Ophelis workspace furniture : the start of a new work order

According to Trendbüro, a trend consultancy in Hamburg, the upcoming changes in the way we work in the future, will be radical and will have an effect on organisation, leadership, communications, the use of space as well as the actual way a company operates. Ophelis, a family owned company since 1983, in Bad Schönborn, Germany, has been looking into the answer to this question as part of an innovation workshop involving experts from the fields of architecture, product design, facility management, change management, users, and with the support of the Trendbüro consultancy.

Ophelis introduced a modular system, which can be combined in various ways to create different office islands. Docks can be used to create a communal meeting point and interface, as well as a place for quiet concentration and relaxation. The modules can be put together in such a way as to provide acoustic and visual privacy or open-plan meeting areas. The elements are designed to match the dimensions of ophelis furniture, so that shelves and cabinets can be seamlessly connected and integrated. Used as a a transition and connection element between various zones in the office, docks allow for a change of scene, produce synergy effects, promote internal communications and enhance the feeling of well-being in the workplace.

The product concept was designed by the Groschmeier design studio – Till Grosch and Björn Meier are two young designers who have drawn attention to themselves with their unconventional solutions. In their own words : “No other place where furnishing is required has undergone so many functional and emotional changes in the past few years as the office. The efficient use of floor space is now also being brought to the fore, which means that we are now also seeing the transformation of the classic office work place into a multifunctional communal space becoming a positive trend in the world of work. The quality and variety of exchange between employees is the key to effective work. We believe that office furniture should enable flexible decentralised communications. It should support informal office chats just as much as spontaneous work meetings in a small group. In our view, the office is not just a place of work but also a living environment. When we were designing “docks”, it was important to us to support well-being in the office.”

the atelier of Hermann Rosa

The  Atelier Rosa is the studio space of the late German sculptor Hermann Rosa. The photos of this magical ensemble of concrete boxes are by Jürg Zimmermann. The interiors are denuded of all save the absolute minimum. A single material (concrete) is deployed throughout with tremendous effect. Silver birches soften tough exteriors. Boarded formwork joints part and make way for inset plumbing pipes, which become sculptural – a bas-relief of utility. Daylight scuds across knobbly bare walls. An elemental concrete stair leads one up to a vaulted hall. A simple round skylight recalls the moon. Modest pavers lead the eye and the inhabitant deeper into the forest glade. The simplest steel-framed doors and windows set the concrete off just beautifully. Even the outdoor dunny is achingly beautiful. [1]

[1] Ref. http://www.yellowtrace.com.au/2013/07/30/atelier-hermann-rosa/

underground architectural studio in Genova

Underground spaces don’t typically get enough credit for their inventiveness and exploration of wayfinding, lighting solutions and the fact that you really don’t always know that they are there. This particular underground space is a converted garage that has a few natural light sources with above ground windows that are level with the outside ground (think Laverne and Shirley). The interior of this architecture office heralds black floors and a ceiling, with glossy white furnishings and built in lighting. A built in metallic wall creates a separation of space and makes a cozy little nook for the kitchenette space, and beautiful lighting gives the otherwise dark lair a soft warm glow. Carlo Bagliani was at the forefront of this project, with the end result resulting into a stunning underground workspace. [1]

[1] Ref. http://inthralld.com/2013/12/unique-underground-architecture-lair/

tribal DDB office in Amsterdam

To be honest, I totally dislike open spaces for work environments. I believe, they crush individuality, suppress the employee's sense of private creative space and exaggerate the feeling of constant monitoring by peers, not to mention the fact that due to the constant noise from others you cannot talk, listen, discuss, or even think clearly at some times, ultimately leading to poor performance and work fatigue. The truth is that the open-work-space model, is more or less dead, and most new firms are moving away from it, opting for more secluded worker's space, and common areas. However some spaces are so balanced, and so beautifully simply designed, that I cannot but comment favorably.

The goal for the DDB office in Amsterdam, was to create an environment where creative interaction is supported and to achieve as much workplaces as possible in the new structure with flexible offices and large open spaces. i29 Interior Architects searched for solutions to various problems which could be addressed by one grand gesture. At first a material which could be an alternative to the ceiling system, but also to cover and integrate structural parts. Acoustics became a very important item, as the open spaces for stimulating creative interaction and optimal usage of space where required. This led the creative duo to the use of fabrics. “It is perfect for absorbing sound and therefore it creates privacy in an open space. From felt we made ceiling, walls, furniture and lamps”. [1]

[1] Ref. http://www.dailyicon.net/2011/08/tribal-ddb-office-by-i29-interior-architects/

UpperKut communications agency

Upperkut, a young communications agency, based in Montreal, Canada, takes up residence in the basement of a fully operational church, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, in Montreal. The issue posed therefore was how to design the space without compromising the dynamic and fun character of the agency, and without altering the ceilings and other acoustic components of the building? Montreal-based designer, Jean de Lessard, solved the problem by relying heavily on color and large-scale graphics that echo Uppercut’s website. The 380-square-meter space was divided into four areas: president’s office, project managers’ area, studio and multi-function room. The result is a colorful, functional space with a slightly scruffy feel that reiterate the vibes of both Upperkut and church-basement life.

the Nova Iskra design incubator

Design Incubator NOVA ISKRA, located in Belgrade, Serbia, is an independent, innovative and self-sustainable platform for the professional development and affirmation of young industrial and furniture designers, architects, graphic designers, illustrators and all other young creatives from the domains of graphic communications. NOVA ISKRA's working space represents a junction of encounters, creative exchange, mutual support and joint ventures. The goal of NOVA ISKRA is to create realistic and sustainable connections between designers and manufacturers that will result in products, which should besides enriching domestic market with their cutting-edge design and quality of production, become competent on the global level, as well. Through its program activities NOVA ISKRA provides its members with logistic and education support which covers entire production process from the initial idea to the realization of each original design - idea and product development, copy-right protection, market positioning, PR strategy and other aspects of the process in question. Read more here.

