A number of factors are mandating cultural change in the corporate environment: the rapid development of technology, the post-pandemic trend towards a hybrid work model, the global nature of business, employees' expectations for a quality, balanced life, growing sensitivity to the environmental impact of traditional office work, and the recognition that inclusion at work leads to better business results, are demanding adaptability and flexibility.
In this context, architecture and design prioritize positive employee experience and well-being, supporting a human-centered approach to physical work environments where businesses and employees thrive.
Kaizen Campus is the first office building in the country to reflect the current cultural change through architecture. The architects developed a unique research method, which led to a design based on 5 pillars:
Collaborate: includes meeting rooms, e-meeting rooms, think tanks, and project rooms
Focus: involves spaces such as telephone booths, relaxation rooms, and closed office types
Socialize: representing social connection areas, hallway conversations, and café space.
Learn: which is pervasive in every space, but mostly in training rooms and leadership and learning studios
Rejuvenate: pioneering spaces for activating or relaxing the body
To translate the pillars into a user-friendly design, a new participatory design method was developed that includes the following steps: understanding the brand culture, conducting interviews with team members, discussing needs with team leaders, organizing installation workshops to produce the building program.
As a result, the Kaizen Campus spaces are tailored to the needs of each company department. The three-level reception area features one side with wood paneling and the other with corrugated perforated sheet metal. Its furniture is made of terrazzo, carved internally to match its curved shape. A metal sculpture hangs in the center of the patio, surrounded by solid wooden representations of sports equipment. The first floor emphasizes adaptability and collaboration, with a modular library system that divides the space into areas for open meeting rooms or group work, in various cluster arrangements. Flexible offices, designed for easy movement, facilitate the creation of large collaborative teams. The second-floor conference area includes meeting rooms, the main conference room, and the executive dining room.
The ground floor amphitheater serves as an extension of the restaurant when it is not hosting an event. The organic floor design enhances the flow of the space, with high-quality braided vinyl flooring that improves both aesthetics and acoustics. The overall design is complemented by the use of solid terrazzo and oak veneer. The corporate identity of the building is reflected through the works of Dimitris Polychroniadis and sculptures representing the company's values, designed by French graphic designer Jerome Massy and sculptor Theodore Frastanis.
The design of the building placed particular emphasis on the integration of the basic principles of bioclimatic design and has been certified according to the international LEED certification system for sustainable development at the GOLD level. At the same time, the building is distinguished for promoting the health and well-being of its employees by incorporating the best practices of scientific and medical research in its design, construction, and operation.
Overall, the Kaizen Campus creates a benchmark in the country for how architectural choices affect the physical, mental, and emotional health of people and the well-being of businesses.
Based on the needs of each Kaizen Gaming department, each space is designed accordigly. The work areas provide a gradation of work-styles, from individual to teamwork, accommodating the needs for adaptability and collaboration. A modular library system divides a single space into multiple smaller areas that can function as an open meeting rooms, or as a group work area with different cluster layouts.
Groups of 4, 6 or of even 8 people can be formed spontaneously with the use of an agile desk. The engraving of the floor follows an organic form that emphasizes the fluidity of the space. Quality braided vinyl flooring was used for the final finish of the flooring. Apart from the aesthetic effect, it contributes significantly to the space’s acoustics. The flexible magnetic rail system that is used for the lighting can be adapted and converted for multiple future uses.
The implementation of the corporate identity in the building is achieved by placing sculptures depicting the company’s values, designed by the French graphic designer Jerome Masi and made by the sculptor Theodoros Frastanlis. The LEED Gold certification’s requirements acted as a key factor in the selection of materials that ensure the good health and overall well-being of all employees. In all open and closed spaces, the levels of sound absorption and insulation are ideal• high standards were also set regarding the equipment for water consumption, that is the lowest possible. Generally, all materials are environmentally friendly, with a low carbon footprint and minimal amounts of volatile organic compounds.
