Simon’s past and future illuminated by energy efficient and functional designs

SWITCH is not only the name of Simon’s headquarters, an exemplary expression of modern-day advanced technology and the international projection of the brand. It is also a recognition of its past, an homage to the brand’s history and trajectory since its founding in 1916 as well as the subsequent construction of the factory during the 1950s within the Poblenou neighbourhood of Barcelona. That same building has now been renovated specifically as a “catalyst for the transformation and cultural change that Simon is experiencing,” explains Emili Túnica, the company’s Global People & Culture Officer.

What was once its own manufacturing facility for over half a century has been entirely overhauled in its architecture, interior design and fully efficient lighting scheme under the concept of Smart-Building.

Respecting the original industrial structure and allowing it to be visible, the floor plates were configured as open plan to encourage interaction and collaborative work practices in a bid to make workspaces as flexible as possible, while also promoting “those exterior spaces with planting, as restful and relaxing, that encourage wellbeing during the workday,” outlines Fermín Vázquez.

Understanding the architecture as a container and the spaces as contents, there was a desire to achieve a natural symbiosis and respect between both. Therefore, the concrete that defines the original structure, determined, as the main idea, “transforming these somewhat stark spaces into a warmer and more welcoming place, creating offices with a more home-like atmosphere,” comments Katty Schiebeck. The use of the curve, as a counterpoint to the more rational design of the building, was the most important gambit to create more organic feeling and comfortable spaces, with the helical stair of the entrance becoming the main focal point in its dynamic, familiar and symbolic design… as well as being a healthy alternative to taking the lift.

Above all else the new Simon headquarters is a space that prioritises the wellbeing of workers and collaborators, given that the provision of planting within the building is one of its key strategies. The courtyard with its perimeter pergola, designed by Antoni Arola in collaboration with Jordi Tamayo, is the most obvious example, together with the interior design of the showroom. That allows for the transformation of the space through the use of digital technology and lighting.

The brand’s illustrious past was also a fundamental part of the interior design project conceptualisation together with its equally important future trajectory. In this way both of these universes are brought together “through a retro-futuristic design approach,” outlines Schiebeck, using materials and elements that evoke an American mid-century style combined with technological accents. From the ground floor with its sculptural staircase, and upwards towards the cafeteria and the generous planted roof terrace and wellness room, the architectural promenade through the exhibition zone, auditorium and laboratories emerges in response to a new way of working, that is more dynamic and collaborative, but nevertheless inclusive of atmospheres that stimulate the senses.

The lighting project was designed once the overall approach to the SWITCH interiors was in place, taking its cues, like all of the different expressions of the architectural and interior design, from the overarching concept. Directed by Michela Mezzavilla the lighting project had to satisfy two great challenges: energy efficiency and the application of Simon’s own product lines, in their maximum possible expression.

Mezzavilla describes a method of working with superimposed layers when developing the lighting project. This means “resolving functional aspects, coming up with responses to people’s emotional, wellbeing and comfort needs while at the same time conveying the company’s message of transformation and permanence in an attractive and innovative manner,” she explains. A development that involves several different Vibia products, aligned along the premise of prioritising the emotional factor first and foremost, together with the functional and aesthetic aspects, to create the various lighting atmospheres for each of the building’s spaces, according to the corresponding use and time of day.

This is where the choice of the most suitable Vibia lights for each case comes into play, at the intersection of space and time, taking advantage of the benefits of dynamic lighting. One clear example is Plusminus, by Diez Office, whose textile ribbon allows the attachment of different kinds of lamps to customise the desired design, adapting to each space.

Thus, within the executive offices, this collection provides an attractive creative freedom when it comes to lighting with individual different designs. The desks themselves for instance and the additional round tables used for work or holding small meetings.

Plusminus has also been used in the coffee corner area, whose informal aesthetic adapts perfectly to the relaxed atmosphere of the space, equipped with high tables and stools that invite socialising.

Staying within the area reserved for Simon’s management there is a space designed as a living room where the Ghost light fitting designed by Arik Levy, adds an eye-catching feature thanks to its ethereal presence, giving off relaxing vibes that perfectly frame those laid-back moments within this more informal area.

From its presiding position, sitting directly on the floor it has a coquettish air showing off its sensual silhouette, accentuated by the black band of the middle section. Its design, which reinterprets the large-scale lamps of years gone by that adorned entrance halls and salons in a more contemporary way, perfectly embraces that playful mix of past and present that the SWITCH interiors embody.

For the more social areas of the building, including the dining area and cafeteria, the idea was to create a more dynamic ambience, that invites social interaction, lending the lighting a more active role in the space, not just in terms of aesthetics but practically. Following the configuration of the space, the Flamingo hanging lamp, by Antoni Arola, is alternated with the North collection, also designed by Arik Levy.

North pendant illuminates the line of tables and the banquette seating with a diffused light that invites users to commune together.

In the other areas of the dining room North pendant is used on its own or together with the North floor version, whose arms direct a halo of light where required, playing with the angle of inclination, aligned with the ceiling version.

Within the large work area of the Simon headquarters, organised along a linear alignment ordered into different workstations, the Pin collection by Ichiro Iwasaki draws the eye, the desktop version underlines the unifying minimalist approach to the design of the space.

Its refined and subtle design is both classic and contemporary, following the shared thread that runs through the project embodying the perfect combination of technical and functional characteristics.

The refurbishment project of the old Simon factory on a site measuring 12,000 square metres, links the conservation of its industrial past with good modern-day architecture, within the framework of promoting the most up-to-date technology without renouncing environmental sustainability and the wellbeing of its workforce. The exact same values that form part of Vibia’s own DNA.

Credits:
– Photography: Enric Badrinas

Project:
– b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos
– Katty Schiebeck
– MMAS lighting
– Antoni Arola Esdudio
– Jordi Tamayo

Featured Products:
– Plusminus
– North
– Flamingo
– Pin
– Ghost