Background
Vasakronan’s co-working concept ‘Arena Nordstan’ is a green oasis in the middle of Gothenburg’s city center. The co-working concept offers office spaces, separate rooms for meetings and conferences, a lounge, kitchenette and terrace for informal meetings and socializing. Arena Nordstan is a functional yet inspiring workplace with a strong focus on health and well-being. The interior and visual impression is inspired by nature and the outside is brought inside through carefully chosen patterns, colours and materials.
Assignment
The challenge was to create soundscapes that would support the different needs, functions and flows in Arena Nordstan. The sound environment had to correspond to and enable different activities in the different zones and areas. Furthermore, the soundscapes should harmonize and enhance the visual impression of the co-working space.
Result
We have created a dynamic and brand building sound design concept with various soundscapes for the different areas within the co-working space. The soundscapes act as an audible backdrop and provide energy appropriate to the different activities; in areas where concentration and privacy is needed, we developed a sound masking concept with nature sounds. In the social areas such as lounge, kitchenette and terrace a curated lounge-playlist is used and in the hallways an ambient soundscape is used to tie the different areas together. Surprising and carefully designed sounds are used in the stairwells and toilets. The sound design concept is in line with the overall theme and enhance the visual impression of the co-working space.
Images: Vasakronan, Kaka Arkitekter – Linda Hutchins
