the other distressed surfaces. Above all, gunmetal grey metals are a must in any farmhouse interior design.
The dark color also adds some elegance and contrast to the space, making it a great choice for modern farmhouse interiors as well. And whether you’re going for a traditional or a modern farmhouse style, sprinkle some galvanized steel here and there for an extra rustic touch.
Here we employed the backdrop of gunmetal to a 25ft long bench banquet; sourced by a local craftsman for public seating across a choreography of dining height table seating.
POWER PLANT
Barclays' Whipphany Campus caters to a Indian Food fan base alongside Brick Oven Pizza enthusiasts. The marraige of these cuisines allowed us to render each with warm tones from fascia to soffit. The notion of brick and kiln met to complement the gunmetal and wood to transport diners to the farm-to-table experience.
IT'S ALL FUN N' GAMES
Leading out from the cafe, a sprinkle of amenities greets Barclays employees as they return to their workplace areas. Nostalgia hits as the Arcade pulls you in to cement your Pacman High-score. With a salon for hair-care, one can maximize their lunch break hours, swining by the grab-and-go at the tail end of the corridor for a quick bite.
FARHAN MIAN
User Experience Designer
User Interface Designer
Architectural Designer