Background

Satamatalo, located in Helsinki’s South Harbour, was built in 1952. Together with the adjacent Olympia Terminal, it is an example of functionalist architecture.

The aim was to improve efficiency and working comfort in the building’s office spaces. The architect for the project was Siren Architects Oy.

Challenge

The open-plan office at Satamatalon needed solutions that would provide a peaceful working environment and privacy amidst the sounds of an open-plan office. The aim was to create quiet spaces within the premises, particularly for work requiring concentration, video conferences and one-to-one meetings.

The design solutions had to complement the building’s and the office’s light, airy aesthetic and support the functionality of the space without making the overall effect feel heavy or out of place. Furthermore, the spaces had to be easily accessible from the workstation areas and corridors.

Solution

White was chosen for the office spaces in the harbour building POD 2 rooms, which blend in well with the light colour scheme of the office and the building. The POD rooms bring harmony, functionality and comfort to the open-plan office.

The soundproofed POD 2 rooms offer privacy and tranquillity for work that requires concentration. They also facilitate video conferences and one-to-one meetings in a peaceful environment.

The POD rooms were positioned close to the workstation areas and corridors so that it is easy to pop in and work there. At the same time, their location separates the workstations from the corridor area and brings a greater sense of calm to everyday life in the open-plan office.

Results from

POD rooms improve work efficiency and offer privacy amidst the sounds of Satamatalo’s open-plan office.

The solution brought greater comfort, tranquillity and functionality to the office spaces. The white POD 2 rooms blend naturally with the building’s light colour scheme and contribute to the harmonious overall feel of the spaces.

Placing POD rooms close to workstations and corridors makes them easily accessible, whilst also helping to divide the workstation areas into quieter zones.