The Barcode
Address:
Wien, Austria
Industry:
Healthcare
Year:
2024
Architect:
Architects Collective
Planning:
Bene GmbH
Address:
Wien, Austria
Industry:
Healthcare
Year:
2024
Architect:
Architects Collective
Planning:
Bene GmbH
Transformation of a Viennese landmark
Between 1964 and 1967, a striking reinforced concrete tower with twenty levels was built in Vienna as staff housing. After decades of use and periods of partial vacancy, the building underwent a comprehensive transformation starting in 2020. As part of a complete gut renovation, only the reinforced concrete skeleton was preserved and subsequently reinterpreted with a thermally optimized façade made of highly reflective aluminum panels. Shimmering shades of white create the distinctive barcode effect that gives the building its name. Today, the highly visible tower serves as a modern office campus for the Vienna Health Association and the University Hospital AKH Vienna. For the design of the light-filled office floors, the responsible Architects Collective collaborated with Bene.
Architecture and Workplace Culture in Dialogue
The office landscapes are tailored to the requirements of contemporary working styles and, thanks to their openness and transparency, create a welcoming work environment. Generous open spaces with communicative zones transition seamlessly into glazed meeting areas and enclosed private offices that enable focused work.
In addition to white and anthracite, the interior design draws on the corporate colors of the Vienna Health Association—petrol, green, mint, and blue-grey set targeted accents. Wood and metal elements, along with continuous carpeting, emphasize the calm and inviting atmosphere.
Modular Settings for Open Areas
In the open-plan zones, modular settings featuring PARCS Causeway structure the space. Benches and Fence modules can be flexibly combined and, together with the PARCS Pop Up Stool and PARCS Ply Table, create communicative islands for informal meetings, temporary work, or short breaks.
These ensembles are complemented by PARCS Wing Chairs in matte yellow and dark grey. Designed by Pearson Lloyd, the wingback chairs create a homely lounge atmosphere. The accompanying PARCS Ply Table stands out for its versatility: thanks to its molded plywood construction and slender steel tubing, it can be used both as a side table and as a compact workstation.
Precise Accents in Meeting and Private Rooms
The DELTA PURE HIGH Table also supports the open work culture. As a high table with stools, it invites spontaneous coordination and brainstorming sessions in small teams.
In private offices and meeting rooms, Bene tables set precise accents. The P2 MANAGEMENT Table by Christian Horner conveys quality while remaining understated, whereas the CONSULT table system combines workspace, storage, and meeting point in a single piece of furniture.
The result is a work environment that harmonizes flexibility, functionality, and design clarity.
Photos: © Hertha Hurnaus
