M&C SAATCHI, a renowned international advertising agency, enlisted the expertise of LLOT LLOV to transform their new Berlin office space. Spanning three floors and covering a generous 380 square meters, this office resides within an iconic architectural masterpiece crafted by the visionary architect Arno Brandlhuber. The design of this space is a harmonious blend of innovative architecture and the essence of raw simplicity.
Architectural marvel aside, it’s the feeling within these walls that truly captivates. The open, spacious, and archaic room layout envelops occupants in a sense of unbounded possibility. Raw concrete walls, plywood panels, and iron pipe stair railings harmonize with the clear glass surfaces and translucent polycarbonate panels, epitomizing the beauty of minimalism. The soaring ceilings, some reaching up to 7.5 meters in height, invite an air of grandeur while seamlessly connecting with the neighboring structures through clever offsets in the street facade.
These three floors were originally envisioned as a gallery space but underwent a remarkable transformation into a dynamic workspace. New sanitary facilities were seamlessly integrated, and a reinforced concrete ceiling was added, all while meticulously preserving the interior feel envisioned by the architect.
The areas on each floor are titled – M&C SAATCHI WORKSHOP, M&C SAATCHI GALLERY and M&C SAATCHI CLUB – and differ in character and functionality.
The M&C SAATCHI WORKSHOP, with its adaptable layout, embodies flexibility. No fixed workstations; instead, employees choose their workspace, making use of compartments under the desks for added personalized storage.
The first floor office features two small, glass-walled offices integrated with open space, and a large desk adapts seamlessly to level differences, ensuring a balance between collaboration and privacy. Additionally, desks along the gallery area serve a dual purpose, functioning as a balustrade adorned with hanging plants. This not only enhances comfort but also contributes to an optimal acoustic environment. Across all levels, the use of raw concrete maintains a consistent industrial theme, enriched by a palette of dark blue and light mint, which harmoniously blend with the architecture. Oiled oak window elements have been thoughtfully incorporated into two staircases, becoming integral architectural elements.
On the ground floor, the M&C SAATCHI GALLERY space is an eye-catching flagship that can be glimpsed from the street, attracting the attention of passersby.
With access from two sides, this versatile space serves primarily as a working area, but its design enables exhibitions in collaboration with the SAATCHI GALLERY in London, blurring the lines between work and art.
The desk layout is modular and flexible, allowing the space to adapt to varying needs, while a substantial 8.2-meter-long light fixture above the desk can be adjusted for different occasions, radiating a gentle and ambient glow. Curtains and hanging plants provide comfort while also enhancing acoustics. The room’s color scheme, with towering 7.5-meter-high ceilings, is dominated by an inviting nude, creating a sense of warmth and depth.
Descending to the basement, the M&C SAATCHI CLUB awaits—a space designed for community, relaxation, and events of all sorts. The space has an open shaft to the first floor from the street side to the backyard for daylight. Passersby look down on the area from above. The atmosphere is enriched by various textures and sheens in the primarily black fixtures. A backlit kitchen counter and a massive mirror disco ball contribute to a dynamic and interactive space. A 7-meter-long display conveys the agency’s current topics, visible from both inside and outside.
The sanitary facilities here take on a playful touch, featuring translucent pink light and high-gloss black tiles. The swinging doors, designed with double-sided multi-skin sheets, not only offer practicality but also create a captivating effect. The translucency of the material allows light to radiate both inside and outside.
The meeting room in the basement can be booked by everyone. The room’s depth is elegantly accentuated by the black glass partitions with smoky gray accents. Removal of old wall boarding in this area revealed old graffiti on the wall, which was incorporated into the design. To compensate for the absence of natural light in this space, a luminous feature has been introduced. A wall of light, crafted with polycarbonate panels, is graced across the elongated side of the room. This radiant installation not only bathes the raw wall in a warm glow but also provides the graffiti with a stage, turning it into a mesmerizing focal point. The sulfur-yellow table in the center becomes the room’s focal point, infusing the space with a vibrant yellow radiance and warmth.
The Club area extends toward an additional entrance on the courtyard side, offering additional workspace with a black floating bar desk and black stools. Above it, fringe Fran lamps enhance the ambiance, creating a bar-like feeling.
A large black wooden round table near the entrance provides yet another meeting space within the basement area. Breaking the monochrome color scheme, colorful chairs and lush green plants offer a welcoming spot for both individual work and collaborative endeavors. To make the most of the space’s height, a modular support system for climbing plants, known as “RANK,” adorns the raw concrete wall and extends nearly to the 7.5-meter-high ceiling. Finally, to enhance the sense of height, the M&C SAATCHI logo, standing at an impressive 2.8 meters, adorns the back wall and is visible from both inside and outside.