Kvadrat Architects: The Magic of Artificial Lighting in Colorful Office Interiors in Astana, Kazakhstan

Stratera, a prominent entity in the agrochemical industry, operates from a 300-square-meter office in Astana. The space initially presented challenges with its elongated room, limited natural light, and monolithic walls that segmented the workspace into short sections. Despite these constraints, Kvadrat architects discovered significant potential to enhance the area by creatively utilizing volume, geometry, and color.

The interior is crafted to stay timeless, uphold a unified style, and motivate creative tasks. This design was driven by the client’s enthusiasm for leveraging technology to enhance work processes and boost employee productivity.

The entire space was thoughtfully segmented into distinct zones, including a large office for the head, a meeting room, and a workspace for administrative staff. Niches contain cubicle systems designed for two team members working within the same spheres.

Employees spend more time in the office than at home, making it essential to create a space that is not only comfortable for work and meetings but also relaxation and social interaction. Therefore, the central sofas and lounge area are thoughtfully designed to cater to the team’s needs.

How to Let Natural Light into a Windowless Space?

In the manager’s office, ceiling light fixtures designed to mimic windows were installed. These fixtures effectively replicate natural sunlight and the color of the sky.

The meeting room and office are designed to visually appear as a unified space, reflecting the company’s philosophy of openness to collaboration and new experiences. The meeting room features a translucent ceiling, providing bright and even lighting that is soft enough to compensate for the absence of natural daylight.

The meeting table embodies the brand’s principles, with its design divided into two zones by color and shape. The executive sits at the head, but the lack of elevation, minimal distance, and rounded corners emphasize flexibility and a commitment to horizontal management.

The eco-friendly carpet on the floor provides a comfortable walking experience and enhances the space’s acoustics.

When designing residential interiors, Kvadrat architects carefully consider the lifestyle and preferences of the owners. They apply the same approach to commercial projects: Rustam Minnekhanov and Sergey Bekmukhanbetov immerse themselves in the client’s philosophy, brand uniqueness, and the image they wish to project externally.

Light in Color

The principles of wow-effect can be seen in the bathroom of this office and it is expected for not only the team but also guests.

There is a translucent canvas above the sink instead of a usual mirror. In the stall, with the help of RGB lighting, the doors are made of frosted glass to create an entourage, that transmits and diffuses colored lighting.

This project represents how limitations, especially the lack of a source of natural light, become bright and interesting possibilities.

Kvadrat Architects – The Magic of Artificial Lighting in Colorful Office Interiors Gallery

Design: Sergey Bekmukhanbetov, Rustam Minnehanov, Kvadrat architects studio of architectural and interior design

www.k-kvadrat.kz, https://instagram.com/kvadrat.design

Photo: Gleb Kramchaninov

Stylists: Sergey Bekmukhanbetov, Rustam Minnekhanov

Text: Ekaterina Parichuk

Location: Astana (Kazakhstan)

Year of realization: 2023

Area: 3229 SF

Brands in the project: Laminam (porcelain tiles), Paffoni (sanitary ware), Desso (sanitary ware), Centerlight (lighting), QUADRIFOGLIO (chairs, armchairs).