The most captivating workspaces are ones that spur innovation, encourage creativity, and provide inspiration. Taking a page from that type of mentality, the digital media company Skype has revamped their headquarters in Palo Alto, California, with an expansive open layout with help from the San Francisco architecture and design firm Blitz.

Naturally, given the Skype’s position as a leader in the realm of global communication media, the cool office interiors were designed by Blitz to increase interaction among the company’s 250 employees. At the same time, the 54,000-square-feet space has been given an urban loft appeal with warehouse-style exposed ceilings that run 16-feet high. The goal was to provide a cool office space that also has the comfort of an urban apartment.

The openness of the office interiors with the freestanding workstations, desks, and meeting areas further reflects the Skype’s belief in the exchange of ideas and free-flowing conversations. Additionally, the smart layout of having the working areas line the perimeter and the conference and break rooms in the center makes this one of the best office designs, as noise is efficiently confined to specific areas.

All of the conference rooms are housed within pod-like structures throughout the office interiors. Among them, one of the most notable structures has an exterior that is covered in salvaged wood originally used in wine barrels for its oak-scented flavor. Needless to say, all of the meeting rooms have been soundproofed to reduce noise level as well as enhance privacy during client meetings.

Other design elements that bring an edgy touch to the cool office spaces include a wide-ranging use of vibrant colors and an array of brightly hued contemporary furniture pieces. From a moss green upholstered sofa and a wall covered in Astroturf in the break room, which is equipped with billiard and foosball tables, to a hot pink carpeted conference room and a hip seating area with crimson walls stenciled with images of chandeliers, the furnishings throughout complete the cool office with a mod vibe.

Furthermore, red chairs and round green rugs dot the space and mark various seating areas while innovative light fixtures add a dose of futuristic edge to the office interiors. This is most apparent in the sculptural red fixture that hovers over a seating area as well as the floating light panels that light up the bright white cafeteria.

Skype’s ultimate goal in their office design was to encourage collaboration, contemplation, and concentration among its staff. And judging by the looks of it, Blitz has created the best office for them to achieve that.

Posted by Sebastien D. at 18 April, 2011

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