The study pertains to the interior design of the new offices for an insurance company, located on the second floor of a typical office building in the central square of Glyfada. The pre-existing layout was radically altered, as the primary goal was to create a unified, functional, and bright workspace that fosters interaction and collaboration. As a result, the restrooms, previously situated at a central point that fragmented the space, were removed to enable the formation of a continuous core for the primary functions.
The floor plan was organized into three main zones:
The reception area, meeting room, and waiting area are located in the central section, which also serves as the company’s entrance. This zone essentially forms the core of the functions designed for visitors and clients, the most outward-facing aspect of the business. On either side, the main workspaces are arranged. This shared functional core was opened along a north-south axis, enhancing the visual field, maximizing brightness and light diffusion throughout the year, and ensuring the efficient placement of functions. Simultaneously, the meeting room and waiting area are positioned to create a smooth transition or buffer zone leading to the open-plan office area located in the southern section of the building overlooking Poseidonos Avenue.
The meeting room’s position and irregular shape also help smooth out the building’s curvature, functionally and compositionally bridging the two main sections. The development of workstations in the open, flowing space in the southern area maximizes the use of continuous windows, opening the entire area to natural light and the sea view. Furthermore, it allows for a high degree of flexibility in arranging work units according to changing needs.
On the northern side, where the building faces Katras Square, offering an unobstructed view of the greenery and the sea, the executive offices are organized. Their division aligns with the rhythm of the building’s columns. Placing them in the northern wing ensures the desired isolation of enclosed offices. Secondary spaces surround the open areas, allowing access to outdoor spaces for ventilation while keeping them out of view from the more accessible parts of the company.
Given that our primary aim was to avoid a sense of strict, defined boundaries and instead create a space where one area flows into another, curved lines were employed to facilitate unobstructed movement and soften the boundaries. This is evident in the reception area, which, through its design and spatial arrangement, enhances flow and guides movement on either side. The curved shape of the wall behind the desk embraces visitors, while the installation of wooden slats over the windows allows light to penetrate, creating an intriguing interplay of solid and void, altering the lighting throughout the day. Additionally, it obscures the view of the open areas, while a planted area evokes an outdoor setting.
Planting is also incorporated into other areas of the floor plan, often serving as a light boundary between sections, while adding freshness, and warmth, and creating a more pleasant and relaxed working environment.
Regarding materials, wood was used for the flooring and as wall cladding in the reception area, meeting room, and executive offices. This adds prestige and is ideal for upgrading professional spaces. The partitions of the enclosed offices were chosen to be made of glass with sandblasting on some parts, allowing light to pass through while maintaining privacy. The primary goal was to allow light to flow freely throughout the space without compromising privacy. Additionally, some key furniture pieces (reception desk, meeting table, fixed cabinets, etc.) were custom-designed, while the company’s existing movable furniture was retained in individual offices.
Lighting plays a crucial role in an office environment as it affects mood and productivity, and it was given significant attention. Care was taken to ensure uniform lighting that minimizes shadows and adapts to the time of day and the needs of the office users. Circular discs and rings were placed irregularly in the reception and waiting areas to align with the space’s curved features. Meanwhile, a custom light fixture was created for the meeting room to follow the ceiling lines.
