Lollypop moments!

By Rutvi Ashar

Photography: Zooey Braun; courtesy Ippolito Fleitz Group

Read Time: 2 mins

.

Identity architects, Ippolito Fleitz Group conceive and construct an office space in Frankfurt that employs the principles of activity-based design. 

In his TEDx talk, Drew Dudley spoke of ‘lollypop moments’, which reminded us of an instance where someone said or did something that fundamentally made our life better. Then I came across the work of the Ippolito Fleitz Group and realised that their goal is exactly that, in which new ideas metamorphose into a multidimensional design as part of a discontinuous process. 

.

.

.

In their latest project they have created two-and-a-half floors of innovative office space, located in Frankfurt’s TaunusTurm building connected by a sculptural staircase. The floors are divided into spatial segments, which ensure adequate privacy, proximity and identification. Bringing in run-of-the-mill nomenclature like ‘neighbourhoods’ and ‘marketplaces’, creates not just a sense of identity, but also fosters the spirit of communities.

Teal and blue cut through a predominantly nude colour palette, which underlines the charming material selection; thus, finding the right balance between business prestige and informal quality. 

.

The floor plate is designed to have the service core towards the centre which opens up the interiors to scintillating views of the surroundings. Moreover, soundproof spaces of retreat dot the open plan that can be used by groups or individuals for confidential conversations, focused work and phone calls. They also provide sufficient temporary workspace for part-time office workers and external employees.  

.

In addition, the lush green library area presents another place of retreat with punchbags that offer an opportunity to dissipate excess energy. 

.

Collaborating with linguistic artist Bruno Nagel, this design has bespoke word-ceiling-installations that indicate the areas of activity. The unique word structures challenge readers with structurally flexible modes of reading and thinking. 

.

.

.

.

Characterized by unexpected elements and a high degree of identification, the new working environment stands out as a place that offers a convivial atmosphere for every team member. 

Fact File:

Client: N.N.

Design Firm: Ippolito Fleitz Group

Principal Architects/ Designers: Gunter Fleitz & Peter Ippolito

Design Team: Gunter Fleitz, Hansen Hermawan, Peter Ippolito, Tina Jochens, Kamil Kaczmarek, Christian Kirschenmann, Melanie Neska, Isabel Pohle, Jennifer Schäfer, Verena Schiffl, Anke Wankmüller

Built-up Area: 4,000 square metres (43,055 sq. ft) 

Location: Frankfurt