The municipal housing company Gavlegårdarna has 85% of the rental apartments in Gävle. When they hired us to change their office, it quickly became clear that they required not only a new interior design concept – but also a completely new and activity-based approach, without changing the organisation’s foundation.

Challenge
Large municipal housing company with a weak brand.
Obsolete way of working. Poor internal communication and sky-high paper consumption.
A need for a better work environment and a flatter internal hierarchy.
A need to be a more inspiring landlord and be able to show customers various interior design options.

Process
Perform an extensive initial analysis, strategy and feasibility study with workshops, employee performance surveys and interviews to create a mission statement and an overview of present needs and challenges.
Initiate an activity-based approach and a clear strategic goal.
Assist with the evaluation of the new premises.- Create an interior concept based on Gavlegården’s own communication concept “Make yourself at home”.
Design an activity-based office area using furniture and fittings to emanate a home-like atmosphere. Open a project room and project sites. Make space for a gym, dining room and garage.
Design a large entrance with an optional inspiring exhibition area.

Result
An entirely activity-based office.
A more efficient way of working and satisfied employees.
A more positive and open corporate culture.
A better work environment and job satisfaction.
A completely paperless office.

The tenants are very positive towards the office’s optional exhibition space.
The office has strengthened Gavlegården’s brand and created the image of a modern, interesting and innovative company. From being an outdated municipal company they can now proudly state that they are Gävle’s first activity-based office. A place where people meet, thrive and grow.
The office has become an inspiring role model for other companies in the region.
The office has received many positive reactions in the local press and was nominated in the competition “Sweden’s best-designed office in 2016”.