The ongoing impact of Covid-19 restrictions is fuelling a growing demand for superyachts, both for purchase and extended charter. A realisation that superyachts are a safe haven in an uncertain world where you can both live and work from, has seen a growing number of requests for the provision of bespoke workspaces onboard.
At SMART, we’re designing more and more onboard business workspaces. They are deeply personal areas to clients, who devote a significant amount of their time to ensure they mirror how they operate in business. This may be a large, shared area for themselves and their key staff, or a private and secluded space where decisions can be made without distraction. To achieve their end result, a close relationship between their designer and technology consultant is vital. Together, we effectively marry the two disciplines of design and technology to create the ideal workspace. Without this, the unwelcomed scenario of something looking great but failing to perform, or being an engineering masterpiece that is unusable, are common grievances expressed by many superyacht owners.
A perfect example of technology and design harmonising in a business-focused space can be found on a recent project, Luminosity, a 107m superyacht design by Zaniz Ltd and built by Benetti Yachts.
“A very specific brief was developed with the client,” says Zaniz. “The space had to be multi-functional and self-contained with its working, conferencing, relaxing, and dining zones both inside and within its immediate exterior surrounds.
Starting from the possibility to arrive directly in front of the office by helicopter on the touch and go landing deck and be greeted. One had to be able to feel comfortable spending the whole day and night there in meetings, so everything was put in to facilitate this.”
All the desks and tables were custom designed to facilitate wire management for the myriad of devices needed. When sitting at the centre desk the client had the possibility to turn onto the curved computer desk, based on a watch strap design, and work with others and view all the screens. Within the office panelling is direct access to the PA’s office, printer and storage room, and a concealed large en-suite bathroom.
The ceiling “clock” uses dynamic lighting, having a direct reference to our biological clock, stimulating well-being, and keeping you feeling alert and refreshed whatever time you are working.
The design of the space is based on time. The notion that we measure time on a 24hr cycle. The ceiling was designed to have an integrated drop-down projector and 160” screen for video conferencing and the curved wall panels have two 55” displays.
Connectivity was high on the agenda for secure communication to the client’s headquarters. A solution was designed to enable the yacht’s communications system to act as an extension of their office, rather than creating an additional segregated system. Not only did this provide familiarity to communicate effectively when moving from ‘office to office’, but also a safe and secure link managed by the client’s land-based staff.
Private and secluded workspaces have many of the challenges as those discussed above, although smaller in scope; they are often more personalised. Despite these differences, the operational objective remains constant: secure, reliable connectivity in an environment designed to meet the client’s specific needs.
A successful technology solution, including connectivity, is achieved by creating a strong foundation built on adaptability, capacity and longevity. A well-designed single solution avoids the unwelcome and unnecessary traps we have seen on many refit projects. We have spoken with clients who have fallen into the pitfall of having two separate technology systems - one for leisure and one for business. This adds unnecessary and often significant cost and complexity, for no real benefits. Designed correctly, a single technology system will have all the capabilities to comfortably and effectively manage both elements at the same time.
A client’s request for ‘wireless coverage everywhere’ has several elements to engineer into a single design. Firstly, what is actually included under ‘wireless coverage’ (e.g., Wi-Fi, GSM, UHF, etc.). Some of the other factors to then consider are mast design, antennae and radome positioning, signal types, data routing and distribution and of course cabling. Only when you have these answers can you determine what coverage is achievable and what technology is required from start to finish.
Knowing the importance of each element and how to combine them to reach your goal is one reason why SMART exists. We manage these technology risks and design a solution for you based on our independent, unbiased, expert knowledge and advice.
Connectivity is crucial for both work and pleasure, on land and at sea. Superyachts will be scrutinised far more in a business environment than in a leisure one. The impact of a technology failure for a business is far greater than in a solely leisure-based environment. Having the right team at your disposal ensures your expectations are met. SMART’s expertise in ‘business onboard’ projects, means we’re ready for the next generation of superyacht, no matter the purpose or function required.
