Everything Shared

A Dynamic Workplace Hub in Salzburg

The entire building complex, with 10,382 square meters and seven floors, is as extensive as its interior. It is located in the south of Salzburg, near the local university of applied sciences. Fifty thematic, interconnected companies find their location here and benefit from not only shared modern infrastructure and amenities but also from the active exchange between companies and students. The 500 stationary workstations are spread across more than 6,600 square meters of office space. kadawittfeldarchitektur designed the Techno-Z Office Home in a long-unused shell building, creating spacious utility, action, and lounge areas initially shared by all tenants.

The foundation for the following specific planning – the Office-Home concept – was a scientific study, ranging from surveys to a dissertation. The guiding principle was the “Shared Office” model, where the participating companies and university departments share all infrastructure offerings economically, fostering content-related networking. Synergies are created, talents are discovered, and the space itself becomes attractive, even for external visitors: a multiple win-win situation.

Innovative Spaces for Collaboration and Flexibility

In the deep, interior spaces with no direct daylight, so-called “satellites” were created – asymmetric, amoeba-like drywall constructions housing public facilities. The extroverted service satellites serve as spaces for exchange and first contact, with inviting features such as coffee points, a bouldering wall, a ping-pong table, balance boards, fitness equipment, meeting areas with swings, and cozy lounges. On the other hand, the introverted satellites house sanitary areas, showers, lockers, small meeting rooms, phone booths, and a power-napping room.

The ground floor contains the large dining area with real olive trees and an open kitchen for self-cooking, alongside a cozy lounge. A free-standing staircase to the first floor provides seating for about 60 people and offers presentation areas. On the upper floors, there are flexible “Deep Work” workspaces that can be booked via an app: a remote workspace for a day, a desk for a month, a furnished office, or even an entire office floor. This enables companies to act dynamically within the architectural workspace.

What can architecture do for a good workplace?

Sybille Maier-Ginther: Essentially, it’s relatively simple things like light, air, acoustics, ergonomics, and a connection to nature that influence people’s well-being. Workplace architecture succeeds when these elements effortlessly blend together.

How much should the design of the workspace adjust to individual needs?

Ideally, a large part of the basic needs important to each person should already be covered by the basic design. The additional individual adjustability expresses personal personality and freedom, and as such, is generally to be supported.

What functions and/or spaces are the most important to you in a working environment

It’s the perfect mix of collaboration spaces and areas for retreat. But food also plays a central role in feeling comfortable and “at home.”