Project Name: Innovative workspace
Architects: Studio VONT
Author: Oldřich Wachtl, architect – VONT
Project Location: Building U20, ŠKODA AUTO, Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic
Completion year 2019
Area 59 m2 (CREATIVE-ZONE) + 59 m2 (INNO-SPACE)
Client ŠKODA AUTO
Photography: BoysPlayNice
Collaborators Concept design: DRAWetc. graphic atelier
Furniture and graphic design: Petr Holub
Innovation and tradition
Innovation as manifestation of life and creative development.
The idol and the scourge of contemporary society. The drive behind all technological advancement.
Joining creativity and intuition with high tech makes innovation processes more playful, flexible and effective. It encourages the loosening of conventional rules of play in the corporate environment.
The INNO-SPACE U20 project was conceived by ŠKODA AUTO‘s Quality Management department, a strong representative of the traditional company culture. While keeping quality as the basic requirement, the workspace is creatively transformed using design and technology.
Traditional company values can be shared in an extraordinary way thanks to the flexible space and high tech equipment. Roman Mogalle-Kiebler, director of Product Technology, is the patron of the innovative space concept. The project was realized with the support of Frank Schreier, director of Quality Management.
A flexible space
The space is visually very different from the rest of the company’s environments and it is further set apart by its use of communication technology. The variable interior is equipped with smart audio-visual technology and state-of-the-art technical infrastructure – all of that as intuitive and easy to use as possible.
The INNO-SPACE U20 project offers added work space capacity, makes common areas more attractive to use, and creates a high-end work environment option for the company. Apart from the INNO-SPOT and CREATIVE-ZONE spaces, the smaller work corners in the corridors function as alternative workspaces outside of normal offices, and can be used also before or after meetings, e.g. when a particular detail of the presentation needs to be revisited by a smaller group of people. INNO-SPACE U20 can be used for top management purposes as well as daily meetings.
INNO-SPACE U20 is not just a test pad of communication, it also introduces new habits in the workplace, such as the much-needed relaxation time.
Technology and design
The contemporary automobile combines high tech and easy operation. Function is supported by image and sound and the perception reaches a whole new dimension. The digital environment of the automobile’s cockpit can be customized by the user. These principles have imprinted themselves into the design of the innovative workspace and its equipment. The 4K television, 4K laser projector, interactive touch wall, BOSE sound system and the lighting are all extremely adaptive to the special momentary needs. Thousand times different and still simple.
The design concept for INNO-SPACE U20 is based on the contemporary shapes and makes of the ŠKODA AUTO electric car’s headlights. High quality materials and finishes are used as a reflection of the company’s tradition. Natural materials (e.g. oak panelling) bring a more humane and homey atmosphere into the mix. The combination of design, materials and equipment promotes a playful and alternative approach to well-established processes.
„The design concept of the innovative spaces in department G, building U20 in Mladá Boleslav, is based on the idea of small work corners and a flexible environment equipped with smart technologies. We started off with a standard meeting room and created two separate spaces, an INNO-SPOT meeting room and a CREATIVE-ZONE, freely accessible and free to use by our employees at any time during the day. We created spaces that are cozy and comfortable, so that our colleagues feel at home and want to keep coming back. We also introduced new technologies that are entertaining and interactive, because entertainment creates motivation. There is an option for a short workout and a stretch during the day, too. The most important aspect though is that we connect people to exchange ideas and inspire each other in a nice environment filled with high tech.“ (Zuzana Machů, innovative workspace project’s manager, Quality management, ŠKODA AUTO Mladá Boleslav)
