project: new business district in Sweden  year: 2023, type: open international competition program: offices  area: 28 ha, architecture: Opposite Office team: Benedikt Hartl, Maximilian Loeschke,  client: Nyköping Municipality  location: Skavsta, Nyköpingen, Sweden

My forest is my office!

A manifesto for another working culture

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In a world where office monotony pervades, lurking at every corner, our lives yearn for a taste of adventure. We bring you just that - an exhilarating escape from the mundane! Introducing the Camping Office, where the spirit of adventure permeates the very essence of work. Inspired by elements of camping, we have crafted an office experience that transcends the ordinary, embracing the thrill of the outdoors while boosting productivity and igniting creativity. Step into a realm where work becomes an exhilarating journey, where the confines of traditional office walls melt away, and the spirit of exploration thrives. Welcome to the Camping Office, where the adventure of work begins!

The traditional concept of work has undergone a remarkable transformation, the need for conventional office quarters has dissipated. With the rise of remote and home-based work, as well as a growing skepticism towards hierarchical structures, the notion of dull, glass-covered office spaces has become obsolete. As an investor, it‘s clear that these once sought-after buildings are now impractical, destined to remain vacant. The future of office architecture calls for a complete paradigm shift, demanding spaces that possess a unique allure to attract individuals back into the physical workspace. Moreover it is crucial to consider the pressing issues of climate and biodiversity crises. With these challenges in mind, it becomes evident that clearing forests and paving vast areas with concrete for conventional office buildings is no longer viable. We must find a way to preserve the forest as habitat for animals and mushrooms while also creating innovative workspaces that offer a truly unique experience.

In this context, the need to strike a balance between environmental sustainability and the creation of exceptional work environments becomes paramount. It is no longer acceptable to sacrifice the natural world in the pursuit of productivity. Instead, we must explore alternative approaches that celebrate the integration of nature and work, preserving our forests while designing remarkable spaces that inspire and motivate.

In our vision of a new business city, office buildings have taken on an entirely new character, offering something extraordinary to entice individuals to work within their walls. Picture an office nestled amidst a serene forest, where humans are once again in harmony with nature. As we gaze out the window, we witness a graceful deer leisurely strolling through the Swedish woods. The melodies of birdsong fill the air, creating a peaceful ambiance. Secluded from the hustle and bustle, we find solace and the ability to concentrate, inspired by the dense forest that surrounds us.

These new office buildings blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings, incorporating sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices. Instead of monotonous cubicles, the curved office buildings doge the trees and harmonizes with the organic shapes and textures of the forest. The five-stores buildings are raised off ground on stilts and allow nature and animals to flow beneath them. Collaborative areas are nestled amidst clearings, providing spaces for innovative thinking and dynamic teamwork. Tranquil pathways wind through the forest, connecting different working zones, stimulating creativity and fostering a sense of exploration.