This Office by Kozeen + Rueda is a Neutral Backdrop to Design Objects and Floral Compositions.

Bold and ambiguous, this new interior is—surprisingly—an office and showroom. Designed by Kozeen + Rueda, the cosy and multifunctional space is home to both Mox Bureau, a landscape architecture firm and a local florist—a match made in heaven in workplace synergy.

The architecture studio approached the office as a white cube—a neutral museum-like backdrop for design objects and floral compositions created by the in-house florist. Monolithic volumes flow into one another, breaking the space up into individual rooms delineated by glass or textile partitions. The open plan arrangement visually increases the size of the office and glass windows and doors offer privacy while keeping the whole space interconnected.

The layout is organised around a single axis running from the façade to the back of the interior, accentuated by the position of the ceiling lights. There are windows on only one side of the office but the combination of a neutral palette, reflective materials and a mirror on the opposite wall help to make the most of the available natural light.

Cadine Artisan Retail & Flower Shop in Vancouver by Ste. Marie.

Embracing the delicate art of craftsmanship, the interior hangs between a quiet, pensive moment and the celebration of articulated innovation...

Each room—reception, meeting room, florist’s work area and showroom—contain unique objects. The neutral space delicately allows visitors’ attention to focus on the form, colour and texture of the sculptures, paintings or functional design objects sprinkled throughout the office.

Kozeen + Rueda offset the interior’s neutrality with a variety of textures; different patterns of brickwork—from historic to modern day—covered in light grey paint; matt reflections on aluminium surfaces; smooth glass and mirrors. Taking an exhibition-like sensibility to the lighting, the direction of the luminaries can be changed depending on the position of the objects while the ceiling allows for flexibility in arranging a rotation of artwork.

EDITOR’S NOTE

This project is located in Russia. While we do not condone the war in Ukraine nor agree with the state of Russia’s actions, we do not see any value in punishing individuals for something they have little control over.

Yellowtrace exists to promote good design, new ideas and creative thinking. We believe that good design is for everyone—it comes from all over the world and has the potential to unite us rather than divide us. For this reason, we have decided to continue to share work based on merit rather than location. We will take a similar approach to various global sporting events where Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete while not appearing as representatives of their countries.

While we understand not everyone will agree with our decision, this is what feels right for us. Thank you.

TABLEAU Flower Shop in Copenhagen by Studio David Thulstrup.

In this ambitious, gallery-like space, flowers are arranged as sculptures, falling out of bespoke vases or poured over custom-made plinths...

[Images courtesy of Kozeen + Rueda. Photography by Varvara Toplennikova.]