Transforming Traditional Workspaces into Modern Placemaking Hubs

At MIL Design and Construction, transforming offices is not just about

aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that resonate with identity, purpose, and

sustainability. Placemaking, the process of giving meaning and identity to spaces, is at the

heart of this transformation. We’ve successfully applied these principles to projects such as

GAMUDA Learning Center and Enabling Academy, and the Leaped Office khazanah, where functionality,

employee well-being, and modern design come together seamlessly. These are the key design tips and methods we did:-

1. Crafting Identity Through Placemaking

   Placemaking creates workspaces that employees can connect with emotionally and physically.

- GAMUDA Learning Center: Each floor was designed with unique color schemes and

personalized names to reflect the functions and energy of the space. For example, the blue

floor was focused on calm and introspection, while the yellow floor embodied vibrancy and

collaboration. This design gave employees an intuitive understanding of the purpose of each

space, enhancing their productivity and comfort.

- Leaped Office: The entrance was transformed into a lush, welcoming vertical garden with

large, leafy plants to maximize oxygen exchange and improve air quality. This set the tone

for sustainability while making a strong first impression.

- Bold graphics and visual elements were layered throughout both projects to strengthen

the connection between the design and the company’s identity, making employees feel part

of the space.

Designing for Flexibility and Interaction:

Modern offices must accommodate diverse workflows, ranging from focused tasks to brainstorming sessions and informal gatherings.

At MIL Design, we focus on creating adaptable spaces that encourage interaction.

- GAMUDA Learning Centre: We designed multi-functional zones, including private workspaces for

concentration, semi-private brainstorming areas equipped with writable walls and modular

furniture, and open spaces that could be easily reconfigured for presentations or team

discussions.

- Tree Breakaway Area: we created a tree-inspired breakaway space

surrounded by vertical gardens and hanging plants. The area included beanbags and

comfortable seating to encourage relaxation and informal conversation. This feature

became a central space for employees to recharge and interact.

- Furniture in shared spaces is always chosen for flexibility, allowing teams to adapt the

environment to their specific needs without disrupting the flow of the office.

3. Sustainability in Every Detail:

   Environmental responsibility is a critical aspect of our designs. We ensure every material and feature contributes to ESG goals.

- Low-VOC Paints: Traditional paints release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

into the air. We use low-VOC alternatives to improve indoor air quality, creating a healthierenvironment for employees.

- Biophilic Design: Biophilic elements, such as integrated tree planters and vertical gardens,

bring nature into the workspace. For instance, at a recent office project, tree planter benches were

integrated into common areas to maximize greenery.

Vertical gardens in entrances and break zones enhanced the connection to nature, reducing

stress and boosting employee morale.

- Green-Labeled Carpets: We selected sustainable materials like Shaw Contracts’ carpets,

which are environmentally friendly and provide comfort while reducing noise levels. These carpets can be reused and even transferred to another location should one relocate to a different venue

MIL Design and Construction’s design approach transforms offices

into modern hubs of productivity, identity, and sustainability. We align design with ESG

goals to create spaces that work for businesses and their people. Contact us today to start

your office transformation.