Furniture Creates Space: Office Design In Shanghai

The breath of fresh air that the electric car manufacturer would like to bring to the automotive industry should finally be represented by their Brand Creative Studio. Linehouse's design - a meandering piece of oak furniture for the new office space - therefore also tells of the clearing sky and creative flexibility.

The electric car manufacturer NextEv has commissioned the Linehouse office to design a new office space for its subsidiary NIO. It was the customer's wish to make diverse forms of cooperation possible. In the future, the various departments involved in the design of the cars should be able to work with one another in an uncomplicated manner.

Linehouse's design consists of a winding wall that was built into the existing space. But it is rather a meandering piece of furniture that simultaneously encompasses rooms and takes on all the necessary functions.

Right at the entrance to the office space, the visitor is greeted by a small exhibition. The outside of the wall becomes an exhibition space here. A space is also formed that is completely enclosed by the structure. In this enclosed area, up to 20 people can work at desks built into the wall. For concentrated individual work, the view is directed outwards. However, the enclosed space expands in two places. Exchanges and meetings at large, free-standing tables are possible there. In addition to the exhibition room at the entrance, a lounge, a closed meeting room and a central conference table, which is the heart of office life, are formed outside the wall.

The entire structure is made of oak and looks like an endless shelf with four levels. A glass skin covers it sometimes on the outside, sometimes on the inside, depending on the use of the shelf space. In the lower area, the glass is opaque, which ensures privacy at workplaces. The etching fades towards the top, the glass becomes transparent and lets daylight into all areas. The combination of the generous division into only four shelf levels with the delicate, glass skin and rounded corners gives the wall furniture a clear lightness. This impression is additionally supported by built-in light strips with brass cladding.

The design of every single detail, from the ceiling lamps to the floor, from the cable routing to the additional furniture, creates coherent office spaces that are precisely tailored to the customer.