Modern Interiors in a Historic Place – The New Clariant Office at Monopolis
An industrial atmosphere cleverly combined with a touch of history and the latest technologies – this, in a few words, is how the new Clariant office at Łódź’s Monopolis can be described. The finished interiors make an enormous impression, and their design and realisation carried many challenges.
The Swiss innovative chemical corporation Clariant has recently consolidated its Łódź offices and opened a new shared service centre where over 300 people from 20 countries work. The office location is extraordinary – it is the restored historic Monopolis spirit factory, which can certainly be considered one of the most interesting revitalisations in contemporary Łódź. Cushman & Wakefield was entrusted with the comprehensive management of the Clariant office creation process, taking care of the transaction, the entire construction phase, interior design and legal support.
“Clariant is a company that puts the employee first, which is why our client was keen on creating the best possible working conditions. Previously the company’s offices were in three different locations, so it was important in the project to find a place where everyone could work comfortably. Location and easy access by car or public transport were also key. For the board, which was actively involved from the very beginning, the ‘Łódź character’ of the office was also important. They wanted it to be the best Clariant office globally, and from what we can see now – it succeeded! My heart swells when the Clariant name appears in the next headlines of prestigious publications related to real estate, architecture and design. The office is truly world-class and for me this is a tremendous source of joy – says Zuzanna Krech, Head of Central Poland at Cushman & Wakefield.”
Solutions Made to Measure
Cushman & Wakefield was involved in the project from the very beginning. It supported Clariant in the leasing process, project management, and in consortium with The Design Group Konrad Krusiewicz architectural office also delivered the interior design. Legal support was provided together with the Bierć Kancelaria Radców Prawnych law firm, and beautiful, tailored furnishing was arranged with the Nowy Styl company.
“Clariant’s and our faith that Monopolis is ultimately the best location, and the developer’s determination, allowed the new deadlines to be agreed through amendments to the lease agreement, schedule and cost estimates. This required flexible lease management in previously occupied buildings and securing reserve options. The realisation of works in the revitalised buildings was unique, requiring greater flexibility than usual and collaboration from all project participants, and even the development of technologies dedicated to the building – says Paweł Zając.”
Design That Delights
The office interiors maintain an industrial atmosphere with a touch of elegance. Konrad Krusiewicz, founder of The Design Group designing office interiors, says that the greatest challenge during the design was the barrel-vaulted ceiling with a large number of sloped surfaces.
“The diversity of levels was the starting point for the placement of lighting, due to the desire to expose the ceiling and also optically enlarge the space. This was achieved with the help of mirrors, which we placed from a height of 2.7 m right up to the ceiling, i.e. to approximately 4 m. In addition to an incredible depth, we also achieved another effect through them. From the beginning of work on the project, we were keen to preserve the original structure and appearance of the brick present in the interiors, dating from the previous century. It reflects the atmosphere of the post-factory building. Thanks to the placement of mirrors right up to the ceiling, we managed to create the impression of an endless expanse of brick – says Konrad Krusiewicz, owner and founder of The Design Group.”
“Our goal was to preserve the size of the space, which was initially an empty hall, while at the same time delineating places where conferences and other meetings could take place. We therefore placed cubicles in the middle of the interior to a height of 2.80 m, and above them we left a free zone, which allowed the open ceiling to be preserved – says Ewelina Mężyńska, designer from The Design Group responsible for the office concept.”
Modern Furniture in a Zero-Waste Style
“The project assumed reference to the Swiss style reaching back to the brand’s roots, while blending naturally into the historical fabric of the former Łódź Vodka Manufacture. Our task and no small challenge was to combine the architect’s vision with the functionality, high quality and ergonomics of the proposed furnishing. Thanks to many consultations and close cooperation on the Client – Nowy Styl – architect line, we managed to implement in the project the most modern solutions, such as eRange executive desks with height adjustment and Sail chairs with the patented GildeTec system. Clariant is the only company in the Łódź market that can offer its employees such a high standard of equipment. In these offices, you simply want to work – says Agnieszka Mehouachi, Regional Manager, Nowy Styl.”
Monopolis Is Not Only a Historic Place
“The Clariant office is an extraordinary undertaking. A project in which we had to take into account not only the ongoing construction and fitting-out process, but also the location of the office in Monopolis. This building is not only listed in the register of historic monuments, but also a place of cultural events in Łódź. Locating the Clariant office in such unusual surroundings required consideration and inclusion of legal issues from a spectrum far exceeding construction and administrative matters. In the course of our work and analyses, we designed and implemented a range of legal solutions taking into account the unique character of the office location and aimed at ensuring its smooth operation – says attorney Artur Bierć.”
Success Through Collaboration
“We are pleased that we are providing our employees with high-class office space. Thanks to the consolidation of offices in Łódź, we can improve cooperation between individual teams and focus attention on further process optimisation. The undoubtedly impressive interior design is also valuable in attracting employees who possess the required skills and knowledge. It is wonderful that Clariant has found its place in this historic part of Łódź. It is truly a fascinating and unique building – says Hans Bohnen, Member of the Clariant Board.”
“The project was multi-faceted and very demanding for all participants. Thanks to the commitment of all parties and continuous dialogue, we could propose the best possible solutions and create the highest-class working conditions for our employees. This is our joint success, and the office is exactly as we imagined it – says Tomasz Leśniewski, Director of the Shared Service Centre in Poland.”
“Ensuring appropriate communication between all involved parties and the timely implementation of undertaken actions was not an easy task. We worked closely together from the creation of a design that had to meet all our requirements, through the construction phase, to the coordination of the relocation of over 300 people. I am convinced that this was one of the key factors in the overall success – says Karolina Balcerzak, Monopolis Project Manager at Clariant.”
