Regulations and guidelines for design

Novo Nordisk – Scandinavian origins and the local traditions
Novo Nordisk is represented all over the world and so often appears as part of different cultures with local/national traditions and physical conditions.

Whether it be a Novo Nordisk production site or a sales office located in a rented office building, the reception must reflect the company’s Scandinavian origins and recognisability, and at the same time make room for local/national features and traditions – genius loci.

The reception – identity and recognisability
The Novo Nordisk identity and recognisability must be represented in all receptions by the following general design criteria:

Furniture and design elements
The Novo Nordisk receptions must also, wherever possible, have the following furniture/design elements:

A free-standing reception desk situated as an ‘island’ or ‘focal point’ in the room.

The desk should be a ‘standing/moving’ desk. The materials should be natural and authentic, and the desk should have a simple design with clean lines and simple shape.

Rounded corners or curved shapes may form part of the design. It is advisable to consult an architect on the choice of desk or drawing up of a suitable design.

Choice of material will often depend on the existing architecture and attitude to materials in the building.

The workstation in the reception should be decentral, i.e. not form part of the reception desk itself, and should comply with workplace regulations on ergonomics.

A Novo Nordisk standard display, as in the reception area in 6A, may be used, either as a wall hanging or as a free-standing element, for posters relating to NN campaigns, e.g. World Diabetes Day, etc.

A Novo Nordisk standard information board, with the same design as the display, may be used for day-to-day local information.

Where appropriate, a Novo Nordisk standard showcase may be used, either as a free-standing element or as a built-in solution, for exhibiting NN products, devices, etc.

It must be ensured that the above items are regularly cleaned and maintained/ replaced.

A widescreen display showing a short sequence of ‘the Novo Nordisk day-to-day life’ or other relevant NN promotional or campaign material may be located in the reception area.

A network computer should be available for telephone book enquiries, booking of meeting rooms, etc.

The Apis bull, name and logo may be used as an element/decorative motif in accordance with current CVI rules.

Soft furniture for waiting guests should largely consist of integrated activity/work modules placed freely in the room, e.g. high tables or plinths with touchdown and network connection so that it is possible to send and receive e-mails while waiting.

These may be supplemented with a smaller launch area with soft settees and daily newspapers.

As a natural extension of the Novo Nordisk tradition of using art as an expression of Novo Nordisk’s innovative and challenging workplace, the reception areas should showcase modern art. When choosing works of art, an expert should be consulted.

The intention is that the reception area should signify ‘healthcare’. One possibility therefore is to incorporate a ‘healthcare island’ into the reception area. This might involve information on health (food, exercise, etc.), a stand for e.g. measuring body index, the option to enjoy a glass of mineral water or fresh orange juice or a piece of fresh fruit.

The reception area may be supplemented with ‘natural elements’ such as large green plants/trees, which will also benefit the indoor climate, or with water, either in a reflecting basin or as water art – the sound of trickling/ splashing water can bring a natural atmosphere to the area.

Obviously the use and number of design elements and service functions will depend on e.g. the size and specific needs of the given reception area. However, it is always important to ensure a homogeneous, simple and targeted solution for each scenario.

In all cases, it is a good idea to consult an architect to illustrate the possibilities and to help in choosing the right solution.

Use of colours
The colour scheme used in a reception area must comply with the section Completion – colours.

It is important to match the colours in the room with the given light conditions (artificial light/daylight) and the spaciousness of the building; high/low ceiling, open/closed, warm/cold, etc.

The reception area should be experienced as a whole. Colours and materials should match and form a compositional whole with the lines, surfaces and elements of the architecture.

You should be aware that the CVI colour scale is not intended as buildingrelated colours. If the CVI colours are used as a starting point, e.g. for a painted back wall or as a colour scheme for furniture, carpets, etc., it is advisable to consult a CVI-competent architect.

Use of lighting
Generally, the lighting in reception areas must comply with the section Completion – lighting.

It is important to incorporate different kinds of lighting: artificial lighting, general lighting, focus light and ambient light.

For entrances and reception areas in particular, it is important that it is clearly and distinctly illuminated where a person enters the building and how they find their way around. For example, it must be ensured that signs, maps, door bells, etc., are sufficiently illuminated.

The reception area must have good orientation lighting (general lightning). This may be supplemented with ambient light to illuminate e.g. an information board, exhibitions or artwork. Direction-oriented illumination can guide guests, e.g. towards the reception, connecting corridors, stairways, etc.

The ‘reception island’ must generally be well lit so as to appear welcoming. It may be supplemented with lighting effects to accentuate the ‘desk’ as a feature in the room.

The reception workstation must be illuminated in the same way as a general workstation according to DS 700 (or equivalent standards). See Completion – lighting.