During the office design process, it is useful to look not only at the functional needs arising from working conditions, but also the context of the place, as well as the client's business. That's how architects from the Bran&Pine studio began their work on the Warsaw office.
a place of history
The office is located in a building whose previous dilapidated surroundings referred to interwar modernism — this directly influenced the choice not only of materials or organization of the office, but above all the appropriate reference to history that the architects wanted to reflect in this space. As they point out, the modernist nature of the earlier buildings on the site, directly influenced the design.
office plan
© Bran&Pine
tailored to function
The most important thing for the investors was to create the right atmosphere that would emphasize professionalism and attractiveness when talking to clients. The work space was divided into two differentiated parts — a conference room, which is used for meetings with clients, as well as meetings of the office staff, and an open area used for other employees.
detail
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the truth of the material
The architects focused primarily on choosing the right materials — we mostly see dark veneer in the woodwork combined with marble. Everything is balanced by beige carpeting and brass details.
To properly calm the interior, it was decided to use a ceiling expanded metal or glazing, which complements the dark colors combined with beiges. An appropriate color scheme was used in the spaces for office visitors — it is there that you will find, above all, a distinct navy blue color, separating this space from the spaces intended for office employees.
sculpture by Mark Bimer
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a place for art
Works of art have also become an element shaping the character of the interior. In the corridor two large-format paintings by Paweł Wąskowski, maintained in the op-art style, have found their place. The painting is meant to influence the perception of the corridor.
The project also included a place for a luminous sculpture by Mark Bimer set up in the visiting area. The office also has room for Magdalena Grabowska's artwork.
The conference areas were separated
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The authors of the project – Weronika Pariaszewska and Joanna Otrębska- talk about the design process, what to pay attention to in this realization and how the functions were distributed.
Wiktor Bochenek: How did you want to refer to modernism in this interior ?
Weronika Pariaszewska and Joanna Otrębska: The office is located in a building that stood on the site of the former „Skarpa” cinema, built in modernist style in the 1950s. We associate this architectural current primarily with the use of quality materials such as wood, steel, glass and ensuring functionality. We wanted the realization to be a kind of extension of the elegance and prestige of the building in which it is located, as well as to draw on the spirit of the place, through the introduction of subtle treatments such as ornamental glass, or the introduction of a contrasting ceiling and carpet to a subdued interior.
Wood gently blends with beiges
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Wiktor: What is most noteworthy about this realization ?
Weronika, Joanna: We gave special importance to the stage of selecting materials, structures and colors. It was this process that we worked out most carefully in this project, because we were keen on harmonious selection of all elements that, despite their diversity, would not overwhelm, but would create a coherent whole.
In addition, it is worth noting that this is not a space that resembles a typical office, but rather a boutique space where warm and natural materials promote comfort.
Wood gently blends with beiges
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Wiktor: How were the functions distributed inside the office?
Weronika, Joanna: The office's main purpose is to attract and keep potential clients for pleasant meetings. Hence, its functionality is designed to „draw” visitors inside. Classically, there is a reception desk and a waiting room at the entrance, and a corridor leads to the rest of the space, which is a display of artwork. Along the way in the hall, one passes a study that is hidden behind a glass door, and at the end of it is a conference room that is separated from the open space by fluted glass. It was important for the investors to be able to maintain the confidentiality of their meetings, and at the same time we wanted to provide natural light. Open space is a space that we placed at the far end of the projection, so as to ensure that employees maintain the maximum level of concentration and silence.
conference area
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Wiktor: What was the most difficult part of this project, and what gives you the most satisfaction ?
Veronika, Joanna: Of course, in any design process we could pick out more difficult and easier elements to work on. In this process, the time pressure that generally accompanies commercial projects was certainly a challenge. However, it is this dynamic of work and the skillful coordination of all the trades that ultimately becomes the most rewarding, as it brings us a lot of learning and knowledge for the future.
In the corridor you will find, among others, paintings by Pawel Waskowski
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Wiktor: Thank you for the interview.
