Polestar | BWM Designers & Architects

Polestar sees BWM Designers & Architects adopt a holistic approach to the interior design of its new headquarters and automotive showroom in the historic centre of Vienna, Austria. In co-operation with EIGENSINN by Sigrid Mayer and with lighting design by cuuluu GmbH, the design firm rethinks the traditional spatial dynamic of an office, curating a hybrid, multipurpose space enhanced by highly tailored function-specific areas that flow seamlessly from one to the next, effortlessly illuminated by Vibia’s sleek and adaptable Plusminus system.

Built between 1889 and 1905, the former factory was one of the first reinforced concrete buildings in the city, where gas technology devices were manufactured for almost 100 years. Today, the listed building has been carefully renovated and converted into a contemporary working environment, where Scan- dinavian minimalism meets industrial charm.
An expansive project of 450 sqm, Polestar Office incorporates private meeting rooms, desk spaces, chillout zones, meeting points and a kitchen area, each scene loosely defined by elegant furnishings, soft curtains and biophilic dividers.

Thanks to Plusminus, light flows freely between the different scenes. Reimagining the use of the canopy, its distinctive textile belt flows in and out of various fasteners and suspension accessories from a single electrical connection component, establishing conductivity precisely where needed. This freedom of connection allows the designers to sculpt the light according to specific needs. From discreet companion lighting over a sofa arrangement to a dynamic table lighting solution, Plusminus provides the toolkit to illuminate the entire space with a combination of effective task lighting and comfortable general illumination.

Adapting to the building’s industrial architecture, Plusminus facilitates diverse compositions of distinctive pendants, even in spaces where the electrical connection point is on the wall. Defined by their flowing form and rhythmic nature, they drape down over meeting tables, desk spaces and sofa arrangements in layers of loose, textured ribbons. Repeated throughout the space, the looping arc motif connects the different areas with an atmosphere of informality. BWM Designers & Architects take full advantage of the building’s high ceilings to explore the system’s creative scope.

Pulled taut horizontally, dropping dynamically from above, or descending in slow, generous loops that sweep down to eye-level, the belt weaves its way throughout the space, its graphic presence and matte-black finish lending a sleek and ultra-modern aesthetic to the office’s stark, cool-white interior.

Credits:
Interior Design: BWM Designers & Architects in co-operation with EIGENSINN by Sigrid Mayer Lighting design: cuuluu
Photography: Patrick Langwallner