Government Office by Agata Kurzela Studio: A Dramatic Fusion of Heritage and Modern Workspace Design
A Space Under a Sculptural Roof: Blending Form and Function
Perched on the top level of a heritage building, this government office designed by Agata Kurzela Studio is a masterclass in adaptive reuse. The space, crowned by a dramatic undulating roof, was reimagined for a public-sector body overseeing major infrastructure projects while also hosting workshops and exhibitions. The challenge? Accommodating a fluctuating workforce of external consultants without compromising the building’s historic character. The solution lay in rediscovering the genius loci the spirit of the place through a design that balances openness, flexibility, and reverence for the original architecture.
Key Design Challenges & Solutions
- Fluctuating Occupancy: The team introduced modular workstations, hot-desking zones, and phone booths to adapt to varying team sizes.
- Vertical Expansion: When horizontal space ran out, the design grew upward, adding multi-level platforms linked by staircases to maximize usability.
- Prayer Rooms & Quiet Spaces: Thoughtfully integrated gender-segregated prayer rooms and a library cater to cultural and functional needs.
- Material Palette: Mild steel, suspended aluminum chains, and glass create a dialogue between old and new while maintaining transparency.
Creative Archeology: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
The design excavates the building’s hidden potential, reinforcing its architectural logic with new insertions. A bold steel volume near the entrance acts as a visual anchor, concealing a ladies’ prayer room and an office while a floating aluminum-clad cube (half its size) adds lightness. This sculptural element not only organizes the chaotic original geometry but also serves as a wayfinding beacon.
User Experience: Multiple Journeys Through Space
The office offers different circulation paths depending on the visitor:
- Dignitaries & Guests: Enter via the lift to the exhibition area or are welcomed in the workshop zone without disrupting employees.
- Employees & Consultants: Flow seamlessly between open workstations, meeting lounges, and breakout spaces.
Design Details That Tell a Story
- Suspended Aluminum Chains: Used in the floating cube to play with opacity and scale.
- Interconnected Staircases: Encourage movement and chance encounters.
- Exhibition Integration: The workspace doubles as a showcase for public projects, reinforcing the organization’s mission.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
This project by Agata Kurzela Studio brilliantly navigates the tension between preservation and innovation, transforming a heritage shell into a dynamic, future-ready workspace. The undulating roof and sculptural steel volume create a striking identity, though the density of functional zones risks feeling overwhelming without clear visual hierarchy. Yet, the design triumphs in its human-centric approach prioritizing flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and architectural storytelling. It’s a testament to how creative constraints can inspire truly original solutions.
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