“The first impression everyone has is: wow, these spaces are really cool. Timeless, yet there’s something truly special about them.”
– Director of Development Project, Orion
The goal was to examine the campus buildings, functions, and work practices as a whole.
The aim was to find the optimal solution for future needs, considering both space efficiency and the modernization of the facilities.
The form language of the space reflects the movement of the wind and a wave-like flow. Round shapes and brass details complement the architectural solutions of the headquarters.
“The benefit of the project was the workplace survey and planting the seed of the mindset that a flexible office is the way to go and the benefits it brings.”
– Director of Development Project, Orion
ORION OYJ
620 m2
2020
Espoo, Finland
Principal Design | Architecture | Furniture Design | Concept | Project Management | Interior Architecture | Workplace Development
Challenge
The various building functions, renovations, and extensive development of the work environments at the Orion campus were about to begin. Kohina was chosen to carry out the project planning in two phases, in 2017 and 2019. The challenge was to work with the client to determine which building would be most suitable for each function and how the transition from private offices to a flexible office space would take place for both people and spaces. The goal was to examine the campus buildings, functions, and work practices as a whole and find the optimal solution for future needs, considering space efficiency and the modernization of the spaces’ appearance.
After the project planning phase, which involved assessing alternative functional solutions, property renovations, budget, and overall timeline, the next step was to test the workspace innovations on the top floor of the headquarters. Once used as the executive floor, the top floor of the headquarters was transformed into a pilot area where all employees could test new ways of working in a flexible office space. The aim was to evaluate what worked and what didn’t, in order to determine the best workspace and meeting solutions to implement at the Orion campus.
Benefit
As a result of the project planning, the intended functions of the different buildings were outlined. Transitioning to a flexible office space solution reduced the need to renovate all buildings or construct new office buildings. Kohina also designed the work environment concept and appearance for the headquarters, which was first implemented in the pilot floor.
The pilot floor became a classically stylish, fresh, and bright space without assigned workstations. The office space types were based on a work style survey conducted for Orion employees and the space program created from it. The idea was to change workspaces throughout the day, selecting the area and workstation that best suited the task at hand. The overall look of the work areas is neutral and timeless, while the break kitchen has a darker, more atmospheric feel. The building’s architecture is reflected in the round lines, brick red hues, and the use of granite, for example, in the restrooms. The massive wooden conference room signs, pill-shaped forms, and brand-inspired ribbon-like tape details complete the visual design.
The renovation of Orion’s headquarters is part of a larger project planning phase. Also, read about the temporary office spaces designed for Orion earlier, which enable smooth operations during the headquarters’ renovation.
On the journey of change management, we use e.g. these our own work environment development tools
- Hybrid Work – work method survey – A quick way to map the views of the staff – more information for facility planning and change management
- Office Space Dimensioning – space program – For space search, a summary of space needs and the square footage of the future office
- New Normal Strategy – management workshop – Guidelines for office space change, management’s common understanding of goals and work culture
- Office Concept and Next Steps – draft planning and conceptualization process – Crystallized concept and visual appearance of the new office. A customized measure proposal for the continuation of the project
- Culture Hack workshop – Suggestions for new operating models for the hybrid work toolkit, as well as new spatial development ideas related to the operating models for the office concept.
- Hybrid Work Pocket Book – a manager’s guide – A tool for teams to agree on the rules of the game for hybrid work
- House Rules workshop – Game rules of the work environment to increase functionality and comfort, a common spirit for hybrid work and the opportunity for personnel to bring forward ideas in a solution-oriented environment
- Hybrid Pulse follow-up survey – when you want to stay on the pulse of how your work environment works