Regional identity is central to NetCologne IT Services—and the new workspace reflects this commitment. Interior design firm if5 design won the contract by translating the company's culture and brand identity into built form: a collaborative environment that prioritizes community, communication, and agile teamwork.

The original cell-based layout has given way to open, generous spaces with varied spatial qualities and zones for focused work. The corporate identity emerges through a striking interplay of light and shadow in the open-plan offices, enhanced by colored lighting accents. Neon signage and graphics referencing local Cologne neighborhoods establish a strong regional presence, while an LED light strip visually connects the zones. The system is intuitive: blue and red lights dynamically indicate whether a space is occupied or available. The collaborative work zones deliberately break from the office aesthetic, boldly featuring the company's signature red and blue palette. The Rhine winds through these project areas as an inlaid floor detail—a subtle reference that energizes the space for spontaneous meetings, workshops, and collaboration. Each area accommodates different group sizes and adapts easily to evolving needs.

Large felt ceiling baffles made from recycled ocean plastic, paired with wood wool wall panels, absorb sound effectively across the open areas. Within the enclosed room systems, floor-to-ceiling acoustic panels serve this purpose while reinforcing the regional narrative through their graphic treatment. To support modern work methods, walls and room system backs were designed as writable, wipeable surfaces throughout. The central corridor's suspended grid ceiling was completely removed, exposing its infrastructure intentionally—a transparent gesture that amplifies the sense of openness. The result: dynamic, energizing spaces that engage and inspire the entire team.

www.if5-design.de

Photography Credits:

Andreas Rudolph
www.rudolphfotografie.de

(Published in CUBE Cologne Bonn 03|21)