A well-designed office positively influences the efficiency and comfort of the working team. How to create such places is well known to architects from the Poznan-Warsaw architectural studio BSD’sign, who have completed projects for companies such as Orange, Rehau and O-I BSC. Their next realisation is in the Gdański Business Centre office building in Warsaw.
The architects began their work on designing the ideal office space by researching the needs and expectations of employees. While it is easier to design interiors from scratch, this time the BSD’sign architects had a more difficult task. They had to work with the existing space. However, they managed to make functional changes and make better use of the potential of the floor, which has become a place for employees and their guests to work and relax. The highlight is the terrace, which is now much easier to access.
The architects know that in the business world, first impressions are crucial, so they designed the reception area in a place from which the skyscrapers of Warsaw can be clearly seen. They created an entire level that has a representative character. Their aim was to arrange the space in such a way that guests would feel welcome, while at the same time being expressive and having a positive impact on the company’s image. Comfortable training rooms, client meeting rooms and a professional recording studio were built. Their cohesive aesthetics inspire creative conversations, fruitful meetings and stimulate creativity.
Original solutions
The heart of the office has become the cafeteria. It is a spacious room that allows you to relax for a moment over a cup of coffee or tea. Interestingly, this space also allows you to receive guests, providing an alternative to the classic waiting room or meeting room. In a less formal environment, more casual conversations can be held. The presence of a kitchenette is also important here, where you can heat up meals and relax on comfortable furniture. From this area, you can walk to the terrace, which has become a space for organising company parties. This is the perfect place for a short break in the fresh air. A birthday party after working hours? It’s possible here!
On one floor, the architects placed all the functions that can be accessed by people from outside the company, making sure that the appearance of this space corresponds to the values of the corporation. They even prepared a small coworking area for visitors to use when they arrive too early for a meeting. It’s a detail, but one that will certainly be remembered by those who use such a zone.
Adapting the existing space
The new office arrangement was based on the use of the existing installation infrastructure. The challenges posed by the adaptation of previous technical solutions became the impetus for the introduction of innovative technologies. Among other things, a DALI system was used, which intelligently manages the lighting in response to the presence of people. This provided each area with optimal working conditions, while saving energy and increasing user comfort.
Mentioning optimisation, another clever and practical measure was to design the meeting rooms in such a way that they have different sizes to suit different needs. The rooms are equipped with a booking system and intelligent control panels. Employees can check their availability at a given time and book in advance.
Homely atmosphere
The right atmosphere was achieved by the BSD’sign architects through the materials chosen. The cosiness of the space is given by materials imitating wood (due to fire requirements, the use of wood was limited). To meet the fire requirements, aluminium was also used, covered with a special foil with a wooden pattern. The proximity to nature is emphasised by the stone-like materials used: the counter and tabletops are made of sintered plasterwork, and the floors are covered with stone-imitation PVC.
The designers also decided to use as much of the old equipment as possible, which is why the furniture, after minor repairs, thorough cleaning and a change of upholstery, once again serves the employees.
The BSD’sign project is an example of skilful interior design, which provides a new quality to the company’s employees and visitors. Thanks to the redesign, it has been possible to introduce environmentally friendly solutions, reducing electricity consumption, and to use as many old elements as possible, pursuing a zero-waste approach. The space, arranged in this way, will last for many years.
design: BSD’sign(https://www.bs-d.pl)
photography: Adam Grzesik
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