Alero Rebel Base

“We design to create singular experiences for our clients through color and light play, through distinctive material palettes and formal gestures. We craft experiential spaces, tailor-made to personal narratives; we forge spaces that tell stories and encourage new ones to be written.” After months of searching, Alero Design Studio had finally found a perfect location for their new office in Strata 2000 in Metro Manila. The commercial building was built in the 1980s and is characterized by its use of raw concrete, repetitive lines, and its monumentality. In the fifth floor, a 250-square-meter space that has been unused for 12 years proved to be a challenging but exciting opportunity for their new home. As an architecture and interior design firm, finding value in reusing and adapting on what’s available is one of their design considerations. They also had a vision of breaking the norm for their new office by having a fully personalized space for their team to immerse their creative selves in the company’s brand and culture. As soon as one walked through the door, they were greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere.The lounge area was curated with unorthodox and unique pieces of furnishings. Within the space, a large entertainment area was filled with all sorts of games and activities. The desks were arranged in an open-plan layout, which encouraged collaboration and communication. Supporting spaces like a bar and a conference room are also planned carefully for clients to feel comfortable and be more personal. Keeping in mind that the space is rented, all of the pieces are modular and adjust to the developing needs over time. The entire space was adorned with art pieces, collected by the team throughout its 8-year existence, fostering a sense of creativity during brainstorming sessions and creative meetings. This was also a space that showcased the work of local artists which sparks inspiration with the team in contrast to a neutral and rigid environment. What is truly memorable about this office is that it isn’t afraid to play around and experiment; this studio never set out to please everyone to start with. It is its design manifesto in physical form. Their projects are a reflection of who they are as individuals., as teams, and as organizations. The work they produce is an expression of their values, their passions, and their expertise. In this day and age of heavily curated spaces, and workspaces that play it safe and aim to please, Alero’s fun, quirky, but also very personal approach is a breath of fresh air. It isn’t impossible to balance work and play; Rebel Base can give a few pointers.