The Workshop by Ministry of Design (MOD) is a post-pandemic hybrid workplace aimed to replace its prizewinning Singapore office. Better known as the Bar Cod, the office that housed the MOD team for 13 years (between 2010 and 2023) had to suffer some Covid-induced changes. Over 60 percent of the new workplace, aptly named the Workshop, is dedicated to face-to-face conversation, while the remaining rooms include hot desks and auxiliary rooms.
A layered space for real-time collaboration
The COVID pandemic has permanently changed the way people live and work. With the majority of its employees now working from home (occasionally even from other Asian cities), the Ministry of Design has decided to adapt its office to the new reality. The new collaborative design is mainly focused on creative face-to-face work that will make the rare onsite meetings really count. Single desks are replaced by a counter-high “war room” five-meter-long table, while the neighbouring magnetic display is used for design consultations, material exploration, and work presentations.
The entire space is envisioned as a series of layered, connected zones of activity separated by 3D metal scaffolding. South and west-facing windows are letting the abundance of natural light in, minimizing the need for artificial lighting. However, if artificial light is necessary, for instance, at night, employees can use a tailor-made adjustable lighting system located above the table for maximum illumination.
Beyond working zones
Beyond the “war room”, the Workshop includes several discussion areas and hot desks paired with a printer, pantry, and other secluded storage areas. The material and artefact library expands throughout the entire length and width of the office. The library and displays are always within reach of the employees, making their work easier, while leaving them deliberately out in the open is meant to get the creative juices flowing. Storage, display, and worktops are made from frosted polycarbonate and fluted glass. The polycarbonate panels are fortified with solid aluminium rods inserted through their depth. The light, translucent feel of the polycarbonate and glass is juxtaposed with the firm structure of the surrounding metal framework and the solid surface tops.
Ministry of Design: Road to Success
The experiential design and branding agency, Ministry of Design, was founded in Singapore in 2004 by Colin and Joy Chan Seah. Over time, the team expanded to include Visualisers, Technical Experts, Architects, Office Managers, Interior Designers and Architects, Project Managers, and Graphic Designers from all over the globe working together virtually through a series of empowering technologies. Since its completion in 2024, the Workshop has gathered eight international awards, winning the 2025 Interior Design Award (Commercial – Spaces – Studios / Studios category) and the Built Design Awards BLT in the (Interior design Workplace / Office category) alongside a Silver prize at the Work-Small Office category at FRAME Awards. The Workshop was a finalist of FX Design Awards (Workspace Small – Under 40,000sqft), Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards (Work Space category), Design Anthology Awards (Workspace Design Spaces: Commercial Spaces), and Singapore Interior Design Awards (Best in Workspace Design – Floor Area < 500sqm).
Photo credit: Jovian Lim