Besides its basic function - to offer working space for its selected members, and to long-term connect them with manufacturers in a constructive and sustainable way - NOVA ISKRA will be implementing numerous other projects, educational programs, professional meetings, lectures and workshops in an effort to attract not only the creative sector representatives, but also the representatives of small and medium businesses and manufacturers. A part of the programs will also be addressed to the general (creative) public interested in innovation and new tendencies in creative sector and creative industry domains.

Architects Petokraka were brought in to create the incubator in a 350sqm derelict building downtown. They incorporated a number of distinct and functional areas for the multi-disciplined creatives can do their thing, but also included more practical elements such as a conference room, kitchen, an office service and a design library. [1] The building is essentially divided into two levels and several spatial units in order to answer all designer's needs, who are direct beneficiaries and users of the space. MAKE mini workshop fully equipped with tools for models production. Centrally positioned and transparent, it represents the Incubator’s most dynamic part. WORK Design Incubator’s working space equipped with 18 office desks, all of them provided with their own electricity supply and connection, 24’’ monitor, storage space, and comfortable working chair. For the utilisation of the rest of the available spaces, continue reading here.

[1] Ref. http://www.weheart.co.uk/2013/02/08/nova-iskra-design-incubator/

18 feet & rising offices

As the UK headquarters for advertising agency 18 Feet & Rising, the offices were designed with a utilitarian aesthetic that can easily be replaced in a few years as the company grows. Studio Octopi were asked to incorporate four qualities into the space; emergence, vortex, action and illusion. On that account three principle zones were identified within the agency: work, socialise and pitch. Each zone was then supported by a secondary tier of: read, make and plan. The zones were defined by black stained plywood walls and woven vinyl flooring. These act as theatrical devices in function and appearance. As with theatre the design enhances the presence and immediacy of the experience.

The work desks were arranged within a cog form. On entering the agency, the end of the cog disappears out of view. It is difficult to perceive the space denoted as a work zone, there is an illusionary aspect to the design. Power and data was taken off the existing overhead supply and distributed to the desks throughout the low plywood walls. Break out spaces are scattered to the perimeter provide views across neighbouring buildings. To the inside of the cog, the kitchen opens onto a central café seating area. There is no reception; the café area fulfils this role. 18 feet & rising is probably London’s fastest growing independent ad agency, and thus it’s likely the design will be replaced within a few years. On this basis the fit-out is surprising, a little unnerving, and in places whimsical. Access more info and photos here.

Selgas Cano architect[r]ural office

The innovative workspace of Selgas Cano Architecture in Madrid-Spain, serves as an inspiration for all who work there. Half of the office space is underground and the other half has a glass ceiling, bringing nature closer to the employees. No matter if you´re inside or outside the view is fantastic. Criticism of course, lies on the facts that it resembles a test-tube, where no apparent ventilation can be seen, or privacy (for work purposes) can be achieved. On the other hand who’s to say that working in a congested cubical, in an office building with artificial light and ventilation is actually better, or productivity enhancing ?

The unusual office building was designed by the architects themselves and build in the beautiful forest area nearby Madrid. The tunnel-shaped office with curved windows is a perfect example of uniting interior and exterior space. The interior opens to the surrounding nature, but stays pleasantly enveloping and cozy, with suspended desks and airy shelving along the far wall. View more photos here.

POP-UP Office from Dubbeldam Architecture+Design

Dubbeldam Architecture+Design is a Toronto based multi-disciplinary design studio recognized for creating innovative and environmentally responsible design solutions that are timeless and uniquely designed for each client and context. The studio’s design process is characterized by teamwork and intensive collaborative exchange, resulting in projects that reveal a conceptual clarity and are crafted with a meticulous attention to detail. Completed and current projects range from the design of single and multi- family housing, to commercial and institutional renovations, and includes landscape, furniture and installation design.

POP-UP Office installation is a concept space which attempts to answer the question “how do you work?” displayed as part of Toronto's Interior Design Show 2013. The exhibit is presented by steel space, a container-based event design company. Four studios were each given a shipping container to realize an idea for a workspace. Dubbeldam responded with 'pop-up office' a cubicle comprised of wooden modules made out of discarded shipping palettes that can be rearranged according to the user's needs. the modules are broadly divided by the concepts 'focus', 'collaborate', 'lounge' and 'refuel.' the project's aim was to create a working environment for a global culture, defined by dynamism and mobility; it's only requirements a work surface and a place to plug in. the interiors of the space function like a continuous skin that folds to provide seating and storage. [1]

Built out of reclaimed wood pallet boards and their frames, separate modules collectively form the modern work place facilitating both individual work and collaboration – a workspace, collaborative space, lounge area and refueling station. In sinuous forms, the reclaimed boards morph from the wall and floor into furniture elements, sanded where the human body comes in contact with the wood and left rough where it does not. The modules are comprised of separate planes (floor, wall, ceiling) and furniture elements that are assembled in different configurations. Modular shelves can be inserted into slots between wall boards, creating adjustable display and storage areas. Smaller ledges slide into gaps between the wood slats. [2]

[1] Ref. http://www.designboom.com/architecture/dubbeldam-architecture-design-pop-up-office-toronto/

[2] Ref. http://www.archdaily.com/332050/pop-up-office-installation-dubbeldam-architecture-design/