99c

About the Project

Inhouse, a leading office interior design firm, embarked on an ambitious project to redefine the workspace for advertising agency 99c in Cape Town. The 3000 square meter premises, spanning the top three levels of the Atlantic Centre, presented a unique opportunity to craft an environment that not only reflected 99c's creative ethos but also fostered enhanced collaboration and productivity. The primary goals for Inhouse were clear: elevate the already spectacular site, create a fully functional environment tailored to 99c's daily business needs, and embody the agency's creative spirit. Before any design work commenced, Inhouse, led by Creative Director Aidan Hart and Senior Designer Moiisha Visagie, conducted an extensive study into 99c's daily activities. This deep dive, informed by Activity-Based Work (ABW) principles, allowed Inhouse to act as a workspace specialist, providing 99c with an optimal space planning layout. The design strategically incorporated both “high-focus” zones for individual work and “high-communication” zones designed to encourage teamwork and collaboration. Unlike traditional office setups where meeting rooms are the sole communication hubs, Inhouse introduced innovative “campsites”—collaborative, shared spaces that facilitate informal interactions. Aidan Hart emphasizes that modern office design recognizes collaboration often happens organically, rather than being confined to formal meeting rooms, thus optimizing the use of available space and promoting connectivity across the three-level office. To combat potential “level-by-level stagnation” and foster inter-personal connectivity, Inhouse implemented significant architectural interventions. A new stairwell was cut into the concrete slab between the 8th and 9th floors, intentionally placing the boardroom on the 8th floor to encourage movement and interaction. The existing staircase to the mezzanine was replaced with a striking stadium structure, ingeniously housing a kitchen and serving as both a staircase and a versatile gathering arena for the entire company, complete with a motorized projection screen for presentations and screenings. This strategic design element promotes cross-floor communication and a unified company culture. Throughout the office, Inhouse created semi-private pods and high-energy meeting spaces, allowing employees to interact freely without monopolizing formal boardrooms. A vibrant color palette, incorporating 99c’s corporate colors—burnt orange, blue, black, and lime yellow—brightens feature walls and detailing, complemented by oversized dome pendants. The design also embraces nature, with six large trees and numerous living walls creating an indoor, landscaped garden that softens the office environment and enhances user well-being. Furthermore, the project champions sustainability through the extensive use of honest materials like pine, plywood, and Oriented Strand Board (OSB), which provides tactile warmth and a stylish effect at a modest cost. A recycled shipping container, innovatively converted into a waiting room, serves as a powerful symbol of 99c’s creative solutions and global reach, subtly reminding employees of the importance of client service and delivery amidst the panoramic views of Cape Town’s harbour. Inhouse’s comprehensive approach has resulted in a world-class office solution that seamlessly integrates Activity-Based Work principles with a standout, contemporary aesthetic for 99c.