The Vortex
Originally situated under two mango trees, Magic Mango's growth led to the creation of Pop Korn Advertising and its distinct headquarters, The Vortex. While Magic Mango remains in the original building, The Vortex embodies a bold creative vision, designed to enhance collaboration, interaction, and inspiration within a challenging, compact site—the former garage of Magic Mango.
Despite spatial limitations, the three-story, 1,500 sq. ft. Vortex accommodates a 22-person team, fostering an open and vibrant workspace that mirrors the advertising industry's dynamic nature. The ground floor offers a welcoming lobby and boardroom for clients. The first floor includes a work area alongside a terrace with a small pantry for informal exchanges. Open-plan workstations on the upper floors promote unity and teamwork.
A key design element addressing the limited space is the incorporation of vertical voids, promoting visual and verbal connectivity between levels. The centerpiece of this design is a striking hot pink spiral staircase. Beyond its function, this curvilinear form introduces a dynamic fluidity to the building's otherwise rectilinear structure, injecting energy throughout the workspace.
- Located in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka
- Submitted by Ck Architect
- Finalists 2025
Colour Codes
The original mango trees have been preserved at the entrance, providing shade and a symbolic link to Magic Mango's origins before entering the energetic interior.
The hot pink spiral staircase, a visually prominent feature, creates a bold contrast with the building's restrained architecture. This juxtaposition enhances its visual impact and establishes a recognizable brand element. The chosen hue reflects the energy, creativity, and boldness of the work conducted within, transforming the workspace into an inspiring environment.
Color extends beyond the staircase, with subtle integration throughout the interior to achieve a vibrant yet cohesive atmosphere. Neutral tones provide balance to the pink, ensuring it remains a focal point while maintaining the space's adaptability for creative processes. Strategic lighting enhances the pink's presence, creating shifting reflections that emphasize movement and transition.
The Vortex
Ultimately, The Vortex demonstrates the impactful role of color in architecture. A single, thoughtfully selected hue can define a space's identity, evoke emotion, and create vibrancy. It is a workplace designed to inspire, where color shapes the spatial experience, energizes its occupants, and leaves a lasting impression.
"In this project, colour was used to define hierarchy, movement, and brand identity while maintaining spatial flexibility. The hot pink spiral staircase serves as the focal point, embodying the agency’s dynamic energy and guiding movement. The muted gray backdrop allows evolving creativity, while teal green tabletops subtly reinforce Pop Korn’s brand. Over time, the space remains a living canvas, adaptable to the team’s evolving work, with posters and visuals personalizing the environment."
Ck Architect
