A fascinating workplace: The Maldives of design
March 22, 2020
Ippolito Fleitz Group cooperated with Porsche Consulting in transforming the new headquarters of Roman Klis Design in Herrenberg, a provincial town in southwest Germany, successfully remodelling the workplace into a locus of desire.
The transformation brought together the agency’s brand identity, insights from behavioural science and Ippolito Fleitz Group's ambition to provide a smart solution to every challenge. The new office is not only a pleasure to behold – it makes a substantial contribution to boosting the productivity of the agency’s workforce.
First off, the design studio added a new workforce of 2,100 super-performers in the form of green houseplants. They engender a good mood, lower stress levels, boost creativity and enhance performance. Moreover, they improve air quality and overall well-being, as well as diminishing noise levels. They even assist in employee acquisitions – and are extremely easy to handle. The only input they require is regular watering. The nudger knows: Houseplants are motivational power plants. And in fact, the newly greened interior not only increased humidity from 18% to 44%, but decreased the number of employee sick days by 50%.
The yippee principle
One fascinating challenge in this project was to completely transform a building without interfering in the existing structure in any way. A fundamentally different atmosphere was achieved by changing the ceiling landscape. The existing panels were allowed to stay, but these were supplemented by coloured strips. In place of grey metal ceilings, colour gradients create a new spatial depth and a considerably improved mental balance. Blue is a calming colour – and also promotes creativity. A gradual progression into white brings additional openness and lightness to the space.
One fascinating challenge in this project was to completely transform a building without interfering in the existing structure in any way. A fundamentally different atmosphere was achieved by changing the ceiling landscape. The existing panels were allowed to stay, but these were supplemented by coloured strips. In place of grey metal ceilings, colour gradients create a new spatial depth and a considerably improved mental balance. Blue is a calming colour – and also promotes creativity. A gradual progression into white brings additional openness and lightness to the space.
Workways have been kept neutral to promote concentration. The pale pink walkways are genuine mood boosters and, incidentally, increase empathy amongst employees. Thoughtfully placed water sources and tasteful lighting help bring about an even better mood. Tropical wallpaper meets soft shapes and round tables. And the nudge insight that central Europeans only feel part of a group of up to 24 people was taken into account in every zone.
Much more space for communication has been created overall – which was an explicit wish of the employees, but also a requirement of a changing work culture in which information exchange and a sense of cohesion and belonging play an increasingly important role. The only exception is the new café on the upper floor provides an atmosphere in which to refuel and hatch out fresh ideas.
The positive mood that carries Roman Klis through life has been transported into the furthest corner of the agency. The end result is not only a workspace that triggers an immediate buzz amongst clients and employees alike, but above all a dynamic basis for effective agile working. Because ultimately, performance is considerably enhanced when employees enjoy what it is they do.
Photography by Philip Kottlorz
www.ifgroup.org
SHARE THIS
Latest Edition
Mar / Apr 2026 edition is available now!
Contribute
G&G _ Magazine is always looking for the creative talents of stylists, designers, photographers and writers from around the globe.
Find us on
Latest News
During Milan Design Week, where the city becomes an intricate map of overlapping visions and fleeting installations, Bodo Sperlein delivers a moment of rare coherence and depth with MENU exhibition that transcends the conventional boundaries of design to inhabit architecture as a living, breathing entity.
From March 31 to April 3, 2026, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Hotel & Shop Plus 2026 Shanghai unfolded as far more than a trade fair: it emerged as a living, breathing platform where the very notion of travel dissolves, permeating every layer of contemporary lifestyle and spatial design.
Held in two phases, from March 18–21 and March 28–31 at the Canton Fair Complex, the 57th edition of CIFF demonstrated how design is no longer something merely displayed but something to be fully experienced through the senses: deconstructed, re-engineered and ultimately redefined in its deepest essence: matter .
Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) is pleased to announce it will be returning to London’s EC1 on the 19 – 21 May 2026. Marking the 15th anniversary of this global design festival, a new curated series of largescale installations will be launched called Design Interventions .
At a time when design is redefining its priorities, the contemporary landscape of interiors, décor, and outdoor living is clearly shifting from a digital-centric vision toward a more human, emotional and nature-driven approach. This transition was strongly evident during the latest editions of Warsaw Garden Expo and Warsaw Gift & Deco Show , held at Ptak Warsaw Expo from 10th to 12th February 2026.
Merav Bustan, founder of the Berlin-based design studio bearing her name, is the creative force behind the interior design of the new boutique hotel, VIA Antwerp , located in the vibrant heart of the Zurenborg district.
Subscribe
Keep up to date with the latest trends!
Popular Posts
In a world where true luxury is no longer defined only by comfort and elegance but increasingly by silence, nature and the ability to breathe, Hyatt Regency Dongguan stands out as an ideal destination to recharge and reconnect with what truly matters.
Praga district, once industrial and today filled with galleries, studios, cafés, and cultural spaces, is home to the vibrant Moxy Warsaw Praga . The hotel embraces the spirit of the neighborhood with a modern and playful design (typical of the Moxy Hotels concept) featuring industrial elements that echo the area’s historic character.
Between February 6 and March 8, Madrid Design Festival 2026 offered an intense program of exhibitions and events across the city. Throughout these days, it was possible to perceive the evolution of the festival, which expanded its program by integrating professional talks and meetings, revealing a strong desire among industry professionals to share the new Spanish approach to design with the world.
