Project:
Mapei Headquarters
Location:
Bucharest
Architectural program:
Office
Date of completion:
Concept
The Mapei headquarters in Bucharest has been transformed into a vibrant and dynamic workspace that prioritizes the well-being of its employees while reflecting the company's commitment to innovation and quality.
Zones dedicated to collaboration, focused work, and relaxation are interwoven throughout the space, encouraging a harmonious flow and a sense of community. Plants, integrated throughout the office, bring the outdoors in, creating a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere that fosters creativity and a connection to nature.
This transformation was achieved through a comprehensive renovation process that began with a deep understanding of the existing workspace and the needs of its occupants. Employees at all levels were consulted, ensuring that their perspectives and aspirations were incorporated into the design. This collaborative approach revealed key areas for improvement, including the need for a more efficient layout, a stronger visual identity, and enhanced opportunities for employee interaction and well-being.
The core concept of the Mapei headquarters renovation centers on a multi-layered, holistic approach to understanding and transforming the workspace.
It emphasizes the importance of considering three distinct perspectives: the external, objective assessment of the space; the strategic viewpoint of the directors focusing on interdepartmental interactions and communication flow; and, most crucially, the individual experiences, needs, and desires of the employees themselves.
This approach ensures that the design process starts with a broad overview and progressively narrows down to the most granular level of understanding. By integrating insights from all three perspectives, the renovation aims to create a workspace that is not only visually appealing and functional but also truly responsive to the needs of its users, fostering well-being, productivity, and a strong sense of community.
Departments have been strategically rearranged to optimize workflow and communication, fostering a more collaborative and efficient work environment.
Individual workspaces provide employees with the privacy and focus they need to excel in their roles, while a multitude of communal areas, ranging from open lounges to intimate nooks, encourage interaction and knowledge sharing.
Mapei's core business is subtly integrated into the design through the use of their own products.
The layered application process, showcased on the company website and in physical models, is reflected in the design of the reception area, creating a visual representation of the company's expertise.
The design also reinforces Mapei's brand identity through the use of a color palette that incorporates the company's corporate colors.
Accents of beige, warm white, wood veneer, gray, black, and blue create a cohesive visual experience that strengthens the sense of belonging within the Mapei team.
The lounge area of the reception illustrates how the brand's color palette is used to define and differentiate spaces within the office.
This secluded nook within the Mapei offices offers a sense of privacy and respite, fostering relaxation with its comfortable seating and warm, natural tones.
The distinct flooring delineates this area, acting as a visual boundary, creating a dedicated zone for rejuvenation and private calls, encouraging employees to take a break, recharge, or conduct confidential conversations.
The design proposal aimed to transform chaos into tranquility, disorder into order, and heterogeneity into homogeneity, a goal clearly reflected in the serene and contemplative atmosphere of the designated relaxation areas.
The conference room design effectively integrates brand elements with practical considerations, creating a space that is both functional and representative of Mapei's identity.
Totem-like storage units, inspired by the layered application process of Mapei products, serve as both functional elements and subtle brand reminders.
Existing furniture was assessed and partially retained, while new pieces were introduced to enhance both functionality and aesthetics.
Multifunctional elements, such as plant stands and adaptable storage solutions, maximize space utilization and cater to the diverse needs of the workforce.
The paintings come to life with the help of Mapei products, applied in circular and sinuous movements that reveal the beauty of the textures.