Localize it!

Designing a Local Identity

In Munich’s “Die Macherei” district, an international tech company—whose name remains confidential—needed to accommodate 400 employees. They leased 5,500 square meters across three floors of a newly constructed office building in the eastern part of the city. The task was to design a workspace that reflects the company’s global identity while fostering a connection to the local Munich culture. Kinzo Berlin was entrusted with this challenge.

The ground floor and parts of the third floor feature expansive semi-public areas intended for collaboration with clients. The remaining spaces are designated as internal work and communication zones. Kinzo’s approach was to subtly integrate regional elements into the interior design, avoiding clichéd symbols like lederhosen and dirndls. Instead, they employed a series of motifs inspired by Munich’s local culture.

Design Elements and Cultural Integration

One prominent feature is the curtain system in the ground-floor workspace, where a blue-and-white gradient mirrors the Munich sky. The acoustic panels echo the vertical relief of traditional plaster facades. Additionally, the diamond pattern from the Bavarian coat of arms appears in various forms: zigzag-arranged pendant lights, reception wall shelving, and patterns in built-in elements and tiles.

Curved benches meander through the communal area known as “The Hub,” resembling the winding Isar River. Abstract mountain motifs adorn the walls, and lush greenery contributes to an organic, flowing landscape feel. A nod to Munich’s Oktoberfest tradition is found in the Games Room, where beer flows from the tap on Friday afternoons.

The workspace minimizes traditional desks; all seating is shared, adhering to a clean desk policy. Some teams have designated “team homes” or neighborhoods where they predominantly work. The facility includes meeting and workshop rooms, a library, cafés, and communal areas with benches and niches, all designed to promote informal collaboration and creativity.

What can architecture do for a good workplace?

Kinzo: Architecture can convey a company’s identity or even be identity-forming. It positively contributes to corporate culture by promoting openness, transparency, and appreciation.

To what extent should workspace design cater to individual needs?

Ideally, design doesn’t need to cater to each individual; instead, it should offer such variety that all users feel well-supported and optimally assisted in their work.

Which functions and/or spaces are most important in a work environment?

Especially post-pandemic, spaces that facilitate encounters and foster community and a sense of belonging to the company are crucial. Meeting rooms with seamless tech integration for hybrid meetings, as well as retreat areas for spontaneous team calls or video conferences, are essential.

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

We recommend natural materials with sustainability certifications and minimal emissions to promote user well-being. Real wood, whether as veneer or solid, ensures a homely and comfortable atmosphere. Ideally, products should be fully and easily recyclable.