(PRWEB) February 9, 2005
ÂNot only do our new offices in Santo Domingo solve important logistical issues, they provide a streamlined environment for collaboration, stated Shell Real Estate Services  Real Estate Advisor Alan Pringle. ÂWorking within our regional office standard for Latin America, Barone Design Group established a new prototype. They listened to our needs and coordinated all elements of the project. The end result was an environment that reflects our corporation and utilizes strategies for increasing efficiency and workflow.Â
The new headquarters were designed with the flair of the region in mind; incorporating local artwork and elements of the region. Located within the heart of Santo DomingoÂs business district, the offices textures and color palette combined the flavor of the local culture with the business needs of the corporation. Key design elements included a marble entry from the elevator lobby; executive suite with offices and meeting rooms; raised floor computer room; high-density file room; and an informal lunch room for the staff. Another key priority was optimizing the functional capacity of the office by incorporating a state-of-the-art technology and networking system to ensure effective communication from within the office and remotely. The introduction of sound masking in the open office environment was revolutionary to corporate projects within the country. Also incorporated were numerous clusters of open plan workplaces to improve collaboration between staff; adequate huddle roomÂs where individuals could meet informally; and two functional conference rooms with sophisticated audio-visual equipment to support regional meetings and international presentations.
ÂThe challenge of the new headquarters was in improving upon the previous office standards by utilizing innovative architectural, furniture and technological solutions to create a fully collaborative environment, stated Dean Barone, president, Barone Design Group. ÂThe staff was quite nervous about moving from an existing private office environment to something a lot more open. The workplace layouts in conjunction with the sound masking and meeting spaces proved successful in achieving the staff needs.Â
Performing the function of a design-build bridge firm, Barone Design Group provides its clients full project management capabilities on both national and international projects. The firm guides clients from inception to completion, managing every stage of the process to address both corporate and facilities projects. ShellÂs office in Santo Domingo was officially completed and occupied in the summer of 2004.
About Barone Design Group
Barone Design Group is a solutions-driven architecture and interiors firm with over two decades of experience creating corporate workplace environments and highly technical, industrial, R &D and manufacturing facilities for leading companies worldwide. With the ability to manage large scale corporate and facilities projects, both nationally and internationally, the firm partners with its corporate clients to find solutions that address long-term business needs. With an experienced team of design experts, the firm merges efficiency, style and utility to address the clientÂs workspace objectives.
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