Tag: ARCHITECTURE

Interview: rethink, redesign, reuse

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

We talk to Anna Branicka from Design Anatomy about designing in the spirit of zero waste and the EPA award received for the design of the Bayer office in Gdańsk’s Olivia Centre.

 

You have won another international award for office design. This time, it is a project in the spirit of Less waste, prepared for Bayer. What makes this project stand out?
Anna Branicka: Our common goal was to adapt the premises to the changing needs and expectations of employees. The project was implemented as part of Bayer’s Next Normal Office Concept. Implementation in the spirit of less waste allowed us to optimize the costs of modernization, which did not affect the style and quality in any way. It’s an approach to design in the spirit of smart: rethink, redesign, reuse.

 

 

The Next Normal Office Concept is a new standard for the entire Bayer Group, so what is the leitmotif of this direction?
It is a global, well-being-oriented strategy that aims to create a flexible work environment, adapted as best as possible to the changing rhythm of employee activity. Based on the new standard, we have made numerous changes to the functionality of the office, while maintaining the existing layout of walls and ceilings. The open space has been divided into smaller, more intimate zones, which is conducive to effective individual work, but also communication and cooperation in teams. Private offices have been redesigned in favor of more flexible and accessible spaces that are conducive to various forms of work and relaxation. The newly designed spaces include quiet work rooms, relax rooms providing a place to relax and recharge batteries, and snooze rooms allowing employees to take a short nap during the day. All this to improve the comfort of work, concentration and well-being of employees.

 

 

At the same time, the offices have gained a completely new style, related to the place where the offices and the entire Olivia Centre are located.
Yes, the main theme of the project is references to the historic Gdańsk district where the office is located. Oliwa is a district full of historical buildings, parks, cobbled streets and tenement houses with terracotta roofs, wooden verandas. That is why we used a wide range of warm reds and greens in the design of the office, referring to the surrounding landscape. We introduced vegetation in custom-designed pots to create soft transitions between zones and give the space an organic rhythm. We took care of solutions that improve the comfort of work, we equipped the space with acoustic booths, wall panels and openwork partitions separating individual work zones or carpets with high acoustic parameters. The office has become more functional, friendly and full of harmony.

 

One of the most interesting directions of this project is designing in the spirit of less waste. Where did the inspiration for design come from, allowing for the reuse of previously available resources?
We live in a world of increasingly rapid change. We observe the pace at which the style of work is changing, how important it is to be flexible in building teams for specific projects, and thus adapting the workspace. At Design Anatomy, we feel how much responsibility designers and engineers have for the footprint that their projects leave. Less waste is a natural, organic direction for us – resulting from respect for the existing tissue, materials and the environment. That’s why we always analyze each project very carefully, looking for elements that we can reuse and give them new value. In this way, we create spaces that are sustainable, and at the same time as aesthetic and functional as those created from scratch.

So what solutions did you use?
We have kept most of the elements such as walls, ceilings, a significant part of the installation. We refreshed and reused the door joinery, stairs, some of the furniture, acoustic panels. We have introduced modular mobile solutions that allow for future changes, without generating excessive waste. Carefully selected materials – with high durability and natural aesthetics – have given the space a new quality without losing its economical form.

 

What are the benefits for investors? Can they be translated into numbers? How much more would such a rearrangement cost if it were not made in the spirit of less waste?
I think that in the case of a full replacement of buildings and equipment, the additional costs could reach a dozen or even several dozen percent. But it is worth mentioning that this is not a simple calculation. While the preservation of walls, ceilings and installations brings measurable savings, in the case of elements undergoing renovation or alteration, we often balance on the edge of profitability. They need to be dismantled, taken to a workshop, refurbished, and then brought back and reinstalled. At a time when it is increasingly difficult to find a good professional, the costs of working hours and service are increasing significantly, it could be worthwhile to dispose of the old door and order a new one with delivery. Fortunately, in the less waste philosophy, we do not focus only on financial savings, we look more broadly at caring for the environment, and here the benefits are indisputable.

 

From the information I have been able to obtain, I know that this project has become a model solution that finds new imitators in other offices?
We receive information that representatives of other companies are very curious about this project and often ask for details during their visits. We even heard from Bayer employees that they have already specialized in touring the office and presenting individual solutions in the spirit of less waste. We are glad that they feel good in the remodeled office and feel better in it. For us, there could be no better feedback. Such assessments make us all the more confident in designing more environmentally responsible workspaces.

 

What are you working on now?
Currently, we are implementing several projects that continue the direction of responsible design – both offices and public spaces. We explore the subject of modularity and longevity of materials, we work on interiors that correspond to modern work rhythms and the need for closeness to nature. We believe that the future belongs to flexible spaces, created with respect for existing resources – and in this spirit we develop our next projects.

 

Design Anatomy is an architectural office that has been awarded many times in Polish and international competitions, which has in its portfolio the implementation of projects of over 200 thousand. m.kw. offices, an observation deck on the 32nd floor of Olivia Star, a conference space on its 34th floor, as well as numerous architectural and interior design projects for buildings located throughout the Tri-City.

