Optica

Design Studio: C&G Partners

Optica is a group of people who are passionate about studying light and its applications. They aim to advance the fields of optics and photonics and share their knowledge through various means such as publications, conferences, and online tools. Their work inspires new breakthroughs and progress in scientific, technical, and educational pursuits.

Environmental and Wayfinding Design

 

System

In their office renovation, Optica aimed to blend their scientific background with their interior design. To achieve this, we adopted the principles of optics as the central philosophy for the design. We divided the floors of the building to represent the core optic principles, and also used the color spectrum to emphasize the space.

 

Interior Graphics

Modern office spaces often feature glass dividers, which pose safety and accessibility challenges. To overcome these issues, we developed a creative solution that used the glass as a canvas to express the optical principle that is used on each floor. This approach not only addressed safety concerns but also added to the overall design aesthetic of the space.

 

Op Art Graphics 

Detail of Conference Room Graphics

We worked with Optica to select visual representations of optical principles for each conference or huddle room, ensuring consistency. We improved the ambiance by layering an amorphous gradient over a halftone image. As well as included op art designs inspired by black and white checkerboard patterns, metaphorically referencing bathroom tiles.

 

Entry Floor Graphic

We implemented wayfinding throughout the space, incorporating the geometry of art murals, distraction markers, and opt-art to inform the typography. Our strategy involved simplifying the optical principles to their visual essence, making them easily and subconsciously recognizable.