Between lounge area and workplace: the flexibility of the Smart Café

The Smart Café is more than just a coffee kitchen. It is a space that combines meeting and productive work in a unique way. Whether it's an informal meeting, concentrated work or a brief exchange over a cup of coffee - the space adapts dynamically to changing requirements.

The clever spatial organisation is a key feature of the Smart Café. Instead of an open area, targeted zoning creates a functional environment with various utilisation options:

• Communicative zones invite dialogue.
• Retreat areas enable concentrated work or confidential discussions.
• Flowing transitions between standing and sitting areas ensure flexibility - without rigid room boundaries.

Modular partitioning elements such as shelving systems or screens help to adapt the atmosphere as required - from open and inviting to calm and focused.

When analysing hybrid workspaces and office cafés, four main archetypes were identified that serve specific work requirements and corporate cultures: the Library, the Garden, the Club and the Hub. Each of these archetypes offers a unique atmosphere and fulfils different employee needs. Find out more about the specific characteristics of the four archetypes here.

In the Smart Café, a cosy ambience meets office-specific functionality. The furniture used must not only be flexible and robust, but also versatile with options for combining pieces:

• Cosy seating areas with tables allow teamwork as well as individual work.
• Agile high tables with power connections promote spontaneous meetings.
• Bar stools and lounge chairs bring an informal character to the room.

Furniture design plays a key role here: soft shapes, homely materials and colours promote a sense of well-being and help people to identify with their workplace.

What makes the Smart Café really smart are the well thought-out details:

• Integrated power and USB connections allow you to work with mobile devices anywhere in the room - without the hassle of tangled cables.
• Acoustically effective materials - from upholstery fabrics to modular screens - create a pleasant soundscape, even during lively operation.
• The modularity and mobility of the furniture ensure that the space can be quickly adapted to new requirements - whether for a team briefing or a creative break.