OFFICIALLY TESTED

Shaping the Future of Public Offices

It’s about the future, even in public offices. This insight led to the decision at the District Office of Freising to set up a pilot area focused on the necessities, opportunities, criteria, and practical conditions of the “New Work” concept. 500 square meters of office space in the historic Stabs barracks were to be designed by INpuls. The layout of the existing building, a rectangular box shape with a central corridor, is typical of old military and administrative buildings, presenting a challenge due to its rigid spatial arrangement. The task of the planning was to develop a clear future-oriented vision for the citizen’s office, which leverages digital advancements, is inclusive, promotes internal work, and rethinks advisory processes. The planners are specific: “A human-centered design and a modular, multifunctional meandering system emphasize sustainability and proximity to citizens.”

Flexibility, Inclusivity, and Sustainability

All departments of the District Office, each with approximately twenty-five employees, will have the opportunity to work in a process-oriented manner in various test and experimental fields every six months within this workspace. To explain the spatial functions, introductory workshops, informative panels, and graphic explanations are provided—not only to validate user-friendliness and efficiency but also through feedback workshops. Employees and citizens are equally the target audience. A consulting café creates a pleasant environment where citizens can wait for their appointments with a drink and independently gather information at digital stations. Form, materials, and colors contribute to intuitively understandable, positive spatial qualities. Special attention was given to the sense of security and the need for privacy, which, however, varies depending on the department’s work field and must be relaxed or protected accordingly. For this purpose, the interior was designed with flexibility in mind. Good lighting and signage provide orientation. The modular, multifunctional meandering system developed by INpuls serves as a second skin for the heritage-protected existing building. It also has a sustainable quality, as all elements will be reused in public facilities after the testing phase.

What can architecture do for a good workplace?

Sabrina Tafelmeier: Architecture can promote collaboration through flexible, process-oriented spaces, support individual work styles, and create a pleasant atmosphere.

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

Central spaces such as flexible work areas, quiet zones for focused work, and meeting zones for creative exchange are essential to promote a balanced and dynamic work environment.

What materials would you recommend to your clients in construction or interior design?

We rely on sustainable materials and modular furniture that can be used flexibly and reused in different spaces and for various purposes. This promotes flexibility and durability in design.