Office Landscape

Seriousness but also well-being

Even for a toy manufacturer whose products accompanied generations of children into their fantasy worlds, a workspace is ultimately about serious administration, concentrated work for development, marketing or press relations. Nowadays, however, it is not only about creating company-specific identification spaces that enable both employees and customers to come into direct contact with the corporate culture, it is of course also about well-being in the workplace.

The interior designers developed a “Schleich World” with different topographies for these concerns, or more precisely for the creative department, in the short space of six months. The basis was a design concept that followed a precisely coordinated colour palette, whereby the materials used were committed to sustainability. Hay, wood, cork, sisal and woollen fabrics were used.

The Big Five

Zentrales und verkehrsleitendes Element der 1.000 Quadratmeter großen Geschossfläche ist ein grünes Teppichband, das wie ein Urwaldfluss längs durch den Gebäudetrakt mäandriert. Es ist das erste der fünf Entwurfselemente, der „Forest“. Dieser generiert Freiflächen, die wie Lichtungen in einer Waldlandschaft gedacht sind, verbindet Funktionszonen und bietet Rückzugsr.ume an.

Der „Jungle“ dagegen manifestiert sich als dicht gesetzte Pflanzen in den Co-Working-Räumen und Einzelbüros, wobei vor allem das von allen nutzbare „IdeaLab“ besonders expressiv auftritt und mit Energie spendenden Hängesesseln aus Korb ausgestattet ist. „Savannah“ werden die hell gestalteten Open Spaces genannt, die als Wechselarbeitsplätze Leichtigkeit und Flexibilität unterstützen sollen. Hier ist die Bepflanzung „buschiger“. Von „Farm“ ist die Rede – Spielzeugkenner denken sicher unwillkürlich an die bekannten Bauernhoftiere von Schleich –, wenn es um die Zusammenarbeit geht: den Konferenzraum, beziehungsweise Showroom.

Betont auffällig bestimmt ihn ein langer Tisch aus umsäumtem Massivholz, der auf Metallrädern steht. Ein Bodenbelag aus Almheu unterstützt das agrarische Motto. Um den mittig positionierten Block des Eingangs und der flankierenden Toiletten verläuft der „Ocean“ mit seinem blauen Bodenbelag. Hier befinden sich Empfang, Phoneboxes und die kleine Küchenbar. Originell ist die Idee, über den Sitzenden begrünte Pflanzenkörbe aufzuhängen.

What do you consider to be the supporting qualities of a good workplace? Where do these come to the fore in your project?

Oliv Architekten: A good workplace in the Gro.raumbüro offers a balanced mix of an open structure and opportunities for retreat. The possibilities must meet the individual user needs and the organisation of the company. The structure of the workplaces takes into account the contemporary way of working, which oscillates between community and communication as well as privacy and concentration. When designing the Schleich World, these aspects as well as the basic spatial qualities such as light, air and acoustics were considered from the very beginning.

Do you see any comparability in the spatial design for living and for working?

Both typologies require zoning for different functions, even in the smallest of spaces. In the office world for Schleich, the entire concept is based on this zoning. Through almost homely design elements such as textiles, furniture and plants that are untypical for workplaces, the cosiness and individuality of living is brought into the working world. Especially in creative zones and quiet areas, upholstered furniture, hanging chairs and extravagant wallpaper are used.

Which material-related aspects are decisive for you in the future development of the workspaces?

How is this reflected in your project? Currently and in the future, office design will emphasise the durability and recyclability of materials. However, the basis for sustainability is first and foremost a timeless design so that users feel comfortable for a long time. High-quality furniture or future furniture classics are something people will want to use for many years to come. Special new materials with “ingredients” from nature are used, e.g. a floor covering with a surface made of natural fibres from alpine hay.