Urban Spaces Co-working in Stuttgart, Germany by Studio Komo.

Studio Komo conceived a ‘workplace of tomorrow’ for the Schuck family’s Urban Spaces company in Stuttgart, Germany, a combined office, meeting and events precinct. Mink Architects transformed the 1960s family-owned office building, while Studio Komo were responsible for the interior.

Driven by principles of networking, the designers disbanded the formerly rigid, segmented interior, removing walls to encourage easier circulation and opportunities for employees and clients to meet and connect. The resulting 800sqm work space is set across two levels with 60 workstations, open kitchens and colour-coded meeting rooms equipped with full service technical facilities.

“The aim was to merge rooms, divisions and functional areas so that each would flow into the next,” says Moritz Köhler of Studio Komo.

The ground floor reception area features a shop that stocks everything the modern-day nomadic worker might need, from envelopes to toothbrushes. A steel staircase links each floor and leads to an expansive roof terrace, while a connecting atrium is designed for quick, informal meetings. The terrace proved to be the biggest building challenge, with Mink having to incorporate a new steel girder construction into the existing building that spans across almost every room.

Studio Komo aimed to create a playful urban oasis, combining colourful elements with an overarching sleek, industrial aesthetic as requested by the client. The colour and material concept ranges across shades of Barolo red, rich green, blue and grey. Oak panels and hanging pot planters lend a natural touch. Custom graphics form a guidance system that leads visitors throughout the interior.

Spatial filters lined with PET Felt acoustic panels are used to delineate zones without sacrificing a sense of openness. ‘Focus Boxes’ lined with PET Felt provide private concentration havens or places to take a call, some even fitted with swings. A specially designed glass wall system divides meeting rooms while allowing a restricted view of the interior. Island-style tables based on Eiermann table frames feature a number of built-in solutions, with table surfaces able to affix to the frame and combine tables beneath one another.

See other workplace interior projects on Yellowtrace here.

[Images courtesy of Studio Komo. Photography by Philip Kottlorz.]