So much importance is placed on the environment in which companies work - and for good reason! Your office is your playground. If it's not inspiring, neither will be the work that comes out of your doors or that gets pushed out online.
From Etsy to Google, from the U.S. to Berlin, creative office spaces are becoming the norm more and more and are almost inextricably linked to modern successful companies.
A creative office space should adhere to certain colors, wall designs and functionalities. Your color scheme is your brand but I doubt McDonalds would get much done if all of their walls were vibrantly bright red and yellow. The best colors for instilling a free-flowing brainstorm session is something monochromatic and simple.
The design and wall structure are important to a creative office undoubtedly. A cubicle setup is a thing of the past/ Open spaces with curvy walls are much more relaxing and inspiring. If you're a company that makes money off of design or unique products, chances are a boxy office with only 90 degree angles will be detrimentally boring and affect success in the end.
Finally, form should follow function. If you make toys for kids, your walls shouldn't be grey steel with contemporary furniture lining them. Add a lot of color instead and put video game consoles in every room so your employees are always thinking like their customers.
The office space matters and if you are a company that thrives off of creative, you'll want a space that follows the same thinking.
On that note here are the first 25 of 50 of the most creative office spaces in the world. Brought to you by glasswhiteboard.com
1. B R O U G H T T O Y O U B Y
GLASSWHITEBOARD.COM
The 50 Most Creative Office Spaces
in the World: Part I
2. “YOU SEE THINGS; AND YOU SAY,
„WHY?‟ BUT I DREAM THINGS THAT
NEVER WERE; AND I SAY, „WHY NOT‟?”
– G E O R G E B E R N A R D S H A W
3. Bahnhof
Quietly boasting a sci-fi lover's haven known as the “moon room” - a circular structure with sleek glass walls
that overlooks a dimly lit cave-like open space with stone walls - this company can easily claim the title of
one of the most unusual offices in the world. Founded in 1994, it is one of the largest independent national
internet service providers for Europe.
Stockholm, Sweden
Internet Service Provider
4. Bastard Store/Comvert
In 1994, ComvertS.r.l. founded a clothing and accessories company for the skateboarding and
snowboarding industries. This Bastard flagship store also houses the Comvert headquarters in a
refurbished building that used to be an old cinema theater. Aptly placed in front of the Design department
is the Bastard bowl, where skateboarders unite and do what they love most.
Milan, Italy
Clothing Company
5. Chamber of Commerce and
Industry of Slovenia
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia provides services to enterprises and partners with
foreign investors while playing a pivotal role in economic policy. It represents the interests of economic
enterprises within the country. The massive art structures within the atrium as well as throughout the
building are nothing less than spectacular, while the greenery brings life to modern metals that could easily
pass for fine art museum pieces.
Republic of Slovenia, Europe
Public Sector
6. Cheap Monday
Built by UglyCute, this trendy 10,000 sq ft office, covered in carpet and felt to keep echo and sound at bay,
serves as the creative workspace of the Swedish fashion brand, Cheap Monday. Utilitarian pyramids seem
to be the theme with one such pyramid appointed as the company's conference room.
Stockholm, Germany
Fashion
7. Discovery Offices
The monochromatic theme that pervades the space in Discovery Netherlands is a stark modern contrast
with the raw cement ceilings—a naturalistic element you would expect from this nature-themed company
that provides coverage for 155 worldwide television networks. The modern feel of these offices may seem
more common nowadays, but that doesn't take away the beauty of simplicity in its design.
Netherlands
Media
8. DZ Bank
DZ Bank is the fourth largest bank in Germany and acts as a central bank for about 900 cooperative banks.
The chrome, curvy shapes that seem to glide into one another create an artistic landscape in every room
that begs to inspire and reflect. High contrast furniture complements the curvature of the walls.
Berlin, Germany
Financial Services
9. The Engine Group
London, England
Communications
The Engine Group is an independent and integrated marketing agency based in London with offices
around the world.
10. “CREATIVITY IS MORE THAN JUST
BEING DIFFERENT. ANYBODY CAN
PLAN WEIRD; THAT‟S EASY. WHAT‟S
HARD IS TO BE AS SIMPLE AS BACH.
