Firmenich: Redefining Workspaces for Happiness and Wellbeing

Creating a Visionary and Innovative Environment

Firmenich, a Swiss family-owned company renowned for creating fragrances and flavors that inspire happiness and wellbeing, has recently undergone a transformation in its workspaces. Led by the visionary designer Juan Carlos Baumgartner from SpAce, a leading corporate design firm, Firmenich has embraced open spaces and collaborative work areas to foster creativity, social learning, and stronger relationships among its employees. This bold move reflects the company's commitment to innovation and its desire to create a competitive edge through the design of its physical spaces.

Firmenich's new workspace design is a departure from its traditional closed and private areas. The focus is on breaking paradigms and creating an environment that encourages collaboration and social interaction without compromising functionality and aesthetics. The design team, led by Juan Carlos Baumgartner, carefully considered the distribution, lighting, finishes, and architectural details to reflect Firmenich's values and create a space that inspires happiness and wellbeing.

The design of Firmenich's workspace is characterized by vibrant colors in the working areas, complemented by neutral tones and accents in the workstations. Wood details dominate the open area, with latticework used to separate meeting rooms and support areas. The latticework, combined with curved lines and continuous finishes on the floors, creates a pathway that seamlessly connects offices and laboratories. These design elements not only enhance the aesthetics of the space but also contribute to a sense of flow and connectivity.

The technical specifications of Firmenich's redesigned workspace encompass a total area of 3918 square meters. The use of vibrant colors in the working areas and the combination of neutral tones and accents in the workstations create a visually stimulating environment. The incorporation of wood details and latticework in the open area adds warmth and a sense of privacy, while maintaining a cohesive and connected space. The design team also paid careful attention to lighting and finishes to ensure a harmonious and functional workspace.

Collaboration was key to the realization of Firmenich's new workspace. The design team, including Juan Carlos Baumgartner from SpAce, worked closely with entities such as Space Juan Carlos Baumgartner, Jimena Murillo, Carlos Vazquez Quintero, Angel Trujillo, Arturo Arenas, Lua (lighting), GA&A (contractor), VITRA (furniture), Shaw Contract Group (carpet), and Pim Schalkwijk (photography). Their collective efforts resulted in a space that not only reflects Firmenich's values but also meets the functional needs of its employees.

Through its design and technology elements, Firmenich's new workspace embodies the essence of the company and the emotions it aims to evoke in both the market and its employees. The interior spaces we inhabit have a profound influence on us, and the design of Firmenich's workspace is a testament to the company's commitment to creating a positive and inspiring environment. SpAce's approach to design is not formulaic; instead, it is tailored to the unique philosophy and culture of each organization, resulting in spaces that are truly one-of-a-kind.

The project to redesign Firmenich's workspace began in August 2015 and was completed in December 2016. Located in Benjamin Hill 1, Col. Condesa, Mexico City, the new workspace is a testament to Firmenich's dedication to innovation and its commitment to creating spaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and wellbeing.

Firmenich's redesigned workspace has been recognized for its excellence in design, winning the Bronze A' Design Award in 2017 in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Juan Carlos Baumgartner
Image Credits: Photography Pim Schalkwijk
Project Team Members: Space Juan Carlos Baumgartner Jimena Murillo Collaborators: Carlos Vazquez Quintero Angel Trujillo Arturo Arenas Lighting: Lua Contractor: GA&A Furniture: VITRA Carpet: Shaw Contract Group Photography: Pim Schalkwijk
Project Name: Firmenich
Project Client: Juan Carlos Baumgartner


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