In the prestigious Chipperfield building, Dittmar & friends designed a contemporary, adaptable workspace for Berlin-based FinTech company Upvest. Across three floors totaling 1,650 m², the studio created flexible, inspiring office environments that embody the company's culture while supporting agility and collaboration. The client sought comprehensive services—from initial concept through final handover. Central to the brief was the creation of open, flexible spaces. The kitchen on the third floor became the hub—a generous social area where employees connect organically, innovate, and host events and meet-ups, all essential elements of modern FinTech culture. Another key component: a large, acoustically insulated boardroom. The spatial design evolved from Upvest's own recommendations, fostering close collaboration between client and designers. After initial alignment, work focused on fully finishing the raw floors. The design philosophy centered on creating an agile workspace: one that merges simplicity and efficiency with genuine comfort—the hallmark of a contemporary FinTech company.

Layered materials—curtains, carpets, and custom metalwork—define open spatial connections while respecting the zonal layout. The result is a workplace that doesn't just reflect company culture; it actively supports it. Open workstations, agile zones, and a central, expansive kitchen naturally encourage communication. Set within the revitalization of the historic Bötzow brewery complex, the project exemplifies the balance between striking design and functional intelligence. Beyond open work areas with quiet retreats, acoustically refined meeting rooms feature glass partitions and sustainable Baux panels. To achieve cohesive lighting throughout, the designers customized luminaire selections themselves. The aesthetic is defined by thoughtful zoning, refined details like terrazzo accents, and warmly inviting materials that feel less corporate, more human.

The designers' signature touch: custom wooden elements crafted in their own carpentry studio, including acoustic ceiling panels in social areas that radiate warmth and brightness. The result blends Scandinavian restraint with the precision of a FinTech operation. "Team first!" isn't just a tagline on the walls—it's woven into the designers' philosophy: "It's how we actually work together, every day."

www.dittmarandfriends.com

Photography:
Sebastian Dörken
www.sbdsgn.de

(Published in CUBE Berlin 03|25)