MAKING THE SIMPLE, AWESOMELY
SIMPLE, THAT‟S CREATIVITY”
– C H A R L E S M I N G U S
11. Etsy Labs
Etsyis an online global marketplace where users can sell handmade, homemade and artistic items and crafts.
From rare soaps and products for sensitive skin to handmade clothing items, there is something unique on
this site for everybody. Those who have a penchant for flea markets, kitschy street fairs and unique items
nobody else has will find their favorite stores or might even be able to market their favorite hobby into a
lucrative business. The crafty and vintage-inspired look of the office headquarters explores the whimsy
Etsy's ideals and philosophies.
Brooklyn, USA
Commercial Website
12. Google
Google has always taken the lead with inspiring and innovative workspaces around the world—with Tel
Aviv being no exception. With its many individual pods to inspire creativity and different simulated
environments through each hallway to surprise and stir the imagination while catering to specific moods
and needs, these offices are perfect for brainstorming or focusing. These environmentally friendly offices
even received Leed Gold certification for their use of renewable materials, low-energy emitting resources
and optimized energy performance.
Tel Aviv, Israel
Internet Information Provider
13. IKEA
Ikeais known as one of the world's foremost furniture and home retailers in the world. At their 75,000 square
foot corporate office, no executives have offices. The belief is that walls enclose people and ideas whereas
open space facilitates creativity, collaboration and camaraderie. Glass meeting rooms encourage teamwork
and seventeen of those rooms are named after the countries where Ikeahas free-standing stores.
Delft, Netherlands
Home & Furniture Retailer
14. Innocent Drinks
Innocent Drinks started in 1999 when they sold some smoothies at a nearby music festival and put two
bins out asking the public whether they should quit their day jobs and sell smoothies for a living. The bin
marked “yes” was overflowing by day's end and the rest is history. The offices are akin to a perfect summer
day without the sweltering heat. At every turn, bright colors and daylight awaken the senses while small
alcoves and basket chairs beckon staff for quiet moments of solitude. The colorful open kitchen in the main
room and the tree-lined outdoor 'beer garden' portray a brand that doesn't take itself too seriously and
even invites a touch of humor and free thinking to its office environment.
London, England
Natural Foods & Beverages
15. Jung von Matt
Jung von Matt is a fully independent advertising agency founded in 1991 and is the German leader in
advertising for the past 20 years based on awards for creativity and effectiveness. The offices are embedded
in high contrast colors with embedded wood, geometric shapes and sleek lines that lend themselves well to
creative ideas while adding a masculine sophistication to the décor.
Stockholm, Germany
Advertising Agency
16. JWT New York
JWT is an international advertising and communications company with headquarters in the heart of
Manhattan, NY. JWT architects came up with the idea of a “tree” as a metaphor for the storytelling of the
firm—each branch seamlessly connected by a series of floors which also connect to conference rooms and
offices including the “tree house,” a conference room utilized by JWT and outside companies as well.
New York, NY
Advertising
17. Lego
Since the 1930s, Lego has made its mark on the toy industry and changed the face of creativity and
learning. Their values include creativity, learning, imagination, fun and caring; trademarks of any well-
rounded child or kid at heart. The offices in Denmark imbue a clean look with bright green elements. The
conference room is sleek, playful and monochromatic—colors which are ideal for brainstorming and
innovative ideas.
Billund, Denmark
Toy Manufacturer
18. “THINK LEFT AND THINK RIGHT AND
THINK LOW AND THINK HIGH. OH, THE
THINKS YOU CAN THINK UP IF ONLY
YOU TRY”
– D R . S E U S S
19. LinkedIn
LinkedIn has changed the face of employment and networking around the world gaining prospective
employers and employees leveraged for marketing and communication. LinkedIn's offices cover the 25th
floor of the Empire State Building and its branding is prominently displayed at every turn. A sleek
reception area and spacious, modern waiting area greets guests and clients, putting them at ease.
Conference rooms are named after city parks to blend with the urban feel of New York City.
