- The offices of both Carlos Slim and Zhang Yin are organised so that both of them are comparatively isolated from the main business areas. Their status allows them to have isolated, private relaxation rooms which only they can access, and their work offices are only accessable to the secretary. Clients must first meet the secretary, and if a meeting with the 'boss' is required, they must wait in the 'hub'. Large boardroom style spaces are provided for Slim and Yin to meet their clients.
- Slim and Yin can access their secretary's office, the meeting room with clients, and the elevator to have lunch with each other from their working office.
- All the spaces are given generous volume, ceiling height, and lighting to give the idea of comfort, wealth, and power.
- In both setups, the path from the 'hub' or 'entrance' to the office of Slim and Yin is a relatively complex one, representing the idea that there are obstacles to power, and that the powerful can put obstacles and isolate themselves from the normal person.
- Changes in levels between rooms give an indication of where a person belongs in terms of power. For example, the clients need to walk upwards to reach the secretary, and the secretary must travel up to reach Slim or Yin.
Slim's Office
- Designed for his aeronautical business, the spaces are given large openings to convey the idea of 'being in the sky'. His office and private space are further elevated to convey the same idea and to show his power.
- Motorised doors and elevators are used throughout to emphasise the technological edge of the business.
Yin's Office
- Designed for her paper recycling business, the form of the rooms resemble cardboard cartons whilst giving a powerful and authoritative feel. The spaces are relatively enclosed compared to Slim's office, reflecting the idea that cardboard is usually used to enclose something, and also to create a quiet, internally concentrated business environment.
- The overall form of the arrangement is such that Yin's office and private space are directly above the 'hub' for the clients, in a way resembling a 'throne', where she is the "Queen of Recycled Paper".
Lunch Space
- The lunch space is arranged symmetrically, so that the approach of both Slim and Yin are identical, reflecting the idea that they are both equally powerful.
- The path to the main space winds slightly, and has a darker ambience for quiet thought and to convey an idea of the difficult times both have gone through to gain power.
- "Meshed walls", made of numerous little openings along the path contrast with the few large openings in the main space. The metaphor is that the little openings are the 'common' people, which Slim and Yin were, at one stage of their journey (~the path), and the large openings represent the powerful elite, which Slim and Yin are a part of now. Their presence in the main lunch area is a testimony that they have worked and become one of the powerful.
The Table
- The table, on first appearance is a large, authoritative table, one suited for important people. However, when the seat is touched, the table shrinks into a more intimate lunch table, so that the two powerful people can discuss closely, rather than seem 'out of touch', which is all too common for those with power.
The Elevator
- The elevator, with two open sides, show that power can be dangerous, and when used the wrong way can lead to dangerous situations. The protected, sheltered side of the elevator shows how power can be used to protect and be constructive. (See entry for draft elevator for further explanation).
