DAP studio preserves factory remnants in sempla offices turin

DAP studio preserves factory remnants in sempla offices turin
image © barbara corsico
all images courtesy of DAP studio

 
preserving traces of the past in an old factory in turin, the refurbished sempla offices, contrast elements of degradation with a new identity. a constant but delicate dialogue is created between the remnant’s of the industrial building and the information technology company’s forward way of thinking. designed by italian architects DAP studio, the project also marks transformations occurring throughout the city. the layout of the office is based on informal meetings points and pathways that facilitate social exchange, rather than the design of the work station or typical chair and desk format. structured in a way that enables both ‘private’ areas, such as meeting rooms, as well as freer more ‘public’ areas, which can respond to the particular needs of a team, creating a sense of flexibility and flow. the meeting areas are strategically located so that people can maintain working, as the disturbance between teams is reduced. integrated within the open space are freely placed volumes within the perimeter of the factory, containing various functions such as private offices, break area, meeting rooms. the white boxes are composed of simple forms with different heights, allowing the strength of the existing building to remain visible as its structure continues uninterrupted.

white boxes with varying heights are integrated into the open plan space, leaving the original structure uninterrupted
image © barbara corsico

carefully navigated pathways were created to foster social interaction, their different hierarchies forming a type of labyrinth to encourage a sense of discovery with each new encounter. the dimensions of these circulation areas were separated into principal and secondary routes, as is typical in a city. people are able to choose freely according to their personality, needs, and desires what path to follow, without dictating a predetermined route.

‘the pathways intersect strategic meeting points which, on the spatial level, generate an exchange of energies’, intermediate areas that are distinct from strictly working spaces, spaces which facilitate dialogue and informal relations.’ says DAP studio.

the refurbished factory preserves traces of its past, while reflecting the company’s forward thinking attitude
image © barbara corsico

a constant but delicate dialogue is created between elements of degradation with a new identity
image © barbara corsico

the project marks transformations occurring throughout the city of turin
image © barbara corsico 

the layout is based on informal meetings points and pathways that facilitate social exchange
image © barbara corsico

meeting room within one of the inserted, white volumes
image © barbara corsico

detail of the old and new contrasting materials
image © barbara corsico

plan

plan diagrams

the industrial factory before refurbishment

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