Multi-space concept with innovative test areas at localsearch

Since late August 2016, the 160 employees of localsearch, better known under the brand names “local.ch” and “search.ch”, have been enjoying a new office concept at their office in PostParc, Bern.

There are surprises in store the moment you step into reception: there’s a desk made of rustic wooden planks, next to it a lounge area with armchairs and sofas, and walls in bare brick, concrete and a rust look. It’s all rounded off by a dynamic lighting concept, curtains and a variety of floor coverings. High above the tracks of Bern’s railway station, the 1,870 m2 office has been completely fitted out in industrial style – just like the company’s main office in Zurich, as architect Tom Ruch explains. The office is divided into zones that fulfil a wide range of functions for the staff (160 in total). They can choose between zones for communication between two people or a whole team, as well as zones for individual work that requires a lot of concentration.

The large cafeteria with black steel tables and round, cushioned seating areas forms the heart of the office. It is ringed by meeting and discussion areas, some with biodynamic lighting: for example, a retro-style meeting room with sofas that can be used as a library, a meeting table with hanging chairs or a verdant “garden” with plants and armchairs for working, relaxing or communicating. These specially designed zones double as areas for testing cutting-edge office concepts.

The workstations, positioned directly in natural light, are fitted with LO Extend sitting/standing desks or LO Motion, the cabinet system LO One and orange LO Caddies from Lista Office LO. Tom Ruch believes that “creating separate work, communication and team zones with different designs enhances the quality of the workplace”. The architect was impressed by Lista Office LO’s speed and professionalism during their work together. “The planning only took six months and construction took just under two and a half months, so the orders were placed with Lista Office LO at very short notice. But the furniture was still delivered and installed punctually.”

The 1,870 square metres of the office are divided into different work and meeting zones. In combination with the Lista Office LO furniture, the zones enable focused and flexible work.