Workplace Design
A Comfortable Office in a Heritage Property in the Heart of Helsinki
Location, location, location — but what else? As a result of user participation, key factors alongside location emerged as spatial diversity, good acoustics and quiet workstations. The kitchen was designed to have a cozy atmosphere. The starting points and final outcome of the office design strongly reflect the wishes and needs of the employees.
User Experience at the Core
Moving to a new office is always a significant step for a company. In this project, user participation and consideration of their needs played a key role. The starting points and final outcome of the workplace design strongly reflect the wishes and needs of the employees.
The team, previously working in coworking spaces, especially valued Helsinki city center properties with high ceilings and good views of the city. Key elements of the project included good lighting, professional and elegant interiors, and versatile space solutions. Different types of spaces were designed particularly to meet the needs of sound management and quiet workstations. The kitchen and lounge areas were designed to be cozy and relaxing so that employees could enjoy their breaks and social moments.
In the selected property, many things were already in place. Flooring materials were updated and spaces reorganized, but no major structural changes were needed.
Focus on Sustainability
In furniture selection, sustainability and ergonomics were emphasized. The interior was chosen to reflect the brand colors, adding just the right amount of color and accents to the spaces. Sustainability was a significant criterion alongside functionality and ergonomics. Practically, this meant, for example, considering recycling in the kitchen and procuring workstation furniture so that it can be replaced or updated when needed.
Building Customer Experience
“The interior is quite Nordic, functional, but not too formal. Warm and inviting – with a touch of Danish hygge,” summarizes designer Arno Puukko, who turns the client’s wishes into a clear, implementable plan. Organizations have their own specific needs, for which suitable space and service solutions are sought together. Early in the design phase, it is ensured that the property’s spaces enable the realization of the client’s needs while simultaneously mapping out the necessary budget.
Client Tips for Office Space Projects
“First of all, listen to your colleagues. Conduct surveys, have plenty of discussions,” advises the project client. “Consider the purpose and functionality of the spaces so they don’t go unused. Choose designers you trust, and keep the communication with them open and transparent. Good design pays off, so allocate enough time for it. Choose cost-effective, sustainable solutions,” she continues.
“In summary: good design and functionality, open communication with designers, and long-lasting, sensible investments are key to creating successful office spaces,” sums up the client, drawing on experience from several office projects.
The kitchen offers excellent recycling options, and the workstation furniture has been sourced through Nornorm, enabling the furniture to be replaced as needed. This circular economy approach supports sustainable development and is an important value for the company.
The accent colors in the interior are chosen from the brand’s palette, and discussions with the designers have highlighted bold choices such as various shades of blue and the kitchen’s cool gray. Combined with the warmth of the wooden floors, these create a balanced and pleasant overall atmosphere.
High ceilings, efficient ventilation, and wooden floors bring airiness and comfort to the space. The Nordic style, with a touch of Danish hygge, creates an elegant and functional work environment. Functionality is prioritized in the office chairs. The chairs in the meeting room are selected to ensure comfort during long meetings, which is crucial. The office atmosphere is warm and cozy, yet modern and professional.
The space is suitable not only for video meetings but also for quiet work. Focus rooms can be booked through a calendar system, making their use flexible and efficient. Its central location enables easy access from the airport, railway, and other transport modes. There are several good lunch spots nearby, enhancing the area’s appeal.
facts
Subject:
Office premises in the center of Helsinki, consisting of team workspaces, meeting rooms, smaller focus rooms, and an open living room–kitchen combination. Another site was the same company’s office space in Copenhagen.
Customer:
European growth investment company
Timeframe:
2023
Scale:
360 m2
#designbyamerikka:
Interior design, Look & Feel design, test fit, commercial space planning, workplace design, lighting design
Team
- Arno Puukko, Sanni Ruola
- Architectural design by Henrik Drufva, fixed furniture by Input Interior. Workstation furniture by Nornorm, rugs by Koolmat Oy, curtains by Vallila Contract, pendant lamps by Molo Design, table lamps by Koolmat.
Top 3
- Creating customer-oriented, comfortable workspaces for a dynamic staff in a prestigious city-center property
- To finalize a professional and elegant interior for workspaces with diverse functionalities, while integrating a lounge-kitchen area designed for social interaction
- Transparent and interactive design process model
Does your space need development? Don’t hesitate to reach out—no matter the size of your project, we’ll work together to find the best solution for your specific needs!
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