Parisian co-working space
Co-working spaces seem to be becoming increasingly more creative and unique. French practice Franklin Azzi Architecture took tips from the work of Frank Lloyd Wright to design this Parisian co-working space, which features open areas for working, dining and lounging, creating a heady mix of office, hospitality and residential comfort.
The Bureau , Paris is set inside a Hausmann building that dates back to the 19th century, but when it came to devising the interiors, Franklin Azzi Architecture had a more modern point of reference – mid-century homes created by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.”Those houses are manifestos because Frank Lloyd Wright broke free from unnecessary partitions to reveal open areas largely bathed in light, which was very innovative for the beginning of the 20th century,” the practice’s founder, Franklin Azzi,.
“For me, they are timeless works that reflect a real desire for integration into their environment through horizontality.” In keeping with Llyod Wright’s architecture, The Bureau’s ground level has been made to have a largely open layout.
The floor plan is interrupted by just one oak-lined partition, which is inbuilt with deep-set bookshelves and private booths where members can escape to take calls or do more focused work. Adjacently lies an expansive workroom that features a long communal desk. Dangling above is a chandelier composed of glass spheres and silver-metal spokes.
Towards the front of the room is a concierge desk, which can be screened off by floor-to-ceiling green curtains if necessary. The Bureau’s in-house restaurant, called The Comptoir, has been created in a corner of the ground floor. A grey seating banquette winds around the wall, accompanied by brass-edged tables and wooden dining chairs.
Surrounding surfaces, including the structural columns and part of the ceiling, have been lined with slim mirrored panels.
Just in front of the restaurant is a striking, 70s-style decor feature – a sunken conversation pit complete with a plush, deep-green sofa and carpeting to match.
The sudio immersed themselves in the 1970s world of American offices, as well as the colours and material codes infused with Oscar Niemeyer’s work to create a unique hybrid identity for The Bureau. The upper levels of the building play host to more private work areas and meeting rooms, which boast original fireplaces and ornate ceiling cornicing.
