INNOCAD Architektur ZT GmbH, Grazbachgasse 65a, Graz
Work and lifestyle on the cutting edge: In our conversations with contemporaries, we examine the claims, clichés and ideals that circulate about our workplaces. In his work as an architect and concept developer – sometimes for entirely new work environments – Martin Lesjak from Innocad has already seen and heard plenty of them. Brigitte Schedl-Richter interviewed him about his experiences and his personal work environment.Vienna’s Microsoft office building and the XAL Competence Centre south of Graz are just two examples of unconventional projects that are based on new insights about work environments and designed to be communicative, versatile, characteristic, and unique - both integrating structures within a modern company culture. They were planned and executed by Innocad Architektur ZT GmbH, which was founded by Martin Lesjak and Peter Schwaiger and has been operating from Graz since 1999. What distinguishes Innocad’s work method is to start with a pragmatic, apparently simple approach that continues to become more complex as the various influencing factors are added. The design is a logical consequence of the fundamental concept. The goal is not to end up with flawless beauty; instead, the object is to create "characters", charismatic objects with personalities and small, likeable "peculiarities" - allowing a very human connection.
"What was and still is exciting about working on the Microsoft project was that it is backed by a genuine philosophy, one that is based on a broad foundation enriched by the company’s experiences in other countries. Not only does the process include a detailed observation and evaluation of what is needed, but also what effect the execution will have", says Martin Lesjak . "An average of ten per cent higher employee satisfaction, a twelve per cent increase in productivity and efficiency, improved CO² footprints and much more are either being projected or are already measurable." The company management’s absolute prioritisation of this project, along with the active, broad integration of the employees, made it not only possible to complete the new Microsoft office in a record time of fourteen months (from the request for tenders to the finished construction) but also determined the unique quality of the result.
"Of course you can’t just transfer these concepts directly to other projects. It’s true that there are some factors that always play important roles in new work environments – such as open communication zones, a diverse range of different room environments, or intelligent space efficiency and infrastructure. But the real benefits emerge when the planning and design actually integrate the company’s own individual parameters. When the concept takes into consideration how the company functions, what its work processes are and what the required spatial programme looks like. Then it not only becomes possible to achieve "atmospheric" improvements but also significantly improve the cost efficiency and productivity. Only once these basic conditions are determined can we add the architectural and design aspects."
Eight years ago, INNOCAD did more than just set a distinctive architectural mark with their own office. INNOCAD took care of all aspects of developing this eye-catching office and residential building on Grazbachgasse known as the "Golden Nugget"; from purchasing to planning, construction, utilisation and marketing. The architects moved into the two lower floors on the street-facing side of the building. Since then, INNOCAD has also worked on interactive concepts in the areas of project management, design, construction and media.
Mr Lesjak, you have worked intensively with the world of new workplaces, not only in connection with Microsoft. Are physical work spaces actually still relevant in this world of new workplaces?
Definitely. Regardless of all the options offered by modern communication technologies and non-territorial work, the office is a decisive focal point where the physical, virtual and social work components flow together. We certainly see the office as an important component in this trilogy.
Do you yourself have anything resembling a "main work space"?
Well, I travel a lot, which of course also means "working". But if I want to really focus on something, I prefer to do this at our office. We set up our office on two levels of the "Golden Nugget" in Graz in a manner which perfectly meets our requirements. So of course I enjoy working there.
But I don’t really have a fixed work space. Because "my" office is actually a meeting room. I don’t really need a lot of space, however - I have my laptop, my cell phone... And I like moving through our office. We have various contact areas and a connecting central axis across the two levels that also offers a pleasantly open "air space". You’re even allowed to smoke in the kitchen. At any rate, there are many possibilities to meet and spontaneously sit down together for a discussion.
Do you prefer working alone or in a team?
Definitely in a team. This is also because I’m not as involved with the details of individual projects - that’s what Innocad has project managers for. I’m more concerned with the creative part one level up. This means I’m integrated into several projects simultaneously, which clearly can only work in a team.
Do you have an everyday ritual at work that is important to you?
Ritual might be an overstatement - but we do usually have lunch together. This has become a tradition. Whoever happens to be in the office at the time comes to the central area. Then we discuss everything small and large, professional or not; this is fun and actually an important part of our workday.
Have there been significant changes in your "office life" so far?
Moving into the Golden Nugget was very significant. Here we created the space and environment that really reflects our needs. And we were able to organise ourselves exactly according to our own ideas in order to work creatively and efficiently in pleasant and inspiring surroundings.
What is the most important tool for your work?
A cell phone and pencil. Of course the laptop is important too, but I don’t work on it all that intensively. A pencil is more important to me to jot down ideas. Everything else is communication - meaning email, Internet, telephone, which can all be handled with the cell phone.
The most important object in the office?
Maybe the standing desk. I think it’s very important that you’re in some kind of motion while you think, instead of just being "glued" to a chair. At least for me, the greater freedom provided by standing also means more mental flexibility.
The thing you most wish for in an office?
An office has to provide the ideal platform for the integration of the physical, virtual and social factors of work. Overall, this is a very atmospheric competence, because an office doesn’t always have to look like a typical office. We spend so much time in our workplaces that an office also has to include the functions of rest, recreation, and diversity. That’s very important. We have a PlayStation here, for example, and love to play FIFA. After all, it’s not about getting through eight hours of work time every day, but about working in an environment that is inspiring, enables creativity, and as a result also generates a more effective, high-quality output. Many companies still have to rethink this area.
Where is your dream office?
In New York; the East Village, for example, would be a great environment. We reconstructed and furnished a private penthouse apartment in New York, which had a really incredible view. In any case, it has to be an urban environment that is vibrant and where you can meet many people. The creative loner who absorbs cosmic rays in quiet solitude - that’s not really me.
Thank you for the interview!
