Office Y01: A Forward-Thinking and Sustainable Workspace

Creating a Metaphorical Theatrical Scene with a Green Wall

The Y01 office space, designed by dontDIY, is a small but forward-thinking office for a Bulgarian real estate agency located in the historical center of Sofia. With its unique design elements and sustainable features, this office stands out as a symbol of openness and innovation.

The inspiration for the project came from the glamorous and colorful designs of the U.S. TV series Mad Men and a sculptural work of Bulgarian sculptor Kiril Kuzmanov. The idea was to incorporate materials traditionally used for flooring, such as parquet and carpet, onto the walls. This unconventional approach creates a visually striking and inviting atmosphere.

The office spans a total area of 99 sq.m. and is situated on the ground level of the Evlogiy Georgiev blvd in Sofia. The reception area features a minimalistic white desk set against a large green wall, which is easily visible from the street through the glazed display window. This green wall serves as the focal point of the office, attracting attention and communicating the company's commitment to sustainability.

At the back of the office, there is a conference room with a total of 35 seats. To maximize flexibility, dontDIY designed two bespoke folding tables that hang from the walls when not in use. This innovative solution allows the conference room to be easily transformed into a meeting room, adapting to the changing needs of the office.

The interior space also incorporates parquet mosaics and carpet on the walls to improve sound comfort. This thoughtful design choice enhances the working environment, creating a more pleasant and productive atmosphere for the employees.

The Y01 office project started in early 2012 and was completed in early 2013 in Sofia. The dontDIY team, consisting of Stefan Minkov, Svetoslav Michev, and Hristo Stankushev, worked diligently to overcome the challenges of the ground-level location and create a space that is both functional and visually appealing.

This innovative office design has been recognized with the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in 2014. The award acknowledges the outstanding creativity and resourcefulness of the dontDIY team in incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The Y01 office stands as a testament to their technical and creative skills, contributing to the improvement of quality of life in the workplace.

The Y01 office space is not just a place of work; it is a symbol of forward-thinking and sustainable practices. By opening the office to the public and creating a metaphorical theatrical scene with the green wall visible from the street, the Bulgarian real estate agency Yavlena has successfully communicated its progressive and environmentally conscious approach. This office is a true reflection of the changing cultural and social identity of Sofia, making it a remarkable addition to the city's architectural landscape.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: dontDIY
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Asen Emilov Image #2: Photographer Asen Emilov Image #3: Photographer Asen Emilov/dontDIY Image #4: Photographer Asen Emilov/dontDIY Image #5: Photographer Asen Emilov
Project Team Members: The dontDIY team is Stefan Minkov, Svetoslav Michev and Hristo Stankushev.
Project Name: Office Y01
Project Client: dontDIY


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