When we think of office space, it might conjure up images of rows of cluttered desks, functional chairs, a coffee machine humming somewhere and the occasional potted plant miserably dying in the corner. But for some companies’ office space, this is far from the reality. Here are four of our favourite offices that clearly demonstrate exceptional creativity and beauty, while providing all the functions that today’s workforce needs to work and compete effectively. The spectrum runs from slides between floors and calming green plans on the walls to the use of beautiful materials in exceptional buildings that create surroundings more like works of art than places for companies to function. All that’s left to ask is, which do you like the best?
Microsoft – Vienna
Microsoft’s office in Vienna features living green walls providing a contrast to the perfect lines of the floor vinyl. But perhaps the most fun feature is its slide which lets Microsoft employees quickly descend from the second floor to the first – and this does genuinely get used. 330 people work in this office, and while the design seems like a playground, there are some serious working concepts behind it. Microsoft makes use here of its ‘Workplace Advantage Concept’, catering for all types of employees: from those who prefer a fixed workstation and are always in the office, through to the ‘nomad’ that rarely visits the office – and everyone in between. Ultimately the design is meant to increase productivity and happiness.
Mind Candy – London
Microsoft isn’t the only company to use a slide in their offices. Home to the Moshi Monsters (or at least, their creators), Mind Candy’s London offices feature a slide too. But aside from this quirky feature, the whole office space is a wonder for the eye. A really noticeable feature of this office space is that you have a place to sit, whatever position you prefer. From relaxed giant bean bags to picnic benches and Chesterfield sofas, the mind candy office is a creative and imaginative space that has catered for the needs and wants of any and every type of employee.
ON headquarters, Mexico City
A significantly more grown up office than the previous two examples, ON headquarters in Mexico City, spanning 780 square metres (8,395 square feet), has the wow factor. The company provides services to the oil and gas industry, and so the designers of this office wanted to use materials on the floors and walls that reflected the passing of time. With the walls covered in wood veneers and floors covered in metal sheeting, alongside clever use of lighting, this office is simply calm and opulent. All the materials are beautiful, with floors and walls complimented by crafted custom-made furniture that includes the welcome desk, fashioned from metal sheeting and black marble.
XL Group – Ireland
These beautiful offices in Dublin look more like a stately home in some parts than an office. They are a great example of how the concept of office space is evolving, from monotonous design that is created for little more than cost efficiency into a space where your work force can relax, create and generate. This beautiful Victorian building has been elaborately reconstructed and renovated for the insurance giant, and features the grand scale, elegance and drama of a private gentlemen’s club (its use from 1847 to 2003) with the conveniences such as cabling and plumbing all discreetly hidden away.