Airbnb’s new Gurgaon office: the journey behind transforming a warehouse into an innovative office space
Airbnb is a community where people can list, explore and book accommodations around the world. The San Francisco-based company has over four million lodging listings and is present in more than 65,000 cities and 191 countries. The brand embodies innovation in the hospitality sector and fun and adventure in its work culture. Their workplaces are a reflection of these qualities.
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 the space. Using Airbnb’s core identity and “Belong Anywhere” brand philosophy, Space Matrix design partners successfully transformed this warehouse into an innovative workspace.
Here are the key considerations that were taken into account when designing this unique and spectacular workplace:
1. 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 conventional 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 work closely with the Airbnb Environments team to 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 flavour 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.
2. 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.
3. Providing flexibility in space utilisation
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 synthesis between spaces. This was done by first analysing 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 utilise 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 utilisation of space allows for smooth transitions between 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.
