IN THE SQUARE

A Human-Centered Approach to Architecture

When we plan and build, it ultimately always revolves around people—and accommodating 250 employees places a particular responsibility on us. The Upper Austrian construction company Habau Group would have addressed an optimized working environment even for eight employees; however, when it comes to large-scale dimensions and new construction, everything must be comprehensively considered. The commissioned architectural firm ARKFORM, based in Linz, designed a striking monolith on a square floor plan measuring 50 x 50 meters for the site in an industrial area. The flat-roofed building, constructed with a reinforced concrete skeleton, features an exterior shell made of solid concrete precast elements and sun-shading panels covered with expanded metal, referencing the company’s field of activity. These panels are mechanically foldable. The ground floor is enveloped in raw steel plates, and the rooftop structures are made of wood—thus combining concrete, metal, and renewable materials. This results in a precisely contrasting aesthetic from the combination of flawless exposed concrete on ceilings, walls, or columns and the weather-resistant charred wood of the facade. All conduits are left visible, and even the fire doors are showcased. For the interior zones of the workspace, these core materials serve as design guidelines, connecting employees, clients, and guests in a pleasant way with the work environment. Meeting rooms, for example, are themed around concrete, wood, and steel, with recycled formwork panels used in the exposed concrete ceilings repurposed as acoustic slatted ceilings.

Designing for Flexibility and Well-being

Active productivity in daily work is ensured through a sensible combination of movement—free choice of workspace within the building—and concentration—retreat areas are offered everywhere. To create more space for employees, the floor plan avoids storage areas, cleverly compensating for the still necessary storage space through built-in furniture. Equally restorative and inspiring is the daylight streaming in from the outside and through the two greened inner courtyards. Sun protection is managed by foldable louvres controlled by the position of the sun, which encircle all upper floors externally. For those seeking fresh air, the carefully planted rooftop terrace offers a pleasant retreat.

What are the key qualities of a good workplace for you?

Klaus Landerl: Perfect acoustics, good lighting, and materials that contribute to well-being.

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

Both are virtually identical.

Which functional aspects are crucial for you in the future development of workspaces?

There must be areas for retreat and focused work, as well as spaces for meetings and exchange.

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

Warm materials like textiles, which also have acoustic effects, are becoming increasingly important.