CLARKS ORIGINALS Design studio
design : ARRO studio [ Erik Arlen & Ludo Roth ]
year : 2015
location : Street, Somerset - UK
surface : 300 sq.m
ARRO studio was given the opportunity of creating the new Clarks Originals design space, settled in a 300m2 warehouse. The project integrates
the conception of various zones and the design of furniture such as desks, meeting table, trolleys, shelves, shoe wall, closets...
Part of the historical industrial C&J Clarks site built in 1825, this space used to be the tools plant for the shoe manufacture. The ARRO project splits the space into 5 different zones, each defining a specific function, yet blending one into the other.
Acting as a key element of the workplace, an 8-meter long floating table built around the existing INP beams creates a focal point for the team members to gather and connect.
The « Modern factory » embodies ARRO's reinterpretation of the historical C&J Clarks surrounding buildings striking features. Enclosing 3 rooms,
the « Modern factory » encompasses the director’s office, a storage room and a large meeting room.
The open workspace benefits from an exceptional natural luminosity thanks to the large, original windows of this industrial site. ARRO created large cork panels which can rotate and slide on the existing INP ceiling beams, using travel trolleys.
At one end of the workspace, ARRO created a functional « Shoe wall », on which each shelf used to display the footwear designs double up as handles that open and turn the wall into a giant closet.
Finally, the Leather storage, created as a closed facility, is surrounded by a library which shelves induce continuity into the workspace and are facing the floating center table.
The Lounge area, a space dedicated to inspiration and relaxing moments, is located on the opposite side from the Leather storage. Surrounded by large windows, the lounge integrates a small kitchen, a bar, a large storage bench system in the corner, as well as an oversized suspended light specifically designed by ARRO for this project.
ARRO conceived this work environment as a bridge between creation, focus, meeting, presentation and inspirational moments, which are all key to the Clarks Originals creative process.
