vibrant hues and textures mark flexible workspaces at universal music headquarters in zurich

studio luiz albisser completes universal music headquarters

For its new headquarters in Zurich, Universal Music Switzerland sought a modern and flexible office that promotes team-oriented work. Studio Luiz Albisser conceived the space as an open floor plan, defining different working zones through color contrasts, custom-made furnishings, and an array of textures and materials.

The Relaxation Zone is the first encounter for the visitor, encompassing a comfortable lounge and bistro fit with blue metal floor lamps, lilac cabinetry, and furniture designed with soft, rounded edges and natural finishes. The Collaboration Zone includes a generous workbench, height-adjustable hot desks in a deep blue varnish, and a large red meeting table, complemented by a separate private meeting room fit out with acoustic insulation and views overlooking the city. The Focus Zone is located at the far end from the entrance, and features height-adjustable hot desks in a black varnish designed for concentration.

all images courtesy of Studio Luiz Albisser and Dominik Hodel

a modern, flexible workspace in zurich

Studio Luiz Albisser visually defines these zones with materials that suggest permeability and fluidity, while at the same time, creating distinct boundaries to organize space and programmatic zones. Mid-height green metal mesh partitions separate the bistro from the lounge, while green light-filtering curtains line the interior walls of the private meeting room, dampening sound and allowing sunlight to pass through into the center of the office space. The Basel-based studio curates a color palette that includes rich blues, pastel violets, dark reds, and greens, contrasting with materials like heavily grained wood, high-pile carpet tiles, granite, glass, translucent fabric, and metal, juxtaposed with high-gloss and matte finishes.

The Universal Music Headquarters are set on the sixth floor of the Prime Tower, sited within a vibrant area known for its cultural, business, and nightlife mix, while offering generous views into the city beyond. The building core is clad with veneered ash, integrating the structural elements into the design as pieces of furniture with storage capacity and modularity, allowing for repurposing as needs change. A green carpet unifies and connects the entire floor surface, revealing its checkerboard design to varying degrees depending on the incidence of light.

Studio Luiz Albisser completes Universal Music headquarters

mid-height green metal mesh partitions separate the bistro from the lounge

the Collaboration Zone includes a generous workbench, height-adjustable hot desks, and a large red meeting table

color contrasts, custom-made furnishings, and an array of materials differentiate the zones

green light-filtering curtains line the interior walls of the private meeting room

the Basel-based studio curates a color palette that includes rich blues, pastel violets, dark reds, and greens

veneered ash integrates the structural elements into the design as pieces of furniture with storage capacity

a green carpet unifies and connects the entire floor surface

the office is divided into the Relaxation Zone, Collaboration Zone, and Focus Zone

a modern and flexible office that promotes team-oriented work

the selected materials suggest permeability and fluidity, while differentiating between zones

project info:

name: Universal Music Headquarters
designer: Studio Luiz Albisser | @studioluizalbisser

project team: Luiz Albisser, Pia Hönger

location: Zurich

client: Universal Music Switzerland

photography: Dominik Hodel | @dxh.jpg

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom