PR Agency's Moscow Office by Dvekati

Dvekati created a tiny, charming office space in Moscow for PR agency Rupor, within a constructivist-style house originally built in 1927. With a limited budget, the designers use unexpected materials and vibrant colours to create a joyous and fun workplace. At just 45sqm, the compact layout feels a little like a uni share house, adding to a sense of dynamic energy in the office.

The designers looked to Soviet Modernism for inspiration, leading with function without neglecting form. Completed in just two months, the office accommodates workspace for six to eight employees as well as a meeting room. The rectangular, open-plan layout is divided into three areas, with desks, a conference zone, and kitchen. MDF panels act as imitation tiles to line the partition wall and a matching planter, as well as the outline of a door-less opening to continue the motif.

The modernist office interiors of 1960s Soviet research institutes, in particular, inspired the furnishings, with everything serving a specific purpose. Blue carpet extends from the floor and onto a built-in bench seat, while the dividing podiums are topped with hollow steel rectangles that frame the various zones without blocking them off. Tones of brown and nude, as used for the MDF panels, are colours that the designers think notably represent Soviet modernism.

Simple décor such as an IKEA table, L-shaped white desk and vintage floor lamp thrifted in Estonia are complemented by bold standout pieces; a pair of yellow Panton chairs from Vitra, originally designed in 1960, and a 1970s white and orange Latvian lamp that hangs from the ceiling. Tropical pot plants add greenery and assist with acoustic absorption, with a basket pendant light and bamboo blinds adding to this slight island-life twist.

Gypsum plasterboard was stripped back from the ceiling to reveal concrete panelling, which gave an additional 200mm of height and mirrors the restored concrete floor. Dvekati’s boldest statement was contained to the kitchen, painted all bright red with matching cabinetry. Hanging on the wall is a carpet cut into the fictional Soviet fairytale character of ‘Chebruska’.