Olympus Campus Hamburg

Appointed for their hospitality nous, JOI-Design humanised the Japanese medtech firm Olympus’ new 11-story, 35,000-m2 German and EMEA headquarters by infusing workspaces with the personality of hospitality venues to encourage employee collaboration and optimal customer solutions. Japanese minimalism and scientific ‘lenses’ inspired the lobby’s programmable chandelier with 1568 twinkling diodes, the Medical Showroom glimpsed through a blue iridescent glass wall, and a café whose sunken floors create a calming haven. On office levels, meeting ‘worlds’ were developed with employee input: LEVEL 4 suggests vintage computer games; MARITIME references the nautical locale; NATURE is a relaxing green setting; and WANDERLUST alludes to multicultural cooperation across global locations. ‘Neighbourhoods’ inspire free-flowing ideas leading to innovation with think-tank spaces, phone boxes and height-adjustable desks, while informal ‘coffee corners’ connect with ‘creative corners’ to capture spontaneous brainstorming. Nap pods, a gym, a restaurant and a rooftop terrace with 360° views complete the hospitable setting.