A one-of-a-kind facility in Australasia, Genton’s design for the Ford Asia Pacific Product Development Centre project — delivered in collaboration with Cachet Group — fuses the client’s requirements for abundant natural light and privacy, delivering a minimal, state-of-the-art sanctuary designed to inspire creative thinking.

A space where cars are designed from concept to prototype, Genton’s approach to the project was informed by museum design philosophy: creating spaces that complement, rather than compete with the creative processes.

With the addition of 100 workstations, an extended clay modelling workshop where full-scale models can be made, and a new five axis gantry milling centre, the 2,300m2 expansion provides flexible and functional facilities that optimise the capacity of the design office, while breakout spaces and shared amenities promote interaction and collaboration between departments.

Filtering light through high level translucent glazing on the exterior walls, the bright innovation space simultaneously feels open and highly secure, with frittered glass selected to enhance privacy and reduce solar gain. A clean, contemporary external facade mirrors the materiality of the interior without indicating the highly confidential operations within.

With natural light as an important part of the design and prototyping process, Genton designed a 1,100 m2 internal courtyard where vehicles can be privately viewed outdoors, with robust dark cladding on the internal walls reinforcing the sense of privacy. The internal courtyard has the added benefit of permitting outward views without letting the public see inside.

The largest single Ford Design Studio outside North America, Genton’s Ford Asia Pacific Product Development Centre project provides a light-filled industrial space to support the design, research and innovation processes, and demonstrates the value Ford places in Australian design within its own team and beyond.

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