Culture of the Office

Office Culture Requires Space

Office work is more than just sitting at a desk, typing, and making calls. It follows a culture. The fact that this mindset has been translated into space and has had a positive impact on employees is one of the reasons why the client involved here – adesso SE – has already received multiple awards. That sets a standard. For their new workspace in Dortmund, which accommodates 645 workstations across 8,680 square meters of office space, high expectations were set – and met by the design team at raumkontor innenarchitektur. Interior architects are essential to this process. The result is a range of diverse and adaptable spaces that meet even contradictory demands: offering places for focused individual work as well as stimulating interaction, for solitude and for gatherings.

Spatial Identity and Functional Diversity

At the same time, a subtle goal had to be achieved: to reflect the client’s intention of connecting employees and visitors to the company through the design of the space – to create a sense of identification. The foyer already makes a statement with a striking light installation. From here, employees and guests spread out through the building, reaching their offices or passing through the catering lounge on the way to various conference and meeting rooms. They might walk by the “playroom” or continue on to the bistro – for a lunch break or an evening gathering. There’s also an adjacent green courtyard, offering a refreshing outdoor option, especially in summer. The office floors are dominated by open-plan workspaces, complemented by enclosed zones conceived as phone and focus booths. Nearby, you’ll find either a sofa lounge or a standing table for spontaneous small meetings. Private offices for confidential conversations and closed meeting rooms are evenly distributed across the floors, forming a diverse functional cluster. Sliding elements made of different materials with multiple functions run like a ribbon along the corridors through the workspace. Acoustic felt and translucent acoustic panels were used to ensure a pleasant sound environment. These are complemented by movable whiteboard surfaces that can be positioned as needed. When closed, the sliding systems offer optimal visual privacy and effective acoustic separation. They adapt to changing needs – and in doing so, promote collaboration and creativity.

What can architecture do to create a good workplace?
Jens Wendland:

Spaces affect us through all our senses. A well-designed space empowers us and supports us in realizing our full potential. This can be achieved through design on many different levels. In terms of spatial organization, it’s important to have layouts that are precisely tailored to various work situations. Agile working requires a wide range of options to choose from – and opportunities for retreat should not be overlooked. Specific lighting scenarios play a significant role, and well-planned acoustics are essential. Last but not least, a carefully considered color and material concept makes a big difference.

Which functions and/or spaces do you consider most important in a modern work environment?

Communication is the central hub for continuous development and innovation. That’s why a wide spectrum of diverse communication spaces is the secret to well-designed work environments. Informal meeting points are particularly effective (a café lounge at the intersection of different departments can work wonders), but even everyday spaces can and should be reimagined. New connections between analog interaction and digital exchange still hold a lot of untapped potential. Even when it comes to lighting and acoustics for video calls, there’s often room for improvement.

Which materials do you strongly recommend to your clients in architecture or interior design?

Every material shapes a space through its inherent qualities. That’s why we recommend materials that don’t imitate others – that appear exactly as what they are. This understanding of authenticity is a key factor in durability, and thus a fundamental starting point for sustainable thinking and action. Circularity must increasingly become a given – it shapes our everyday work. We also enjoy rethinking the conventional uses of materials in creative ways. This often leads to innovative design approaches – and frequently to budget savings as well.