A workplace for the senses
28.10.2019
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Thomas Kunz
You could easily mistake the offices of the Italian design studio "DWA" for a living room. Unlike most, they are designed with a sensual approach.
Interior architects are challenged more than ever when developing an open-plan office concept. Technological progress means that the way we work is constantly changing. It can happen that one or two room concepts only reveal their weaknesses during implementation and certain needs are not met.
In my last article, I told you about a current design, the "Calm Booth" by the American studio "ROOM", which reveals one such shortcoming. The booth is designed for making phone calls or meditating alone. It serves as a substitute for quiet zones, which are often in short supply in open-plan offices. In addition to places of retreat, sensuality is also neglected in modern offices: ugly cable clutter or "unsoft" hardware as well as sterile rooms are a thorn in the side. DWA, an interdisciplinary design studio, has shown how it can be done better at this year's Salone Del Mobile in the "Elle Decor at Work" exhibition.
DWA, an interdisciplinary design studio, has shown how it can be done better.
It's the details that count
The spatial concept by DWA, which was organised especially for the exhibition by the Italian home decor magazine "Elle Decor Italia", plays with both domestic and personal elements. It blurs the boundaries between living and working space and integrates technology in such a way that it is barely noticeable. You can take a cue from this and perhaps not redesign the entire office, but your own desk - provided there is no clean desk policy.
Using things for other purposes
Just because some things are originally intended for private spaces doesn't mean you can't use them in the office. For example, use a small ceramic vase or a tray as a collection point for writing utensils instead of the standard plastic filing systems. Storage solutions for watches and jewellery are more attractively designed and are suitable for small items.
Choice of material
Choose soft fabrics in warm colours for everything you can influence. There are organisers made of faux leather, wood or even rattan. Avoid designs that are made of cool metal and go for those that are colourfully patterned instead.
Declutter
If your desk is cluttered, it will be difficult to make it sensual. So get rid of things you haven't used for months and store everything else in stackable, opaque storage boxes. This brings visual calm.
Hiding technology
In DWA's offices, hardware is either soft or inconspicuously integrated thanks to cable routing systems. Get smart and pretty solutions like wireless chargers covered in textiles.
Incorporate nature
Whether on shelves, windowsills or desks, DWA has furnished all rooms with numerous indoor plants such as green lilies, begonias and cissus. On the one hand because of their air-purifying properties, on the other because of their appearance. Plants and flowers complete every room. Neither your cup of tea? Then dry flowers are an alternative.
Fragrancing
The design studio DWA uses fragrance diffusers to strengthen the interior design concept through the sense of smell and to improve well-being. Lavender fragrance is said to have a particularly calming effect. Test for yourself whether this works, but first make sure your colleagues like room fragrances ;)
Lighting
Offices have basic lighting and, ideally, sufficient daylight. If the latter is not available in winter, additional table lamps provide a warm and soft light. It is best to opt for a flexible, cordless model or an unusual design that also serves as decoration.
Pia Seidel
Senior Editor
Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.chLike a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.
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