A lot of space

New office world

When the utility company E.ON Deutschland envisioned a new company location in Munich, it was clear that this working environment would not only have to provide employees with ergonomic and pleasant workplaces. In addition – and this is signalled by the term “Good Energy” – the responsible planners wanted to create a place that was “welcoming” because it offered an attractive opportunity to get involved with the company, its tasks and the collaborative community in the workspace. It shouldn’t be an isolating home office where you work alone. A total area of 640 square metres on the first floor of an existing building was available for conversion. The interior photos alone show how well the pleasant lightness of being was transferred to the new office world.

In the heart of munich

Lots of light, spacious areas, relaxing colours. And what would an interior design concept be without a supporting narrative? This can be found in the structuring of the rooms in the rectangular floor plan, whose function is based on popular Munich squares: The flexible workshop room is called “Odeonsplatz”. The “Weißenburger Platz”, which has a special parlour character, is used for smaller meetings and confidential discussions. Larger meetings take place at “Marienplatz” – in a discreet Zen atmosphere. Business lunches or small meetings can be held at “Königsplatz”, while “Gärtnerplatz” has high tables and allows for informal dialogue. The humorous map of the office fits in with the fact that “Münchner Freiheit” is intended to “let your thoughts fly”. However, there is also room for confidential conversations and secluded telephone calls. As a frequented area, the new kitchenette has been given a wide working space as well as a connection to the open lounge area and the workspace. It is implied that this area – used in a lively and cheerful way – approximates the “Viktualienmarkt”. Its marketplace quality promotes communication and offers space for various event formats.

What are the key qualities of a good workplace for you?
Dorothee von Posadowsky: The location and architecture of the building, the room layout and variety of options for working in different constellations, the interior architecture and an appealing design, art, different lighting and a good colour concept, a good and easy-to-use IT offering, well-chosen and well-placed details – and finally, very important: a diverse range of food and drink, combined with areas where people can come together!
Do you see any similarities in interior design for living and working?
Yes and no. It’s good that a feel-good atmosphere has become more important in the world of workspaces. This is having an impact on a more conscious choice of colours and materials, as well as furniture that could be used in the home. Kitchens and catering facilities are more important, better, more open, more communicative and more central than they used to be – just like the open kitchen at home. Au revoir, old tea kitchen – where there was never any tea. When it comes to design, you have to be careful not to go too far in the direction of private living rooms and make the office environment look like a showroom in a furniture store.
Which material-related aspects do you consider to be the most important for the future development of workspaces?
A good mix of materials is a decisive success factor for the design of good workspaces. The range of materials has grown considerably in recent years and offers many new and exciting possibilities. If you succeed in combining materials in such a way that they harmonise with the building and harmonise the interior architecture with design, furniture and other objects, something special can be created that is not standard. Creativity is crucial here, and the aspect of sustainability is a matter of course.