Google's Zurich Innovative Office Fosters Creativity & Productivity

A productive work environment requires taking a different approach to design. Google’s EMEA Engineering Hub in Switzerland is an excellent example of successful innovative office design.

The Google Zurich office is designed by Evolution Design. According to the architects, this environment is where the “design cultivates an energized and inspiring work environment that is relaxed but focused and buzzing with activities”.This creative and playful office includes recreational areas such as video game rooms, an aquarium with napping pods, and space for athletics, as well as a range of unconventional workspaces.

The successful key element of this office design was the approach that Google employees participate in the design process to create their own local identity that specifically accommodates their needs. The Evolution Design firm began interviewing Google employees at the beginning of the design and architectural process.

Based on the survey from employees the ideal working environment needed to be “diverse and at the same time harmonious whilst making it a fun and enjoyable place to work in”. The data collected from employees also showed that they want to have their personal workspace to be functional and more neutral, but the communal areas should be more aesthetically enjoyable and entertaining to stimulate creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

Google employees preferred to decrease their personal work areas to achieve more communal and meeting spaces in the office. considering this preference, The Evolution Design firm designed the working areas with a high degree of space efficiency. 

As well as the standard meeting rooms at the office, there are also many informal meeting areas, which have a more relaxed atmosphere for teams to have a creative discussion. The communal areas are purposely designed dispersed throughout the building to encourage employees to circulate throughout the seven floors to enhance communication between the different working groups and teams.

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