Acoustic solutions are essential in today’s workspaces, from pods to ceiling baffles, in all shapes and sizes. Most of these products, while effective, don’t always blend with interiors, and they often look more corporate than contemporary.
So when BIT CREATIVE was hired to envision a branch in Poland for leading Danish audio technology company GN Group, the architects decided to look at items in the core line, from hearing aids to devices for gamers. “The products were really the inspiration for the entire office concept,” says Barnaba Grzelecki, founder of BIT CREATIVE.
Located in the Saski Crescent complex in Warsaw, the 21,527-square-foot headquarters supports global operations, particularly the organization’s IT department, the largest cohort in the space. Exposed ceilings and tree canopies visible through some of the windows create an expansive feel.
Diverse zones allow employees to shift from heads-down work to group sessions with ease. An area for guests, which contains a plant-filled bookshelf, is reminiscent of a living room. The social sector at the heart of the workplace includes a casual dining section and bar. Glass blocks let sunlight filter in and complement the tile backsplash. There’s even a room dedicated to deep relaxation, complete with cosmic motifs and a recliner.
In a nod to Scandinavian style, natural oak wood is the material of choice, paired with red brick, concrete, and greenery. Found in the GN Group’s former office within a co-working center, these favored details now enhance the current setting. An LED ribbon that floats on the ceiling references sound waves, while graphics depict their intensity.
The color palette has a series of gray tones balanced by sage, navy, and hints of purple. The brand’s signature orange brings vibrancy to a music-themed room that features percussion instruments, including a display of cymbals.
Soundproofing is, of course, at the forefront, with multipurpose pieces that are ideal in the open office. Circular fixtures that resemble origami flowers seem to float overhead. PET panels integrated into partitions reduce noise and offer added privacy. Bitumen-backed carpet tiles bring durability and texture underfoot.
More than an office, the space doubles as a showroom-type environment that highlights sonic elements. “The design is built around sound, both functionally and visually,” notes Grzelecki.
To see this and other works by the studio, visit bitcreative.info.
Photography by Fotomohito.
