Dormakaba

Vast potential unlocked

The office calls and everyone shows up – this is the ultimate affirmation for Dormakaba International Holding AG in Rümlang, Switzerland, that they have done everything right. The factory building where locking systems were once produced has been converted into a workplace offering a variety of spaces for teamwork and knowledge exchange, creative brainstorming, formal and informal meetings, and quiet concentration. The Barista Bar and quiet booths complement the areas, providing employees with a welcome retreat when their batteries need recharging. In fact, the entire concept has proved a winner. And the key to its success? A combination of needs-oriented design, co-creation and effective change management. A success that everyone involved can celebrate - this project has been awarded Best Workspace 2024. 

Factory floor 2.0

The merger of the two companies Dorma and Kaba in 2015 meant a change in space requirements for the newly formed entity. The employees were to be brought together in a former factory hall, at headquarters in the Zurich district of Rümlang. No sooner said than done: the 6,600 square metre space consisting of a concrete floor, steel joists and numerous technical fixtures was fitted out with office cubicles as workspaces and converted in compliance with Swiss Minergie office building standards. Fulfilling the exacting quality and efficiency requirements of Minergie certification is one thing; turning a former factory hall into a people magnet is something completely different, however, and this called for a one-of-a-kind solution. 

Locally inspired ecosystem

The turning point for the project came when Drees & Sommer won the design contest to thoroughly revamp the factory space and increase its attractiveness. Inspiration came from the variety of contact points and community spaces in the municipality of Rümlang and resulted in the concept of an urban ecosystem. A living and working environment in which old and new teams can grow in unison, in different zones like the districts of a town, each with its own character, but only reaching their full potential when they are all working together.

Common spaces for everyone

In the middle of the hall are the green lungs of the new work environment: the pocket park. The space is enclosed within a perimeter of low-level wooden decking containing luscious plants and interspersed with different types of seating. As in any town, it is a place to sit awhile – with or without others – take a breath, perhaps catch up on the latest news, or even settle down to do some solo work in this relaxing but also reviving atmosphere. 

The marketplace in the entrance area brings people together. The Barista Bar is where they meet for coffee, have a short break, take a moment to reflect, or receive visitors. The open design of the reception area is a warm welcome in itself for anyone arriving for a visit.

“Collaboration not isolation” is the motto of the Open Huddle. This zone functions like a business district, encourages communication and cooperation. This is where ideas emerge, innovations are produced, creative processes are set in motion. This otherwise open-plan coworking area also includes small, enclosed meeting rooms and telephone booths. 

Larger-scale events take place in the Arena at the rear of the hall, but at all other times the space can be used for brainstorming sessions, workshops, as a project area or workspace. Maximum use can be made of this zone, since it is equipped with a flexible, modular furniture system that can be arranged into any number of different settings. 

People traffic and noise are natural in an office landscape. Which is why retreats and concentration zones are needed, too. The Focus Areas allow employees to work undisturbed, concentrate on reading and learning, and – above all – think. Acoustically and visually shielded workstations, closed focus booths and open areas like the library all provide a place to work in peace. The Quiet Booth is a place for very personal moments of stillness: relaxation, meditation, prayer, or simply switching off and briefly being on one’s own. 

Hard on the outside, soft on the inside

High quality interior design elements radiate warmth and comfort. Wooden furniture, colour-saturated materials and a sophisticated greening concept lend a softer, more natural contrast to the rather hard look and feel of the factory hall. The interior provides pleasant tactile experiences and a genuine atmosphere of well-being. 

Side by side

The bespoke concept and design are the key factors of the success of Dormakaba’s new work environment. The true reason behind the users’ acceptance, however, was the fact that they were closely accompanied every step of the way by a carefully planned change management process. It began with a user needs analysis, was followed by a compass workshop to define the goals and rounded off with the co-creation of a suitable design. It was an express wish that the employees be involved in the process. Their input was of special importance during the Drees & Sommer-led code of conduct workshop, where they codetermined the rules of behaviour for different zones of the coworking spaces.  

And the result? The employees feel so at home in the environment that occupancy has risen greatly. Which is the best possible way to achieve communication, knowledge transfer, solidarity and belonging, and a lived company culture.