Client: Grandcentrix, Cologne
Planning: smow Cologne
Year: 2017
Areas furnished: Open Spaces, Communication islands, Offices, Conference rooms, Social space, roof terrace
Project specification: Relocation with complete interior design of all spaces
smow has accompanied the relocation of Grandcentrix to Cologne's Holzmarkt from the very beginning. The conception of the new facility was based on the understanding of the young company as a "participatory enterprise", in which contributions of the employees were desired with regard to the furnishing planning. In particular, the pros and cons of open-space situations were controversially discussed such that it was finally agreed that it should be possible to work in a quiet environment, as well as to have a high level of flexibility in the sharing of spaces.
With their relocation to a new office, Grandcentrix requested a contemporary interior which did not reflect the start-up workbench aesthetic where creativity and supposed attractive working conditions are associated with artificially integrated islands with table football and other diversions. Rather, the goal was an innovative work environment which not only binds employees to the company as "seriously playful," but which also appeals to customers - all of them tradition-conscious premium brands of German mid-sized companies.
For 70-80 employees, an open-space office was created with seating groups as communication islands. For meetings large conference rooms are available. Around 25 jobs, including those of the management team, are in a more classic office environment, whereby to promote open communication they are conceived as double offices, and are also equipped with communication islands. In addition a kitchen and a rooftop terrace were realised.
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Learn moreTogether with you smow design tailored solutions for your specific requirements, simply contact our planning department to discuss your project! Our experienced architects, interior designers and designers have the know-how and creativity to implement your personal wishes.