DOTY 2026 Best Commercial Design (Workplace: Office – Gold): IDPM Sdn Bhd – Generali Malaysia

The headquarters of Generali Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur designed by IDPM Sdn Bhd was first featured in Commercial Concept Volume 13.

PASSION IN BALANCE

A design that balances the bold intensity of a signature crimson hue with the quiet elegance of achromatic tones.

For a global brand with a rich history, a new office is more than a workspace; it is a statement of identity. In the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the 148,385 sqft Generali Malaysia headquarters, designed by IDPM Studio, is a masterful study in corporate storytelling. The entire project is guided by a thoughtful concept, Passion in Balance, which explores the dynamic interplay between the company’s signature red hue and the quiet elegance of achromatic tones. The result is a sophisticated and harmonious environment that seamlessly blends brand power with a deep respect for local culture.

The journey begins on the ground floor, the public face of Generali. A bold, red-framed entrance acts as a powerful portal into the brand’s world. Inside, the reception and customer areas are bright and welcoming, immediately establishing the design’s core principle of balance. The passionate crimson takes centre stage on feature walls and in plush carpet inlays, while an elegant backdrop of white marble, light wood, and grayscale tones ensures a refined atmosphere. Here, the brand’s iconic wing-shaped logo is subtly integrated into the sweeping curves of the ceiling and bespoke lighting features. Lush vertical green walls soften the space, adding a touch of nature and calm to the sophisticated environment.

Ascending to the typical office floors reveals how this design philosophy is translated into the daily employee experience. The open-plan workspaces are bright and airy, with the signature red used strategically as an accent on acoustic panels and dividers. This prevents visual overload while still infusing the space with energy. The organic layout is defined by curved glass partitions and cabinetry with soft, rounded edges. These graceful lines are echoed in the graphics on the glass and personal lockers, which feature the Generali wing motif, reinforcing the brand identity in a subtle, elegant way. Throughout these floors, human-centric working pods and quiet nooks offer employees a diversity of spaces for focus and collaboration.

The design also thoughtfully weaves Malaysia’s rich artistic legacy into the corporate environment, particularly in the social hubs. In the pantries and breakout areas, the atmosphere shifts to become warmer and more relaxed. Here, beautiful Peranakan-inspired tiles create intricate floor patterns, and comfortable seating is adorned with knitted cushion fabrics reminiscent of local crafts. These Asian-inspired elements provide a touch of cultural identity, creating a space where local employees can feel proud of their roots and international visitors can feel a genuine connection to the location.

On the executive floors, the concept of Passion in Balance reaches a new level of refinement. The boardroom is a breathtaking space, where a magnificent, curved table sits beneath an equally impressive custom ceiling light that mirrors its organic shape. The palette is more subdued, yet the presence of the brand is unmistakable in the deep red accents and the tapestry-like motifs in the carpeting. This is a space designed to be both powerful and harmonious, perfectly suited for leadership and vision.

The journey culminates on the top floor, a multi-functional hub dedicated to community and collaboration. This expansive area features a stunning VIP reception, a large café, recreational spaces, and a state-of-the-art town hall amphitheatre. Snaking through the open ceiling is a striking, 31-meter-long custom pendant light, its form inspired by Generali’s iconic wing logo. The walls are lined with concave and convex fluted panels, adding a sophisticated rhythm and texture to the interior. This floor is the ultimate expression of the company’s ethos: to “Enable people to shape a safer and more sustainable future by caring for their lives and dreams”. It is a space where passion, sophistication, and cultural identity converge seamlessly, creating a powerful and inspiring experience for all.

About the Designer of the Year Awards and Best Commercial Design

The Designer of the Year Award (DOTY) aspires to discover and honour the exceptional works of talented designers from Malaysia and beyond. It sets the benchmark of excellence in design and is committed to championing them in architecture and interior.

The theme of DOTY 2026, “Celebrating Design Intelligence”, highlights how design has evolved beyond mere aesthetics to encompass functionality and sustainability, where user experience, environmentally-friendly materials and technology integration are essential to well-being and efficiency.

Best Commercial Design recognises designers who have crafted phenomenal commercial spaces with brand identity, productivity and well-being in mind. Their projects, which come under various categories, are featured in Commercial Concept.

Visit doty.com.my for more information.