After years in a predominantly technical environment, Crytek sought something more than a conventional workplace – a space that would embody its own identity. The Bad Homburg-based interior design studio Ninic was tasked with bringing this vision to life. They created what they call the HEARTquarter: a transformative space that nurtures creativity, dynamism, and cohesion while making the company's core values – achieve, empower, and envision – tangible in physical form.

The space presented an immediate challenge: the rental footprint in Frankfurt's heart was narrow and deep, with limited natural light reaching many areas. Rather than accept these constraints, Ninic's designers turned light itself into their design strategy. It became the defining element—guiding orientation, shaping atmosphere, and anchoring the space's identity.

The design translates the gaming world – the company's roots – into a contemporary workplace. Play and learning zones, quiet retreats, and collaborative spaces flow seamlessly together, forming a flexible ecosystem that encourages movement and human connection. Organic forms dissolve rigid hierarchies; modular elements enable future adaptation. At the heart of the design strategy lies lighting. Linear luminaires and downlights establish visual rhythm, guide the eye intuitively, and define distinct zones – from focused work alcoves to open collaboration areas. In interior spaces, carefully calibrated light tones simulate natural daylight, supporting circadian rhythms and boosting well-being. Here, light transcends its functional role, becoming instead an emotional tool: it energizes and soothes simultaneously, creating both orientation and spatial depth. Texture and materiality complete the dialogue between light and space. Natural-textured flooring subtly transitions between zones, while wooden louvers, glass partitions, and acoustic panels balance structural clarity with visual openness. Strategic greenery provides vibrant accents and carves out pockets of nature within the urban landscape.

www.teamninic.de
www.nataschaninic.de

Photography:
Lars Gruber
www.larsgruber.de

(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 04|25)