Business Center 1905 & Co-Working Space in Baden, Switzerland by Oliver Christen.

The 1905 co-working space and business centre in Baden, Switzerland is named after the year that the Art Deco building was originally constructed. Formerly the ABB’s model carpentry shop, the best carpenters from around the world constructed timber models with millimetre accuracy within the walls of 1905.

Now, the building once again offers common ground for specialists to work under one roof, albeit from very different backgrounds. Local architect Oliver Christen has created a diverse co-working space with multiple rooms for working, meeting, and a staffed catering area.

A blue-green stained plywood and oak structure sits within the existing interior, distinguishes the space and forming a kitchen and partition walls concealing a staircase and a mezzanine level. A hole punched through the staircase partition forms a playful window and allows light to filter through.

Christen focused on the tectonics of the individual architectural elements as a central design aspect, considering the timber structure to have the same function as clothing – a functional element that is both installation and furniture. Built-in elements include shelving, sinks, countertops, and a window seat.

The palette balances the dark timber floors and deep emerald plywood with cream walls and natural warm timber, with full height windows assisting in keeping things fresh, bright and sophisticated.

See other co-working spaces on Yellowtrace here.

[Images courtesy of Oliver Christen Architekten. Photography by Valentin Jeck.]