The sculptural form of the Arena joinery piece, situated in Melbourne’s Probuild offices contours throughout the space; its undulating, organic form juxtaposes against the rectilinear geometry of the office environment. The Arena instigates an interactive dialogue between architectural form and conventional space, between aesthetics and material, and between function and user.

Himmelzimmer, one of Melbourne’s leading design architect firms worked closely with Probuild to create a unique seating and function sculpture that reflects Probuild’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and construction. Through Himmelzimmer’s pioneering use of Birch plywood timber, The Arena won the Timber Award of Excellence in 2018.

A harmonious dialogue exists between the form and function of The Arena. One side of the Arena organically curves into two-tiered ‘on the round’ seating, creating an ambient theatre space for presentations, workshops and seminars. On the alternating contour of The Arena we find the centralised bar with surrounding orbital seating.

Activity flows around the perimeter of the bar, coming together into smaller curves created by the oscillating shape of The Arena. The natural curves of the Arena piece provide seating and are positioned parallel to existing windows. The integration of the existing windows and curved seating create an expansive feel for the user that moves naturally with the sculptural curves of The Arena.

To create the sculptural and organic aesthetic, 18mm Plywood panels were CNC cut into varying shapes and sizes, the panels were then spaced at 38mm using self-drilling timber screws as fixings. Through this process 2D panels morphed into a complex 3D sculptural form; one that stands as a structural whole while delivering a dual purpose

The Arena piece transcends convention, reflecting Himmelzimmer’s unique ability to bring complex architectural visions to life; firstly, through original spatial organisation and secondly though craftsmanship and innovative use of material.