Drop by the Pixel XL and have fun!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

In the autumn of 2024, an attractive entertainment and integration space was created in Olivia Prime B, the newest building of Olivia Centre, which is perfect for both families during joint outings and employees during integration meetings and having fun together. Pixel XL consists of several rooms where various challenges await, and the implementation of all the construction work rested on the shoulders of the Gdańsk-based Design Anatomy design studio.

 

Pixel XL offers 13 rooms, designed for people from 3 years of age. Each of them can accommodate up to 8 people at the same time, but in Pixel it is possible to organize events for groups for which activities are prepared in several rooms at the same time. The main emphasis is placed on emotions, movement and fun based on interactive game scenarios, already specified at the entrance. In total, there are as many as 40 to choose from and it is up to the participants which one they want to play.

 

Interactive mats, consisting of colorful tiles, allow you to chase colors, play to music or challenge yourself to escape from objects moving on the floor. It is an analogue game in the digital world, in which positive emotions, movement and spending time together prevail. In addition, there are tasks that allow you to test your reflexes, develop logical thinking skills, improve fitness and memory. In addition to the playrooms, there is also a snack bar for guests. The space of Pixel in Gdańsk covers an area of 1053 m.kw, and was designed by the Wrocław-based Cudo studio, and the supervision over the implementation of the project was entrusted to the Gdańsk-based Design Anatomy studio.

 

– It is a unique space, full of colours and emotions, which opened its doors in Olivia Centre at the beginning of December – says Weronika Budzyńska, architect from Design Anatomy. – Among our tasks was the coordination of the implementation of the entire project on site: supervision over the execution of all industry projects, such as ventilation, sanitary, electronic and electrical networks. It is a unique project that combines high security requirements with creativity and complex systems to control such unique spaces as the gaming and entertainment center.

©Tom Kurek

Pixel XL is the first gaming centre in Olivia Centrum, but not the first public attraction for the residents of the Tri-City and tourists. Previously, there was an observation floor on the 32nd floor of Olivia Star and an exotic Olivia Garden, and they are complemented by the cultural and entertainment stage on 34th floor of Olivia, where stars of Polish music, theatre, cinema and television regularly visit.

 

– From the beginning of the development of this project, Olivia has focused on openness and friendliness for the inhabitants of the Tri-City – says Bogusław Wieczorek, the representative of the management board of Olivia Centre. We want to be part of a living city and, in addition to top-level offices, we want to offer entertainment, culture and gastronomy. Olivia, after 5 years from the opening of the observation floor, has already become a tourist destination, a meeting place for people of different ages and with different preferences. This not only allows us to feel part of the city, but also represents great value for our residents, allowing them to provide a varied and interesting offer of activities outside of hours and during working hours.

©Tom Kurek
©Tom Kurek

Design Anatomy will design 245 apartments of Olivia Pulse

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

Olivia Pulse is the latest building that will complement Olivia Centre’s offer with a residential function. As a result, a full range of functions will be created in the largest Polish business center and it will gain the status of a real mixed-use project. Design Anatomy will design all the apartments and common areas of the building that is already under construction.

Olivia Pulse is Olivia’s first residential building with 245 apartments for rent. The investment will be characterized by two zones: a four-storey part located directly at Grunwaldzka Avenue, which is the podium of the building, and a 13-storey tower rising above it, located deep at the plot on which the building is being built. Importantly, each apartment is offered with a ready-made interior design, full finishing and equipment. Customers can choose from the following designoptions: Harmony, Vital and Life. Their design is the result of the work of architects from the award-winning architectural studio Design Anatomy, which has completed over 200,000 projects in its portfolio. sq.m. of offices, a viewing floor on the 32nd floor of Olivia Star, a conference space on the 34th floor, as well as numerous architectural and interior design projects of apartments and offices located throughout the Tri-City.

“This is the largest order in the history of our office in the apartment segment ,” says Artur Kuczyński, Member of the Management Board of Design Anatomy. – The new building being built in Olivia will introduce a completely new quality and functions. Olivia will gain residents, and thus a fully alive facility, which after 5.00 p.m. will be filled not only by participants of cultural events, conferences or restaurant customers, but also by permanent residents. Entrusting Design Anatomy with a project of this scale is a unique challenge for us, because as part of the order we have not only the preparation of designs for such a large number of residential units and common areas, but also the investor’s supervision over their implementation. At the same time, we are implementing several other, mainly office projects, so we entered 2025 with a package of orders almost entirely involving our processing capacity, and this gives us an opportunity to develop our office.

 

Anna Branicka, leading architect at Design Anatomy, emphasizes that the interior style will be based on the biophilic design trend, which has not only already been used in Olivia’s previous buildings, but is also close to the philosophy of interior design in Design Anatomy: Our “stylistic direction” is a place pulsating with good energy, supporting well-being and vitality. Biophilic design has been very close to us for a long time and we have worked in this style, designing both the common areas of office buildings and office interiors. At Olivia Pulse, we also introduce as many elements as possible into the interiors that integrate space with nature – large areas of windows not only let in the right amount of natural light, but also open the interiors to beautiful landscapes. To complement these views, we arrange space, using colors drawing from nature, good quality materials, varied textures, atmospheric lighting or plants in common areas.

