The Swiss architecture and design studio Evolution Design has developed a new workplace concept for the financial consultant zeb for their various offices in Central and Eastern Europe. The implementation of the new concept has recently been completed in the first three offices located in Zurich, Berlin and Munich. The new workplace concept was developed in an interactive co-creation process together with a team of zeb employees.
In these co-creation workshops the functional and communication requirements were analysed and a new work environment concept was formulated. A special focus was placed on the zeb culture and in particular on the zeb identity, values, motivation and the way in which they differ from their competitors. The resulting workplace concept developed by Evolution Design is an activity-based work environment that divided the office into four separate zones, each with its own function: There is a library-style Quiet Area for activities that require focus and concentration. Another area is the Homezone, which incorporates all permanent workstations for secretarial staff, as well as individual offices, which can be used by all zeb employees.
The Meet & Exchange zone provides space for meetings and videoconferences and also includes spaces for team project work and phone booths for calls requiring privacy. And finally, the Smart Connect zone, which is a multi-functional area, suitable for a wide range of activities: here employees can meet, collaborate, exchange ideas, work, or simply have a coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. The look & feel design of the space reflects the zeb identity by creating a young, fresh and industrial yet down to earth atmosphere. An original shipping container, which houses parts of the meet & exchange rooms, represents the creative workshop-style approach, which is an important part of the zeb culture.
