ANYTHING CAN BE EXPECTED, EXCEPT STANDING STILL

ANYTHING CAN BE EXPECTED, EXCEPT STANDING STILL

In conversation with Anette Dittel and Alexander Strub from DREES & SOMMER

Whoever reflects on new working environments today will have to abandon the traditional logic of linear thinking. Instead, they will place people and their needs at the core of their considerations. And discover that in the interplay between home office, third places and workation, between digital, hybrid and analogue formats, the office has gained new significance. It is evolving into a social anchor, a place of community, of exchange, of casual encounters: collaboration instead of competition. The KIRIOR team from the »New Work. Usercentric Consulting & Design« division at Drees & Sommer has taken their own premises as an example and created a vivid showcase that has proven itself in everyday work as a walk-in source of inspiration.

»It is time to break up divisions,« says Alexander Strub, creative director, »not only between different disciplines, cultures or hierarchies, but also between life and work. Spaces can foster – or hinder – these developments.« Anette Dittel »Spaces can manifest attitude, says concept designer Anette Dittel. True to her principle of user-orientation, she develops strategies and concepts and maximizes their feasibility with intelligent planning.« Alexander Strub Alexander Strub doesn’t care about boundaries. The multi-award-winning architect, designer and creative director is passionate about spatial communication, developing sustainability and creative concepts and translating brands into spatial experiences. 72 73 And Anette Dittel, concept designer, adds: »A wide array of talents with manifold qualifications and identities come together under this roof. They gather in larger or smaller communities, inspire each other, exchange news, seek retreat, find open spaces for creative use or relaxation. And, of course, good coffee.« »In fact, every user needs a small town«, says Alexander Strub, »with countless possibilities from which everyone can choose according to their needs.«

The marketplace: soul kitchen, foyer or forum, as needed

The redesigned office provides options for four basic needs, with the uncomplicated rededication of the spaces being part of the concept. The marketplace, for example, with its large table, serves as an ideal setting for random or scheduled gatherings. People meet at the coffee machine or spend their lunch break together at the large table – also with customers or visitors. There is a spacious lounge area where people can relax in a casual ambience. This is the place to discuss new ideas or enjoy the after-work hour in a laid-back setting. Smaller niches allow for short meetings. On demand, the marketplace can be easily converted into an event location by simply moving the green Fischer tables to the side and turning the seating steps into a stage.

Agile cooperation is compellingly collaborative

The marketplace is just one feature from the »collaboration« space category. Like all categories, they were created by engaging everyone involved in the project led by the Change Management team. To strengthen the sense of belonging in the team, ownership and the flow of ideas, more than half of all spaces are designated as Shared Spaces. The individual space options are as versatile as the different user needs. What matters is that they support teams in jointly developing their projects in a structured manner as well as in a spontaneous, associative and playful spirit.

Home in good neighbourhood

The rooms in the »Basic« category are characterised by an unagitated neutrality. They offer every employee a reliable home in the agile daily work routine. And intelligent neighbourhoods that are quickly and casually accessible.

Concentration and peace

Options from the »Focus« category support work that requires concentration. Here, privacy is guaranteed. The Focus spaces also provide a protective framework for confidentiality. At the same time, it is up to the employees to share these spaces. The library also allows for community – provided that the telephone remains switched off.

Recharging is expressly welcome

Especially in an agile work environment, active breaks are an absolute must. They are healthy, they clear your head, and are beneficial for concentration and creativity. The spaces available in the »Refresh« module invite people to seek balance and a change of pace, thus aiming for »well-being en passant.« »Ultimately, a space like this also expresses appreciation for employees,« says Anette Dittel. »It emphasises the level of trust that is needed to think and operate with self-reliance and courage. « »And since nothing stays the same, spatial structures like these can also be modified easily. If tasks, work styles or needs change, we adjust the space accordingly,« says Alexander Strub. »After all, anything can be expected, except standing still.«

At MCBW 2022, the KIRIOR team from the »New Work, User-centric Consulting & Design« division invites interested parties to a guided tour of the New Work Environment G17 – in an atmosphere open to exchange and inspiration

Anette Dittel 

»Spaces can manifest attitude, says concept designer Anette Dittel. True to her principle of user-orientation, she develops strategies and concepts and maximizes their feasibility with intelligent planning.«

Alexander Strub

Alexander Strub doesn’t care about boundaries. The multi-award-winning architect, designer and creative director is passionate about spatial communication, developing sustainability and creative concepts and translating brands into spatial experiences.

Drees & Sommer

As a leading European consulting, planning and project management company, Drees & Sommer supports private and public developers in all matters relating to real estate and infrastructure. The »New Work. User-centric Consulting & Design« division specializes in brand experience, workplace consulting and interior design.

More information on Drees & Sommer via  New Work | Drees & Sommer (dreso.com)

The conversation with Anette Dittel und Alexander Straub was first published in the MCBW MAG as part of MCBW 2022.