France

French practice Franklin Azzi Architecture took tips from the work of Frank Lloyd Wright to design this Parisian co-working space, which features open areas for working, dining and lounging.The co-working space can be found along Rue du Quatre-Septembre in Paris’ second arrondissement, joining two other branches of The Bureau in the capital’s eighth arrondissement.
This new location is set inside a Hausmann building that dates back to the 19th century, but when it came to devising the interiors, Franklin Azzi Architecture had a more modern point of reference – mid-century homes created by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Top image: The Bureau’s restaurant. Above: one of the building’s communal work areas

“Those houses are manifestos because Frank Lloyd Wright broke free from unnecessary partitions to reveal open areas largely bathed in light, which was very innovative for the beginning of the 20th century,” the practice’s eponymous founder, Franklin Azzi, told Dezeen.
“For me, they are timeless works that reflect a real desire for integration into their environment through horizontality.”

An oak partition is inbuilt with private work booths
In keeping with Llyod Wright’s architecture, The Bureau’s ground level has been made to have a largely open layout.
The floor plan is interrupted by just one oak-lined partition, which is inbuilt with deep-set bookshelves and private booths where members can escape to take calls or do more focused work.

The concierge desk can be screened off by heavy green curtains
Adjacently lies an expansive workroom that features a long communal desk. Dangling above is a chandelier composed of glass spheres and silver-metal spokes.
Towards the front of the room is a concierge desk, which can be screened off by floor-to-ceiling green curtains if necessary.

Members will be able to dine at an in-house restaurant called The Comptoir
The Bureau’s in-house restaurant, called The Comptoir, has been created in a corner of the ground floor. A grey seating banquette winds around the wall, accompanied by brass-edged tables and wooden dining chairs.
Surrounding surfaces, including the structural columns and part of the ceiling, have been lined with slim mirrored panels.
Just in front of the restaurant is a striking, 70s-style decor feature – a sunken conversation pit complete with a plush, deep-green sofa and carpeting to match.

Franklin Azzi Architecture converts Nantes warehouses into art school

“In terms of inspiration, I position myself as an assembler, picking uninhibitedly from different periods and several registers,” explained Azzi.
“We immersed ourselves in the 1970s world of American offices, as well as the colours and material codes infused with Oscar Niemeyer’s work to create a unique hybrid identity for The Bureau.”

A sunken conversation pit lies in front of the restaurant
The upper levels of the building play host to more private work areas and meeting rooms, which boast original fireplaces and ornate ceiling cornicing.
Here, as well as downstairs, are a number of furnishings and ornaments sourced by French decorators The Socialite Family.

Meeting rooms upstairs showcase the building’s original features
The pandemic may have put co-working on hold for now, but shared offices are still continuing to pop up. Earlier this year, architect Caro Lundin opened the doors to ARC Club in east London, which is specifically designed for those tired of working from home.
Photography is by Valerio Geraci.

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