Client projects: Publicis Sapient

From church to office – acoustics and sustainability in focus

For over 30 years, Publicis Sapient has been a leader in digital transformation and sustainable growth. When the sister company, Publicis Media, moved into the same premises, the company saw an opportunity to take the office to the next level. With the help of Kinnarps, a long-term sustainable and attractive workplace was created with a focus on ergonomics.

Design for optimal acoustics

Inside the door, you’re struck by the impressive high ceiling. The unique premises, which used to be a church, add an atmospheric touch to the office, but also pose a major challenge in terms of the sound environment. Claudia Brodlova, Associate Finance at Publicis Sapient, explains that the acoustics were one of the biggest challenges when creating the new spaces. “Before Kinnarps redesigned our spaces, the noise level in the office was high. When people were talking, the whole room echoed, making your head feel tired and making it difficult to concentrate,” she explains. To create a better sound environment, a lot of emphasis was placed on acoustics during the planning. With the help of strategically placed sound absorbers, upholstered furniture, rugs and curtains, the sound environment in the former church could be curbed to suit a modern office.

"Rooms within the room" for a better workflow

Another challenge in creating a modern office in a church was the floor plan with the large and open areas characteristic of the building. To create an environment that supports Publicis Sapient’s way of working – a balance between individual work, meetings and creative collaboration – needed a rethink and the creation of clear flows.

The solution was to design rooms within the room, where different functions could have their own place without disturbing the others. Suspended screens and textiles helped define zones adapted to specific activities. These divisions made it possible to create flexible environments that support both individual focus and collaboration, while preserving the openness of the office space. The result was a well-thought-out workflow where employees can easily move between different types of spaces, customised to their needs.

A future-proof solution with focus on quality and sustainability

For Publicis Sapient, it was important to create a working environment that is not only sustainable from an environmental perspective, but that can also be changed. The possibility of renewing and updating the furniture when needed was a given – an aspect that not only reflects a responsible sustainability strategy but also a focus on quality. “We wanted a sustainable solution with interior design that could be updated and renewed if the need arose. The availability of spare parts was crucial and one of the reasons why we chose to work with Kinnarps,” explains Claudia.

Quality is not only about making furniture last, but also about being able to customise it for future needs without losing its function or aesthetics. By choosing a supplier that offers locally produced furniture and a well-thought-out design, the company was also able  to minimise the carbon footprint of the solution.

Moreover, a high-quality solution means lower maintenance costs and less waste of resources. With Kinnarps as a partner, Publicis Sapient got an interior design with sustainable materials and access to a spare parts system that guarantees the furniture can be used and renewed over time. The result is an office where every detail has been carefully considered – from the design to the long-term sustainability work – making it an attractive workplace both now and in the future.

Holistic ergonomics that make a difference

The dream of a workplace that combines attractive design with good overall ergonomics has come true. Although more people now share the same office space, the sound environment has gone from being a barrier to productivity to becoming a pleasant background noise. 

“Kinnarps’ interior design solution did wonders for the sound environment. You can clearly notice the difference, for example by having screens at the workstations, upholstered furniture and curtains,” explains Claudia. She says that it feels reassuring to have invested in an interior design solution that is sustainable over time and that they are very satisfied with how they have managed to create a functional and inspiring working environment in collaboration with Kinnarps, while preserving the unique character of the premises. Employees also now come into the office more often than before, which Claudia believes is linked  to the improved overall ergonomics.