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As the US arm of German-based footwear company, Birkenstock, prepared to reorganize their operations, the company hired POLLACK architecture to design an office space that would support the new direction. The design team worked closely with Birkenstock US’ new leadership to develop an understanding of the history of the company, from the first sale of this “health shoe” in German pharmacies to its current standing as the shoe-of-choice for the “Tree Hugger.” Extensive discussions with the company’s new branding and advertising consultants were at the core of the design brief for the space, its function and the image it portrays.
The space, located in a re-purposed barrel-vault airplane hangar in Marin County, CA, is designed around a team area that runs the length of the open office areas. Highlighted by a 24-foot communal table, the space reminds each member of the design, marketing and sales teams that there is a shared mission, based on the values of the company and the premise that a shoe can be both ugly and comfortable.
The workspace is developed to be collaborative, creative and true to the philosophy of truth in materials. The scales of space are modulated by introduction of floating ceilings, offering more intimate settings geared toward various occupancy levels. Set within this new environment, Birkenstock is poised to take on a new direction and write the next chapter in the company’s 40 year history in the US.
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