Brückner Interior Architects were tasked with transforming over 10,000 m² of usable space within the existing building into a modern office landscape. In addition to a needs analysis conducted by the client, current studies from the Fraunhofer Institute were consulted for concept development and implementation. The corporate identity of the group's brands, such as Milka, Toblerone, Jacobs Coffee, and Philadelphia, was also to be incorporated into the design.
As expected, the majority of Kraft Food's employees are so-called "knowledge workers." They work in diverse contexts, both individually and in varying collaborative team processes that require a high degree of coordination. Unlike traditional workflows, their daily work is heavily influenced by the self-organization of work structures and hours. Communication is key. For the new office layout, the interior designers therefore relied on their "Smart Working" concept. By reorganizing workstations, previously untapped cost and productivity potential can be unlocked, communication improved, and employee well-being enhanced.
Flexibility and a diverse range of workspaces have replaced the traditional office organization and layout at Kraft Foods. The options include individual workstations for quiet, private work, mostly arranged as double workstations or four-person benches along the building's facade. There are also various team areas with standing desks at central locations, fostering exchange and internal communication among project members. For smaller meetings or focused work in a quiet setting, there are additional "privacy corners" and "silent rooms" with a lounge-like atmosphere. The "coffee points," on the other hand, offer a more lively environment. Here, spontaneous meetings can be held, or personal conversations can take place in a relaxed atmosphere. This approach not only improves the work environment but also promotes calmer, more focused, and more efficient work at individual workstations, as all meetings can now be moved to the communal and communication zones.
In addition to the flexible organization of workspaces, visual and tactile factors also play a role in employee well-being. Bright, welcoming base colours and colorful accents that clearly reference the client's product portfolio, along with the variety of materials, create a stimulating and identity-forming environment. The acoustic atmosphere, so crucial in a coworking space, was positively influenced by carpets, room dividers, planters, and acoustic panels. Particular attention was paid to the acoustic design of the silent rooms. For lighting, the planners focused primarily on sufficient daylight and energy-efficient LED lighting. In the inward-facing team areas, artificial, and in some cases coloured, light sources create different moods. Employees also have the option of installing individual task lighting at their personal workstations.
