ZEST Architecture have designed an office space in Gracia, Barcelona, that is shared by both an architecture firm and an e-commerce business. A multi-functional box organizes the space in different areas. The work tables are designed to accommodate more or less people, as needed, so the specter of empty individual desks is avoided. The materials: furniture made with bamboo construction panels, desks made of natural oiled pine, a floor of finely polished silver cement with integrated electricity sockets. The box itself functions as meeting room, presentation space, bookshelves, storage. The character of each elevation creates different areas around the box; areas for desk work, areas for talking photos of products, areas for packaging products. The space is more dynamic because the box has been turned slightly away from the grid, allowing for a packaging zone behind it with natural light and views. The distance between the box and the packaging workbench behind it has been calculated to allow efficient and ergonomic movements during packaging.
The work tables have been made of pine 2,5 by 2 inches lumber, and are strongly over dimensioned. Their exaggerated width allows people to sit and work at both sides, alternating diagonally. This way, during quiet times the tables are oversized without being uncomfortable. During busy times they can be used by many more people, each having sufficient work space. And the space itself remains open and well used.
