Step away from your desk
FutureLab opens new pathways for inspiration and collaboration
Carmeq, a Volkswagen Group subsidiary developing software and functions for tomorrow's vehicles, envisioned a FutureLab where workplace innovation meets research. This compelling challenge brought kubix on board. Through intensive collaboration and weekly touchpoints, the team refined the concept rapidly and delivered the entire project in just eight months—a remarkable feat.
Located on the ground floor of a former car dealership, the FutureLab comprises three distinct yet interconnected zones. The public realm functions as a showroom, reception lounge, user experience, and smart lounge. The open workspace serves workshops, creative sessions, meet-ups, and presentations. A third "secret zone" houses the workshop, laboratory, and studio. While traditional office spaces on the upper floor support focused work and meetings, the ground floor thrives on unconventional thinking. Here, employees escape routine and engage across varied spatial settings. Teams book areas for workshops, brainstorming, events, customer research, and prototyping. The space actively encourages creativity, sparks fresh ideas, and fuels inspiration at every turn.
Design strategy prioritized working with the existing structure rather than extensive renovation. Existing floors, ceilings, and lighting were retained and woven into the concept through strategic colour, supplementary lighting, and selective new finishes. The design draws from Carmeq's corporate identity, interpreting their colour language and automotive dynamism in abstract form. Fixed installations establish functional frameworks while maintaining restraint and visual flow. Loose furniture energizes the space with bold colour accents and flexible, modular arrangements—layering additional dynamism. Nearly all mobile elements feature acoustic properties and mix-and-match versatility, accommodating everything from acoustically isolated focus work to dynamic workshop configurations.
Photography Credits:
Ken Schluchtmann
www.diephotodesigner.de
(Featured in CUBE Berlin 04|20)
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