Warner Music Taiwan by Bean Buro
Located in Taipei, Taiwan, Warner Music Taiwan, designed by Bean Buro in 2024, embodies the global ethos of Warner Music while reflecting the local culture through materials and design choices. The office fosters creativity and collaboration, featuring an open-plan layout with distinct zones supported by playful ceiling treatments, bespoke joinery, and vibrant colours, all within a space that encourages natural light and connectivity with the outdoors.
Crafting An Engaging Workspace
Crafting an engaging workspace, Warner Music’s global mission to create dynamic workspaces comes alive in their Taiwan office, where Bean Buro has crafted an environment that reflects the brand’s international identity while celebrating Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage. Located in Taipei’s prestigious Xinyi District, near the iconic Taipei 101 Tower, this office is part of a broader effort to set a global standard for Warner Music workplaces across key locations. The aim is to nurture creativity and collaboration, providing a space where both staff and artists can truly thrive.
International Brand Consistency With Local Integration
A key challenge for the Warner Music Taiwan office project was achieving a balance between establishing a cohesive international brand identity and integrating local cultural elements. The aim was to design a space that not only embodied Warner Music’s global ethos but also resonated with the local community in Taiwan. Additionally, the project faced the challenge of sourcing materials locally to minimise reliance on overseas imports, which required a strategic approach to ensure quality and design integrity were maintained. This was accomplished through close collaboration with local design partners, ensuring that the office not only met sustainability goals but also celebrated Taiwan’s unique cultural heritage.
Design Inspiration
The design draws inspiration from Danish artist Tilde Grynnerup, embracing her vibrant and energetic style with bold patterns and dynamic elements. This lively approach is tempered by an earthy colour palette, offering a serene backdrop that encourages creativity and interaction. The office makes the most of its scenic, tree-lined promenade, using mirrors to reflect the greenery indoors, creating a seamless connection with the outdoors.
Playful Ceiling Treatments and Intuitive Flooring
The open-plan layout is divided into distinct zones by playful ceiling treatments, featuring waffle patterns and LED art installations that guide movement and enhance spatial clarity. Carefully chosen colours and materials for the flooring help define each area while maintaining overall cohesion, supporting a range of activities from focused work to creative collaboration.
Dynamic Features and Flexible Spaces
The workspace is brought to life with intricately designed wall panelling and bespoke joinery. At the heart of the design is the “Playful Platform,” a flexible performance stage with bespoke seating that encourages collaboration. A dynamic wall feature adds energy and playfulness, creating an optical illusion, while musical notation graphics are integrated throughout the flooring and other elements, ensuring a cohesive musical theme. Local mural artwork adds a unique touch, celebrating Taiwan’s cultural backdrop, and an open stainless steel kitchen introduces a sleek, urban vibe.
Well-being and Sustainability
The design prioritises well-being and sustainability, reflecting the core principles of the WELL Building Standard. Neutral, calming colours are used throughout the office to create a relaxing atmosphere, while strategically placed vibrant colours add energy and engagement. Access to ample daylight and views of surrounding greenery enhance the mental well-being of occupants, fostering a sense of connection with nature. Acoustic comfort is considered with sound-absorbing materials, reducing noise pollution and creating a more focused work environment. Biophilic design elements, such as greenery and natural textures, further enhance mood and reduce stress. The layout encourages movement through intuitive pathways and open spaces, and includes communal areas and flexible gathering spaces that promote social interaction and collaboration, strengthening community bonds and enriching workplace culture.
Sustainability is also at the forefront, with glazed partitions maximising natural daylight to reduce energy consumption. The open ceiling design minimises the need for gypsum plasterboards, and vinyl flooring is preferred over traditional carpets to avoid harsh chemical cleaning. This choice offers durability and easy maintenance, aligning with environmental sustainability goals. Acoustic solutions are seamlessly integrated to ensure the space supports both performances and focused work, with all materials sourced locally to support the Taiwanese economy.
A Diverse Array of Spaces
The workspace is divided into various functional zones to meet diverse needs. The open-plan office promotes communication and collaboration, while areas like the pantry, stage, and collaboration spaces are catered to more casual gatherings and creative exchanges. Enclosed offices provide the necessary privacy for focused work or small meetings. Meeting rooms are equipped for discussions and presentations, complemented by phone booths for private calls or video conferences. The studio room is designed for high-quality recordings, catering specifically to artists and producers, while a dedicated artist room offers a space for relaxation and inspiration. A multi-function room, with its casual vibe, is ideal for collaboration, games, and karaoke, encouraging informal interactions and fostering creativity.
Creating a Harmonious Environment
The design strikes a fine balance between liveliness and tranquillity, supporting both social interaction and concentration. Expansive views over lush tree canopies enhance the soothing atmosphere, enriching the overall ambience. Thoughtful design elements and strategic zoning create an inspiring setting for Warner Music Taiwan’s creative pursuits, encouraging innovation and collaboration. This project is part of Bean Buro’s comprehensive initiative to develop multiple Warner Music workplaces, setting a global standard that resonates throughout all their international offices.
Photography courtesy of Bean Buro
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