Peek inside the Czech Republic's most beautiful office space

Mercedes-Benz Česká republika’s modern offices in the Anděl 17 building in Prague 5 won the award for Best Interior Design at ThePrime Real Estate Gala.

A 23-member expert jury judged that category based on design quality, functionality and flexibility, ergonomics, and innovative use of technology, design, and materials. Awards were also given out in eight other real estate-related categories.

Real estate consultancy Colliers was responsible for the winning office design. The project’s main goal was to create offices for Mercedes-Benz Česká republika that reflect the brand identity while giving employees functional facilities that support new, hybrid work trends and corporate culture.

The office spaces incorporate the latest trends for work environments. A work zone lets employees do their jobs at height-adjustable desks, use currently popular phone booths, or meet and work in informal zones with bar tables. There are also meeting rooms for hybrid work and facilities for relaxation and informal meetings.

Architect Kateřina Štenclová led the team that prepared the concept. It uses shapes that reflect luxurious elements and modern materials, similar to those found in Mercedes-Benz cars. The hi-tech environment is softened by abundant use of greenery including stabilized moss on the walls and wooden slats.

"The concept of light was very important. We played with LED lights on the ceilings and walls and highlighted selected areas with hanging design lights," Štenclová said. The design includes a backlit wall with cutouts of Mercedes stars that change the light’s intensity or color.

Jana Vlková, director of workplace advisory and office agency at Colliers, said the project is an example of cooperation between several of the consultancy's departments. “In addition to finding a suitable space and negotiating the lease terms, Colliers experts designed and managed the entire implementation: all in just six months,” she said.

Mercedes-Benz Česká republika signed a lease at the turn of April and May last year, bringing Anděl 17 to full occupancy.

While easy to overlook, office design is essential to creating a successful modern workplace. The office space needs to be flexible, convenient, and social, and built around three Cs – culture, community, and collaboration.

“The right features and design that reflect a brand's culture and purpose can enhance that culture, making employees feel proud to belong,” Simon Hunt, Collier’s managing director of office leasing for Australia, said in an expert talk. Conversely, no amount of design can compensate for poor culture. “But the right place and space can amplify a positive one,” he said.

Colliers also points out that the modern office should not only have the necessary equipment, but also a layout that addresses new ways of working. They recommend creating four zones: a quiet zone for focused work, a background for meetings and teamwork, a space for fun and relaxation, and a zone for undisturbed creative, daily communication. 

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