If eccentric chocolate manufacturing unit proprietor Wonka had such headquarters, he’d in all probability have second ideas about handing over the keys to little Charlie. Designed by Ippolito Fleitz Group (IFG)the brand new Ritter Sport Schokozentrale (which interprets to Chocolate Central) in Waldenbuch, Germany, is a mannequin of what an inspiring, joyful and progressive workplace ought to appear like within the confectionery trade – or any trade, for that matter. The number of environments and featured expertise rooms domesticate a artistic and collaborative setting that makes the workplace really feel extra like play than work, a sense Willy Wonka himself would absolutely approve of.
With out leaning too candy, however nonetheless capitalizing on the inevitable enjoyable of working a chocolate enterprise, IFG built-in the unmistakable graphic ingredient of a chocolate bar into the workplace design utilizing brown sq. tiles. This liner could be discovered within the Schokowerkstatt / Chocolate and Cocoa Workshop, the place staff can create and style their very own taste concoctions, and the Chocolate Café. Nearly as good design isn’t an accident, the sq. additionally refers back to the form within the Ritter Sport model emblem.
Within the Marktplatz / Market, the center of the workplace, the ceiling lights additionally repeat the sq. motif. The house is provided with a kitchen counter, alcoves, movable bar desk and stadium seating to assist giant conferences and occasions.
The brilliant and colourful Ritter Sport sweet wrappers served as inspiration for coloring the varied convention rooms, alcoves and furnishings.
Whereas the workplace does not have a river of chocolate like Wonka’s manufacturing unit, it does have a Backyard of Concepts full with hanging cocoa pod lamps hanging from the ceiling. The semi-enclosed house is surrounded by lush greenery, making a soothing, biophilic setting the place creativity and concepts can germinate. The sensory room additionally permits guests to expertise the sensory components of chocolate with out visible distraction.
Aligning with Ritter Sport’s dedication to sustainable design, IFG selected to make use of solely eco-friendly supplies with low pollution and emissions, from wall paint to carpet tiles to workplace furnishings equivalent to desks, chairs, lights, curtains, crops and pots. These supplies could be recycled or biodegraded again into the earth on the finish of the life cycle.
Upon completion, the workplace obtained a gold certificates from the German Sustainable Constructing Council (DGNB eV), received a Purple Dot Design Award and received Better of 2023 Award for “Company Workplace: Giant” by Inside Design.
Images by Philip Kotlorz.
