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A subtly lit winding corridor by Flos.

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Vibrant corridor carpet by InterfaceFLOR.

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RMJM’s concept concourse design.

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Bluehaus’ reception design for The First Group.

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The public areas of a commercial building, whether it be the reception, waiting rooms, lift lobbies or corridors and foyers are all imperative components to the brand experience. From a five star hotel to the regional office of a government facility, the design has to be welcoming, accessible and encourage an easy flow of traffic. Over the following pages, interior designers, architects and manufacturers discuss what makes a successful public space and the considerations that go into specifying the ideal lighting scheme, furniture, flooring and finishing touches.

Howard Pharr, president, Hirsch Bedner Associates says: "[The design] can be vibrant or tranquil, contemporary, traditional or thematic depending on the wishes of the clientele, but should have a sense of location, be practical without appearing practical and work with the architecture of the building. These spaces are a kind of stage set for the clientele to use for a variety of roles." He suggests that opening spaces onto each other visually or directly helps the excitement or activity of one area generate excitement or interest in adjacent areas. "While sitting in the lobby lounge you might be able to see somewhat into a nearby restaurant or bar. Guests are continually exposed to welcoming activities without having to go looking for them or rely on signage to find them."

Understanding the intended use of the space is paramount, and Darren Lyon, design manager, Bluehaus says it is the first step in plotting a design: "Designers should basically think in three dimensions: what are the practical, physical and emotional impacts of a public area, they can then map the traffic flow within the space. For example, a customer walks into a reception area - where do they go next? Most probably to the reception desk, then to the waiting area, possibly to look at promotional material, then to a meeting room and to the exit once again."

He adds: "These ‘journeys' require an understanding of how people think and act, which is a question of psychology, and about how a business or a public area should optimally work." He cites the cost, delivery schedules, light reflectivity, acoustic parameters, heat dissipation, environmental and health impact as the key design decisions to be made before any aesthetical materials are specified. He adds: "Security factors, aesthetic value, brand presence, visual impact and function of the whole area are the criteria for receptions. The core values and the actual role of a company should be expressed in this first contact zone."

Kevin McLachlan, RMJM comments: "We as designers have the good fortune to work with our palette on a grandiose scale here in the region. The users of the spaces we create judge us on a global scale as it has become easier to continent-hop. The commercial spaces we deliver are more about ‘processing and functions'. They are still required usually to impress, but in a corporate space, it is to express wealth, success and business acumen."

"Efficiency is far more important in these spaces and we, as the designer, pay far more attention to the function and movement through the spaces on a macro and micro level of how we believe the spaces should be utilised. The impression for the user from these spaces usually comes from ‘scale and quality of materials' and their integration by detailing. Office lobbies - transport epicentres - conference facilities are spaces where extravagance is forgone for practicality," McLachlan adds.

As Carlo Moro MD, Selva Middle East perfectly sums up: "The reception area is essentially the ‘business card' of the hotel."

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