Delicacy in the office

Location: Rome
Area: 550 Smq
Cliente: Digitalisation company
Project time: 2021

When speaking of open-plan offices, one often associates them with very large spaces where anonymity lurks around every corner, and where identity – as well as the pleasure of inhabiting the space – is entirely absent. This is not the case here, however, because every time our studio takes on a project, we always consider the people who will use it and, above all, the feelings that place will convey to them.

When speaking of open-plan offices, one often associates them with very large spaces where anonymity lurks around every corner, and where identity – as well as the pleasure of inhabiting the space – is entirely absent. This is not the case here, however, because every time our studio takes on a project, we always consider the people who will use it and, above all, the feelings that place will convey to them. For this company, we created an open-plan environment that fulfils all functional workplace requirements while providing employees with a pleasant space in which to spend much of their day. The office can be divided into two main areas: the first features two small open spaces, the reception area and meeting rooms; the second consists of one large open-plan working area.

Entering through the main door, the eye is immediately drawn to the first area, a large space divided by a central partition wall and marked by window openings. Along the right-hand side develops a working area, while the left-hand side comprises a reception desk, waiting room, a small meeting room, and another workspace. The areas dedicated to work activities are characterised by side-by-side workstations and custom-made wooden planters containing various types of plants, which separate them from the circulation paths throughout the office. To further distinguish these pathways from the working areas, the choice of flooring played an important role: the circulation routes feature light-blue vinyl flooring (echoing the company’s brand colour), while a cream tone was selected for the work areas – both supplied by Gerflor.

Returning to the glazed dividing wall, it plays a significant role within the office functions. The partition itself is characterised by recesses aligned with the windowed areas, where “one-to-one” workstations have been placed. The window openings feature staggered square wooden frames that, in addition to their decorative purpose, allow natural light to filter through both workspaces. The reception area, located immediately to the left of the main entrance, is marked by a contemporary counter in the same colours as the flooring, with shelving behind it and modern pendant lighting.

Next to this is a small meeting room enclosed by full-height glass walls and a small waiting area furnished with contemporary armchairs. This whole area is separated from the open space by full-height glazed partitions, ensuring a sense of continuity between spaces without creating a perceptual division. Following a corridor away from the workstations, one reaches a large meeting room capable of accommodating many of the company’s employees, making it suitable for any type of meeting. A large table with at least 30 seats becomes the key place for drafting project plans and organising corporate activities.

The second part of the office features a large open space. Here the workstations, placed side by side and also facing one another, allow work activities to be carried out while fostering positive interaction among employees. A medium-sized glass-enclosed room houses a private office, quieter and intended for company executives. The only dividing element in the open space is a floor-to-ceiling wall made of square wooden profiles, which separates the work area from a small break/relax zone and the restrooms. The abundant natural light, the choice of colours, and the lightness of the materials characterise this space in every function and offer employees a place of connection.