Authors: Milena Zindović and Aleksandra Savović

Year of realization: 2022.

Surface area: 700 m2

Location: Belgrade

In the heart of Belgrade, atop one of the city’s most prominent business buildings, MZ Studio Arhitektura has created a unique oasis for the company Mainstream. This ambitious interior design and furnishing project posed a significant challenge due to the numerous constraints of the reconstructed building.

Spanning three floors, Mainstream’s new space was designed primarily to be functional, meeting the needs of a growing IT company while also inspiring and motivating employees.

Interior design projects in renovated buildings always come with certain limitations. In this case, these were the height of the space, the layout of structural elements, and the heating and cooling systems. However, these very limitations became the driving force behind our creativity. To achieve an adequate ceiling height, the existing dropped ceiling was removed, and a decision was made to retain the visible fine-ribbed ceiling throughout the entire building. This affected both the appearance of the interior and the possibilities for installing installation routes. Additionally, the irregular layout of columns in the space posed a challenge for the functional layout, affecting the direction of partitions. Finally, the already planned and installed mechanical installations were an input parameter in forming the room layout. Despite the technical challenges, through careful planning and innovative solutions, we managed to create a space that is functional, aesthetically appealing, and perfectly tailored to the client’s needs.

The main concept of the project was to create a flexible and dynamic space that would support a hybrid work style. The project encompassed the three highest floors of the reconstructed business building, which were leased for the needs of the Mainstream company. On the fifth floor, where the company’s technical services are located, we combined individual offices and open-space areas to maximize the area and enable various work styles. On the sixth floor, we located the reception and entrance area, as well as the company management offices, while the seventh floor is reserved for team meetings, presentations, and relaxation.

A characteristic design element, OSB boards, runs through all three floors. From masks for server units on the lower floors, through furniture in phone booths, to the design of the reception desk, OSB boards bring warmth and industrial aesthetics.

Offices and meeting rooms are defined by a combination of full and glass partitions, and various glass partition systems are used – from classic ones with glass doors, to sliding doors and partitions, to glass accordion partitions on the seventh floor.

Office spaces are mostly equipped with existing furniture owned by the client, with necessary additions. On the fifth and sixth floors, special storage elements were designed for offices, as well as a reception desk in a combination of materials. On each floor, spaces are provided for ancillary equipment such as rack cabinets, printers, and water fountains, so that workspaces are not burdened with these elements.

The project also designed several break areas for employees, where low seating, equipment, and greenery create a relaxed atmosphere and allow for temporary relocation from the working atmosphere of offices.

We paid special attention to the design of the seventh floor, which has become the heart of the entire space. A large meeting room with a view of the city, a multifunctional space, and a rooftop terrace make this floor ideal for various types of events. Using vibrant colors that are part of the company’s branding, a pixelated design of the floor covering, and custom-made multifunctional furniture, we created a space that is both attractive and comfortable.

The central multifunctional space on the seventh floor is equipped with a large sofa and a specially designed bar with bar stools, making it ideal for relaxation, presentations, meetings, gatherings, and even small celebrations. This level provides access to the large rooftop terrace, and the level difference between the indoor and outdoor spaces is overcome by a special OSB construction that forms steps and benches.

In the main meeting room, located in the corner of the seventh floor, we wanted the main focus to be on the beautiful view of the city. Therefore, we opted for a minimalist design with white furniture and light structures, such as the mesh backs of Sayl task chairs and transparent pendant lampshades, so as not to distract attention from the panorama. A sense of simplicity and lightness was achieved, and the view of the city remained the main focus while staying in this space.

In the other room for team meetings and presentations, as well as in the central part of the seventh floor, the OSB construction serves to form stairs for exit to the rooftop terrace, but it is also used as a tribune seating, which gives this space a specific attractive appearance and different possibilities of use. The industrial look of OSB boards is combined here with a multi-colored floor covering, but also with a rounded design of lighting, which creates an interior contrast.

As for lighting, it was mostly defined by the lessor, except in key areas such as the meeting room and presentation room on the seventh floor, and a smaller office on the fifth floor. In these spaces, we created a special atmosphere through carefully designed lighting from the Struja range, which emphasizes the architectural elements and creates different ambiences.

We also paid great attention to greenery. Pots hanging from the ceiling bring a touch of nature to the office space and contribute to better air quality. In addition to their aesthetic function, plants also have a positive impact on the mental health of employees, increasing productivity and reducing stress.

This project is more than just interior design of a company’s business space. It is the creation of an atmosphere that inspires and motivates, and provides an opportunity for various exchanges of knowledge. By combining functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability, we have created a space that will serve as a home for Mainstream in the years to come.

Photos: Rade Kovač