The designed apartments and common areas are implemented with a modern, but at the same time timeless style in mind, which will allow residents to provide comfort of living in a well-designed interior that has a great impact on the user. As Karolina Bernisz-Grabska, an architect from Design Anatomy, emphasizes, design trends have changed in recent years and design is now more focused on people and their needs than ostentatious effects emphasizing the social status of the resident: We are slowly moving away from flashy trends, which, due to their distinct nature, quickly get boring. As interior users, we are tired of aggressive colors and forms. The chaos and rush of the world around us makes us look for an antidote, a shelter where we can rest and recharge our batteries, which is why we are increasingly choosing a calm, classic, timeless style at home. The interiors are smaller, but more cozy – they feature subdued colors, simple forms and noble materials. The growing environmental awareness also has a great impact on the designed interiors. We give up “disposable” materials for sustainable and good quality. We also introduce technical innovations more carefully – we are not guided by a temporary fashion, but by a practical factor, thanks to which we better adapt them to our own expectations and use them longer, which also has an ecological dimension. We pay less attention to what is trendy, in favor of what we like, what we feel good in. Hence so many sentimental elements – memories reign supreme and the unrivaled style and design of the 60s, which we have learned to define as vintage.

 

The interior finishing styles of the apartments offered to customers allow them to be adapted to the preferences and lifestyle of the residents. The architects proposed three variants of interiors: Harmony, Vital and Life. Harmony style, symbolizing an oasis of peace, was created for people looking for peace and relaxation. The colors of off-white and beige combined with simple finishes and accessories in shades of natural wood are conducive to calming and relaxation. Minimalist interiors, subtle details and natural materials help to create a space that soothes the senses and allows you to break away from the everyday hustle and bustle. In the first part, we have located a kitchenette, which then smoothly transitions into the relaxation area – Karolina Bernisz-Grabska describes this style. Right behind it, we have prepared a bedroom area with a comfortable, spacious bed. The design has been prepared to ensure full harmony of the entire interior.

 

 

A Vital style apartment is a space full of life energy, combining natural earth tones with invigorating green accents. Bright colors create a friendly and fresh atmosphere, while green accents introduce an element of nature, which adds dynamism and optimism to the interior. The furniture has gained a deeper, darker shade of walnut wood, which gives the interior elegance and expressiveness. Subtle accessories complement the arrangement with warmth and coziness, creating a space that combines modern design with natural character, ideal for people who value harmony, contact with nature and are looking for a balance between peace and vitality. As Karolina Bernisz-Grabska emphasizes, the style of this variant of interior finishing has been enlivened with a bit of greenery: The color is supposed to be one of the most fashionable this year, and at the same time it is timeless, as it evokes good associations with nature. We keep accessories in this tone: carpet, chairs or pillows. A comfortable sofa will allow you to rest for a while with your favorite book. We also found a place for a beautiful table that will allow you to enjoy the time spent at an intimate dinner.

 

On the other hand, apartments maintained in the Life style are teeming with warmth and positive energy. Vivid colors inspired by pomegranate and fig fruits fill the interior with joy and create a cozy atmosphere. Intense colors add character and stimulate creativity, making the interior an ideal environment for people who like to surround themselves with expressive, yet subdued colors that affect their well-being. The bathroom, decorated in burgundy and navy blue tones, fits perfectly into the dynamic character of the apartment, while introducing a note of sophistication. As Karolina Bernisz-Grabska emphasizes, this style is a mix of light and colors: Room lighting will play a major role in them: The atmosphere of the interiors is created by the play of light, which harmonizes with the wallpapers and original paintings used on the walls. The fabrics we have prepared for the windows are simple and classic, which gives the interior an elegant note. In the living room, the main accent is a comfortable sofa and a practical table that functionally connects with the kitchenette.

 

In each apartment, bathrooms matching the style and color are also prepared. The main idea that guided the architects was convenience and comfort, and all accessories and equipment are designed with care and the latest trends.

 

Timeless classic solutions, subdued colours and good quality materials are also the leitmotifs of the Olivia Pulse common areas project. The walls and ceiling will be kept in dark tones, which will be perfectly complemented by lighting, as well as the floor and high plinths, made of light-coloured tiles, which will illuminate the passageways – emphasizes Anna Branicka. In the entrance areas on the ground floor, the color and material base will be similar: metal, dark wood structure, wallpapers in shades of brown and beige. There will be more glass, additional colors in upholstery fabrics, individually designed furniture and Mood lighting. The interior we design will be cozy and atmospheric with a hint of modern elegance and, as usual, will be prepared with attention to detail. Olivia Pulse is a perfect complement to Olivia Centre – a vibrant place on the map of the Tri-City – a response to the search for harmony, peace and comfort. Our goal is to create a space with good energy, where you can calm down or relax.

The areas of the premises range from 25 to 63 m.kw. The construction of Olivia Pulse has already begun, and the planned date of acceptance of the premises is the 3rd quarter of 2026.