Airbnb Offices Designed By Space matrix.
Space Matrix and Airbnb Environments Team have collaborated to create an innovative design for the offices of Airbnb located in Gurgaon, India.
An industrial warehouse was the chosen location for Airbnb’s new global facility in Gurgaon, India.
They wanted to retain the industrial look and feel of the warehouse while assimilating the company’s values and philosophy into space.
Using Airbnb’s core identity and “Belong Anywhere” brand philosophy, Space Matrix design partners and Airbnb’s Environment’s team successfully transformed this warehouse into an astounding workplace.
Reflecting the company’s global image – Airbnb wanted a quirky yet functional workspace in line with its international design standards.
Their global offices tend to use neutral and subtle schemes with minimal and clean finishes. However, this space had to speak for itself, as well as defy functional workspace planning to reflect a unique brand experience.
The biggest challenge was developing a sophisticated and free flow design that exhibited the same language as other Airbnb offices across the globe while incorporating elements of local culture into the design features.
This was because the warehouse had robust column beam structures. Capacity, area, and location were also important considerations in the planning process.
The Space Matrix solution was to co-work with the Airbnb Environments team on the design and address and resolve challenges at every stage. This included stringent quality control and health and safety checks.
A common element in Airbnb offices is to have themed meeting rooms that are modelled after prominent listings.
These meeting zones are an opportunity to provide an experiential, design-oriented representation of Airbnb listings across the world. Innovative styling and props that represent the essence of each location were hence essential. Although each listing provides a unique experience, the Goa and Kuala Lumpur listings have received particularly amazing responses from the happy users.
Being in a country rich with culture, it was also important to infuse local essence into the design.
Some design elements that incorporate an Indian flavor include intricate hand-painted artwork with ornate floral and geometrical intermixing of patterns and lattice patterns reminiscent of Indian art forms. Additionally, handmade ceramic tiles, terrazzo flooring, bamboo cladding and handpainted local motifs have been used.
Fostering a sense of community – It was important to have a defined space typology that was specific to function. Yet it was also necessary to ensure interaction and build a sense of community amongst employees. Space Matrix has efficiently achieved this with open community spaces and exciting alcoves like the “Chai Bar”, caves and duck-ins.
Nature was also extensively incorporated into the workspace. This was achieved with extensive usage of bamboo cladding on the walls and bulkhead.
This created an outside-in effect whilst maintaining the sophistication of the design. Innovative light fixtures carved out of natural bamboo were also installed and seasoned natural wood was used for furniture and the chai bar counter. Reclaimed wood was used to frame writing surfaces and add more definition to the context.
The mix of various elements and the use of cushions, plants and various props make the collaborative zones more welcoming and warm.
Through this amalgamation of design concepts, Space Matrix was able to transform the industrial space into a unique collaborative workspace for an innovative company.
Providing flexibility in space utilization – Warehouses can have immense potential for refurbishment as they offer lots of space.
Having ample space and volume allowed the design team to ensure that the workspace planning was flexible and versatile. Airbnb is a large community and it was important to infuse diversity in design and create a synthesis between spaces. This was done by first analyzing the work culture and functional demands of the end users.
After gaining a better understanding of the cultural aspects, ethos, and attributes of Airbnb, the main task was to incorporate these into the space planning. Space Matrix was able to utilize each nook and corner of the site and present an amazing choice of spaces.
These include a sunken collaboration area beneath a rooftop multi-functional zone and a vibrant stepped seating events area.
Each collaborative area sees fresh elements such as different seating types. Other interesting spaces include distinct types of duck-ins for individual focused work. The obvious exposed structure of the warehouse gives bold character to the overall space.
Additionally, smart utilization of space allows for smooth transitions from one area to the next. Though it was a challenge to incorporate an elite feel into this unique location, careful planning has culminated in a balanced space that stirs the senses of anyone who steps into the office.
Designer: Space Matrix and Airbnb Environments Team Design Team: Vernika Rawat, Swaviman Das Photography: Khoo Guo Jie – Studio Periphery
source
The Woven Home: A soulful nest, serene and warm, where textures weave a quiet charm. A nod to cane and rattan grace, in every corner, a soft embrace. Tactile tales in wood and thread, where timeless beauty gently spreads. Rooted in natural interior design, here, form meets feeling—calm and true, a woven world in every […]
Rooted in nature, this thoughtfully designed farmhouse interior embraces a calming palette that evokes composure and ease. The space feels both open and intimate, creating a true haven for unhurried conversations, personal reflection, and everyday moments of quiet luxury. This Farmhouse Interior Evokes Composure and Ease | D.K Design Lab Living Room This living room […]
Amidst the fast-paced urban fabric of Mumbai, The Design Chapel has designed a home that wraps you in a warm, inviting embrace. This 1000 sq ft apartment, originally a two-and-a-half BHK, has been reimagined into a 2 BHK to allow for a more spacious living and dining space. By opening up the space, the main […]
This 5,000 sq. ft. residence in Mumbai was originally a 5-bedroom apartment that has been converted into a luxurious 4-bedroom space for a nuclear family by reD Architects. Transitioning from a joint family arrangement to a nuclear family dynamic was a significant shift for the homeowners. Their household comprised the husband, wife, and their two […]
Tailored Tranquility is a serene 4BHK residence conceptualized as a personal sanctuary for a family seeking warmth, calm, and timeless elegance in their forever home. The 4 BHK house design reflects the studio’s core design philosophy, where refined minimalism, emotional resonance, and everyday functionality come together to create deeply personal spaces. Tailored Tranquility Exemplifies a Timeless […]
Office design and culture has constantly evolved from the early Roman offices, to Taylorist offices, Action offices and now to the open plan casual offices of the early 21st century. In the ever-evolving realm of contemporary office design, ‘A Square Peg in a Round Hole,’ tries to redefine workplace aesthetics of today. Located in the […]
While designing, building and crafting the interiors of this two-storey villa, the single most pursuit was to weave a unique aesthetic narrative that definitely set it apart both visually and experientially. From the exteriors to the interiors, every element was thought out with care to create an expression of elegant luxury interior homes and sophistication […]
Nestled in the bustling suburb of the city, this 950 sq.ft. apartment, ‘Oris,’ is a contemporary Indian house reimagined into a warm and inviting two-bedroom home. The former third bedroom now serves as a versatile living and study space, defined by an intricately crafted wooden sliding-folding partition. A neutral, subdued palette forms the perfect canvas, […]
Our project presented several challenges. The builder requested three distinct design styles for a trendsetting, unique, and vibrant Hyderabad house interior, each suiting low, medium, and high budgets. After selecting three options, we combined elements to create a cohesive design. The Hyderabad House Interior Reflects a Unique Mix of Design Elements | KalaaZodh Architecture “A […]
At Olive, we believe that design has the power to transform not just spaces, but also the way people experience their homes. When we first met our clients for this project, they had been living in their residence for years, holding onto a familiar vision of their space. The challenge was clear: to push beyond […]