Artikular Architects' approach to redesigning leased office space follows a clear philosophy: analyze thoroughly, build trust, then design and execute. The result needed to feel open and welcoming while preserving quiet zones for focused work. The aesthetic had to be fresh and modern—energizing but not jarring. Most importantly, the redesign aimed to foster a sense of community among employees without compromising their ability to work independently.

The original layout consisted of isolated single and double offices where employees worked in silos. There were virtually no shared spaces. Convincing the team to embrace an open-to-semi-open floor plan proved challenging initially. The task became even more complex because the office wasn't a single, continuous space—it sprawled across two separate wings of roughly 400 m² each, divided by a stairwell. Unifying these disparate zones both spatially and visually demanded creative problem-solving.

Artikular Architects ultimately won the team over through a series of carefully choreographed spaces that felt dynamic rather than chaotic. Strategic furnishings—including distinctive vertical wood elements and deliberate sightlines—define zones without rigid boundaries. Warm, textured materials reinforce the welcoming atmosphere. The result balances personalization with connection: each employee has a dedicated workspace for deep concentration, yet everyone experiences the generous openness and collective energy of the whole. The design lets people choose their moment—whether it's time for focused solo work or collaborative engagement.

To knit the two wings into a cohesive whole, Artikular distributed key amenities strategically: the "social hub" (kitchen and lounge), coat storage, and various meeting formats appear in both areas. While teams work and collaborate across both wings equally, this functional distribution ensures employees naturally circulate between spaces multiple times daily—subtly strengthening the sense of unified culture.

www.artikular.com

Photography Credits:

Philipp Mürdter
www.philippmuerdter.de

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 04|21)