Located inside an enchanting XVII century palace, Booking.com's new offices in Catania (Sicily, Italy) are based on a deeply evocative concept imbued in local scenarios and influences.

However, this project interprets Catania and her spirit in a slightly different way, aiming to highlight her chiaroscuro effects, her shades, her enchanting decadence, her well-known and manifest aspect of brightness and Mediterranean liveliness. The austerity of baroque palaces, immersed in enduring shadows and the silent and secret atmospheres in the city streets are echoed within these rooms, whose style is purposely kept austere, dark, almost "monastic".

The architectural structure of the building is maintained as per its sequence of wide and aristocratic rooms with vaulted ceilings. The walls were chromatically smoothed using a deep hue of grey, counterbalanced here and there by decorative finishings made of building panels and furnishings that recall the traditional Caltagirone pottery.

The Company requested a large space for the operative work and a group of ancillary spaces (meeting rooms, break areas, focus rooms). “The goal of the project – explains Architect Barbara Patrizio - is both to create a stimulating work environment for employees and also an interior capable of reflecting the Company's values to clients and visitors”.

“The Operative space maintains a neutral appeal, Meeting rooms have varied personalities and a global appeal, being decorated with posters depicting images shot by Booking.com employees themselves. The rest of the office - continues Barbara Patrizio - is inspired by a strong local feeling, characterized by typical and unique elements and details giving to the guest the real Catania’s flavour”.