NOA* network of architecture has reimagined the traditional office space with its design for ADDITIVE’s new headquarters in Bolzano, Italy. Moving away from the static and hierarchical, NOA has created a dynamic “blue boxscape” that fosters movement, collaboration, and a sense of discovery, reflecting the digital heart of this innovative marketing automation company.
Tasked with creating a workspace that serves as a powerful recruitment tool, NOA embraced the challenge of designing an environment solely for ADDITIVE’s diverse team of marketers, developers, designers, and sales managers. “Designing a headquarters that is not meant for external representation but conceived 100% for those who work there was an exciting shift in perspective,” explains Mara Jungmann, interior designer at NOA. “The concept and functional program reflect precisely this approach, telling the story of a company that is digital, agile, and smart.”
The 850m² space, located on the third floor of a building in Bolzano’s trade fair district, has been transformed into a “galaxy of spaces.” NOA’s design revolves around a series of differently sized and colored “boxes” that appear to float within the open plan. These structures, reminiscent of lines of code in a digital flow, connect intermittently with the walls, floor, and ceiling, subtly alluding to ADDITIVE’s customizable software products.
“The idea of the internal boxes allowed us to layer multiple meanings: the empty macro-container transforms into a navigable labyrinth that enables freedom of movement while maintaining a sense of continuous discovery. Depending on their configuration, the boxes can conceal, highlight, or alter spaces,” adds Jungmann.
This “boxscape” fosters a non-hierarchical environment where traditional departmental divisions are replaced by a variety of work settings. Quiet zones, brightly lit areas, and intimate corners allow employees to choose their workspace based on their individual needs and tasks. Personal lockers at the entrance and a fully digital workflow eliminate the need for traditional storage, further emphasizing the agile and paperless nature of the company.
“Each team member can explore the various boxes freely, selecting workstations and spaces that best suit their needs, with the flexibility to change them throughout the day. The goal is to encourage movement and interpersonal connections while eliminating the superfluous,” comments Niccolò Panzani, also an interior designer at NOA.
At the core of the headquarters is the communal space, a vibrant area defined by multifunctional boxes that either float or are anchored to the surrounding structure. A sleek reception desk, crafted from perforated, backlit metal and subtly showcasing ADDITIVE’s logo, emphasizes the company’s commitment to product over branding. Across from the desk, a custom wall of employee lockers introduces a lively contrast with its varied sizes and opening directions, enhancing the space’s dynamic character.
The communal area unfolds like a lively landscape, featuring a blend of open and enclosed niches, private and public zones, meeting spots, relaxation corners, dining areas, phone booths, a coffee nook, and tiered seating for social interactions. Exposed cables and ceiling-mounted systems contribute to the tech-driven aesthetic of the project. Adding to the inviting atmosphere is a 70m² indoor garden, furnished with a kitchen, tables, and lounge chairs, which serves as a perfect retreat for breaks and can be separated from the main office by a movable glass partition.
The color palette, dominated by desaturated shades of blue inspired by ADDITIVE’s corporate identity, is complemented by beige tones, creating a refined and professional atmosphere. “We wanted to enhance each space with distinctive materials while maintaining an aesthetic consistent with the digital world: solid, tech-driven, and rational. This led to the use of ceramic tiles arranged like digital bits, mirrors, perforated metal, and structured glass,” explains Panzani.
Lighting plays a critical role in the overall design. Individual lamps at each workstation provide personalized illumination, while LED strips in the communal space serve both as wayfinding tools and as a symbolic representation of team achievements. Numerous screens throughout the office display real-time company updates, keeping employees constantly connected. Plant life adds a touch of warmth and wellbeing to the environment.
The ADDITIVE headquarters, with its 70 height-adjustable workstations distributed across seven workspaces and four meeting rooms, represents a new paradigm in office design. “With ADDITIVE, we started from an empty box and transformed it into a galaxy of opportunities. Each team member can feel like a protagonist, freely choosing their place within this flexible architecture,” concludes Jungmann. NOA’s design for ADDITIVE is not just a workspace; it’s an experience, a dynamic environment that reflects the company’s innovative spirit and empowers its employees to thrive.