vedrana ergić explores spatial transformability in croatian management headquarters

the investor of this comprehensive project is adris grupa, one of the strongest croatian corporations, active in tourism, healthy food production and financial sector. since the mid-1990’s, vedrana ergić has been continuously designing interiors for the management headquarters in the coastal town rovinj and in zagreb, the capital of croatia. ergić is investigating the topic of a flexible workplace environment and developing specific aesthetics characterized by reduction of form, meticulous detailing with a unique capacity to create diverse atmospheres. her design of the representative headquarters for the AG management on the 8th floor of their zagreb central office is a culmination of this intensive collaboration.

adris group headquarters in zagreb, croatia by architect vedrana ergic 
all images by romano decker, dejan kutic

the notion of total design plays a central role in croatian based architect vedrana ergić’s work and implies meticulous coordination of technology, architectural design and treatment of details, as well as a particular approach to the furnishing. total design results from the ergic’s viewpoint that architecture needs to be designed comprehensively and synthetically, with two main objectives: functionality and transformability on one hand and design of the spatial experience on the other.

the architect develops specific aesthetics characterized by reduction of form

the architectural framework is designed to embrace the technological apparatus, yet to maintain formal integrity. the logic and form of the interior architecture, both as a whole and in details corresponds with technological requirements, but also creates autonomous spatial composition. architect vedrana ergić believes that furnishing and equipping the space is simultaneously a subject of a cultural matter, functional task and a remedy for creation of atmospheres.

furnishing and equipping the space is a subject of a cultural matter, functionality and creation of atmospheres

as a true connoisseur of design history, vedrana ergić selects furnishing following the ‘mix and match’ principle that can be compared to a curator’s work. all spaces result from the carefully selected collections made of classics or key contemporary products. the architect uses those products conscientiously, in atypical ways and specific contexts, i.e. lamps hang from the unusual heights, whereas furniture gets new roles and purposes. some pieces are redesigned in a collaboration with the authors, and adapted to the space and ambiance. such acts position ergić as a product designer as well, when circumstances ask for customization and re-composition.

vedrana ergić selects furnishing following the ‘mix and match’ principle

the 8th floor of the building, with opening beautiful views of the city, is intended for the president of the adris grupa management board and the closest associates. its syncretism is expressed in the combination of corporate luxury, coziness and a theatrical atmosphere accentuated with luxurious and ‘industrial’ materials such as dark steel, nero sahara marble, rosewood veneer, oak floor, and copper pipes with isolated visual attractors in the form of high gloss red surfaces. the corporation does not communicate prestige using monumental means. instead, movement of the visitors is a part of carefully orchestrated spatial dramaturgy filled with surprises, i.e. sliding screens open and disappear in the walls, the reflecting surfaces destabilize spatial perception, and unexpected perspectives are being opened up.

combination of corporate luxury, coziness and a theatrical atmosphere accentuated with elegant materials

intended for the president of the adris grupa management board and the closest associates

set on the 8th floor of the central office building in zagreb with opening beautiful views of the city

the architectural framework is designed to embrace the technological apparatus, yet to maintain formal integrity

the space is accentuated with luxurious materials such as rosewood veneer, oak floor, and copper pipes

some furniture pieces are redesigned in collaboration with the authors and adapted to the space and ambiance

all spaces result from the carefully selected collections made of classics or key contemporary products

an interior atrium is annexed to these premises in the form of a meditative garden

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom