The Athens offices for the international law firm Reed Smith were designed and built by R.C.TECH in a way that materializes the firm’s corporate vision for innovation in a contemporary work environment. Simplicity in textures and colors, the use of natural light, an efficient building program developed along three longitudinal zones and the creation of a working environment with ideal conditions for its users and visitors were also the key points that guided the design of the space. The areas are divided into three parallel zones: the meeting rooms, the ‘buffer zone’ in the middle and the associates’ zone. The design is defined by simple geometry, functionality and extensive use of modern and efficient materials and systems.
The introduction of a longitudinal and porous zone along the main axis became the focal design point of the programmatic arrangement. This ‘buffer zone’ accommodates the reception, two areas for relaxation and two workstations for visiting associates. It divides the offices into two bays, the office area and the meeting rooms, and is confined by two rows of white bookcases. Located at its two ends there are two lounges while in between there is the reception and the administration working stations. The main ceiling is covered with an off-white reflective stretched membrane; dissolving the spatial boundaries and further diffusing more natural light inside. Underneath, the two lounges are clearly defined by two suspended vaulted ceilings creating more intimate spaces. The meeting rooms are placed behind a long lacquered wall with flushed pivot doors in petrol blue color. Parallel to these rooms and on the other side of the buffer zone, a frosted glass wall separates the associates’ offices.
