Project Collins, Hamburg

For the 3,000 square metre offices of Otto Group’s Hamburg-based Projekt Collins e-commerce start-up, PLY Atelier developed a concept that links up, both functionally and visually, three building sections of different styles and ages. Diagonal concrete pillars in the newer part of the building and the historic clinkered facade in the old part form the brackets that frame Projekt Collin’s new home. The workstations for 250 employees are defined by both clear functionality and an almost domestic colour and lighting concept.

The sandblasted old concrete surfaces were contrasted with a coarse-weave carpet, while open-pore wood brings a warm note to the functional environment. In addition to height-adjustable workbenches for teamwork, each of the three floors features different retreat zones, ranging from telephone booths and small gardens with specially developed Eames swings to various types of meeting spaces and large kitchens and cafeterias. The meeting areas are entirely equipped with magnetic whiteboard walls or with walls treated with blackboard paint: no idea is lost and thoughts can be structured. The lighting concept includes the K 831 PLY as workplace lamp and refurbished, LED-fitted vintage lamps for the halls. Originally used in industrial plants, powerful LED ceiling floodlights provide additional illumination.