New York, NY
Social Network
20. Macquarie Ropemaker
Macquarie provides banking, financial, advisory, investment and funds management services from more
than 70 offices around the globe. The architecture for their headquarters boasts a Penrose
Staircase, originally conceived as an optical illusion but made very real by Clive Wilkinson Architects. The
colors are monochromatic and differ by level.
London, England
Finance
21. Mind Candy
Mind Candy is an online gaming company and social network for children whose office headquarters
almost feels like you just got lost on the set of 'Alice in Wonderland.' There are plants everywhere and
storybook fantasy around every corner; even the conference room is cleverly disguised as a wooden “tree
house.” Next to the tree house is the boardroom whose glass walls are covered with life-size designs from
Moshi Monster's games. Moshi is Mind Candy's website for kids, which allows them to adopt a monster
and play interactive online games.
London, England
Online Gaming
22. Mother London
Mother London boasts 250 square ft concrete desks which can seat all the staff at the company. This
unique feature allows for creative brainstorming within the flow of wide open space. Hanging design prints
in a variety of styles and patterns lend themselves well to the artistic design of this space.
London, England
Creative Agency
23. MR Design Office Japan
There is no question MR Design Office knows how to surprise clients—with a slide shoot that spits people
out of a mirrored wall while clean white walls, straight lines, white fixtures and furniture keep this office
bright and energized. A reflective dome hangs over the table of a meeting area to project light and contain
sound. Decor is calming and minimalist so that ideas and people can keep focus.
Tokyo, Japan
Design
24. MTV Berlin
Dan Pearlman Architects created this work of art in the heart of Germany which includes gaming
areas, large atrium-like areas under unique woodwork as well as hints of color thrown into grown-up
neutrals.
Berlin
Entertainment Media
25. Moving Pictures Co.
Moving Pictures Co. is a creative studio that specializes in post-production 3D/CG effects, animation,
motion design, software development and numerous other services. Their office headquarters look like
they're straight out of a modern sci-fi flick with pod-like structures and sleek yet cozy nooks.
Santa Monica, California
Film Production
26. NO MAN HAS THE RIGHT TO DICTATE
WHAT OTHER MEN SHOULD
PERCEIVE, CREATE OR PRODUCE, BUT
ALL SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO
REVEAL THEMSELVES, THEIR
PERCEPTIONS AND EMOTIONS, AND TO
BUILD CONFIDENCE IN THE CREATIVE
SPIRIT.
– A N S E L A D A M S
27. Nicolas Tye Architects
Named the Long Barn Studio, this award-winning England-based architect firm created an office that
displays their capabilities and appreciates the value of its employees; comprised of long white tables with
MAC computers and individual storage units. The sauna-like restroom adds to the aesthetic appeal and
comfort level of the space while dark walls and steel fixtures add contrast and elegance.
Bedfordshire, England
Architecture Firm
28. Nike London
This award-winning workspace spreads across three floors and 1,500 square meters. Big screen TVs
display the latest games and the break room overlooks a basketball court. There is a workout room as well
as a showroom with several shoes and ads on display. The simplistic yet modern and sporty design lends
itself well to creative minds.
London, England
Sportswear
29. Nothing
Nothing is a creative agency that prides itself on conceptualizing from the least amount of materials or
“straight from the box.” For this reason, most of the furniture actually uses real cardboard—yes, cardboard.
The result is simply stunning, with soft hues that complement each other and create a harmonizing, almost
zen-like atmosphere.
Amsterdam, Holland
Entrepreneurial Agency
30. North Advertising
North is a team of designers, writers, creative directors, film and music makers—and the space designed by
Skylabs had to reflect this. This 10,000 square foot 'center' was designed with alternative social
interactions to spur creativity, such as cooking, eating, lounging and gaming. The space is predominantly
'clean' with Zen-like decor. The space and furniture are mostly white with pine paneling and interwoven
with raw steel.
Oregon, USA
Advertising Agency
31. B R O U G H T T O Y O U B Y
GLASSWHITEBOARD.COM
25 More Creative Office Spaces
To Come in Part II