Focus & Experience
Transforming office space into a collaborative workspace
Companies competing for skilled talent need to offer something compelling in return. A winning formula combines innovative office designs with experience-driven work models—or elevates workspace quality through versatile, multi-purpose gathering areas. Mixed-use environments that blend work, living, and leisure spaces also strengthen the urban fabric.
At approximately 170 metres tall, Frankfurt's Opera Tower—clad in light yellow-beige Portuguese limestone—exudes understated elegance. Working closely with the building's owner, architecture and consulting firm CSMM designed an exclusive tenant lounge on the 6th floor. The vision was clear: transform this space into a vibrant hub for work and connection, fostering collaboration, communication, and organic exchange. It needed to support focused productivity while welcoming colleagues to unwind together—perhaps over a drink at the bar, gazing out at the Alte Oper. To realise this, the architects reimagined an existing office area into a flexible environment tailored to all tenants' needs. They masterfully balanced open, interactive zones with quieter retreats for deep work, while respecting the building's architectural character. Natural materials—wood, plants, moss—combined with soft colour palettes and flowing curves create an inviting, unhurried atmosphere. What was once conventional office space and a commercial kitchen has been reimagined as organic "play areas" with multifunctional rooms, an open lounge landscape, and a welcoming bar.
This thoughtfully designed space offers respite from the typical office rush, creating moments of calm and reflection. Yet it remains highly functional: three conference rooms of varying sizes accommodate meetings, while smaller zoned areas can be quickly cordoned off with acoustic curtains for focused work or private conversations. As evening approaches, colleagues can transition to the open-plan bar and podium terrace—both central to the redesign—where they savour panoramic views of Frankfurt's skyline.
Photography:
Gleb Polovnykov
(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 02|24)
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