Page 109 - AIT0424_E-Paper

Entwurf • Design Impepinable Studio, ES-Madrid
Grundriss Umbau • Floor plan: transformation
Grundriss Bestand • Floor plan: existing structure
Schnitt Bestand • Section: existing structure
Bauherr • Client Medifer, ES-Alicante
Standort • Location ES-Alicante
Nutzfläche • Floor space 400 m 2
Fotos • Photos David Frutos, ES-Murcia
Mehr Infos auf Seite • More info on page 134
MEDIFER OFFICES
IN ALICANTE
Everything back to square one: not only has the corporate
identity of the Spanish fertilizer manufacturer Medifer
undergone a makeover, the office space has also been
given a new look. With this dynamic design, the Madrid-
based architecture firm Impepinable Studio shows how
the design of the premises is also becoming a visual
means of communication in the company’s philosophy.
S urrounded by warehouses and production halls, the existing two-
storey building in the industrial estate of the Spanish harbour city
of Alicante used to go unnoticed, and not just because of its small size
alone. In the meantime, only the building cubature is reminiscent of
the concrete skeleton that once formed the first section of the compa-
ny headquarters when it was still filled with red bricks. The internal
layout of the building was almost symbolic of the working world as it
was standard in the past: A long, dark corridor led into a row of offices
with careless furnishings and little natural light. No trace of New Work;
no trace of functionality and open communication areas. The planners
Gabriela Barrera and César Plata fulfilled the desire for a new working
environment – optimized and, above all, jointly usable (!) – with an
unconventional concept with the aim to align the company’s image with
its growth strategy. Seven concrete steps guide visitors under the new,
far-projecting roof, which is apparently supported by the semi-circular,
tiled alcove. On entering the building, it becomes clear that the outward
appearance – concrete grey and tile green – is truly deceptive. A mix-
ture of different haptics, materials and colours defines the interior of
the building, which is clad in weather-resistant Vivoc composite panels.
The floor plan is as versatile as the modern working environment: The
slightly higher main floor becomes a flexible office, whereas the utility
rooms such as washrooms, storage rooms and the canteen are located
in the basement together with a large conference room. When the avai-
lable space is limited, new ideas have to be found – with this in mind,
a combination of individual- and group workstations has been produ-
ced in a semi-open-plan arrangement. Only custom-made furniture and
transparent glass walls organize the spatial boundaries. And if acoustics
need to be shielded, employees can use workstations similar to telepho-
ne booths. In keeping with the transformed brand logo – round, dark
green, pink – coloured tiles and circular windows create recognition
value. Even when everything is shouting Medifer at the top of its voice,
the rooms can be used flexibly thanks to their timeless design.
AIT 4.2024 • 109