Abacus Biel’s offices are located inside a fascinating historical building that originally housed the central post office. The renovation of the headquarters, completed in 2012, has been able to enhance the historical soul of the building while maintaining intact its architectural features and creating modern and functional work spaces inside. A happy encounter between the ancient and the contemporary that in the interaction between materials, shapes and colours, enhances both components without prevarication.

The imposing headquarters, in its historical configuration, housed more than 2600 employees divided between the various floors of the building that developed in corridors around a large central courtyard, later paved to expand the surface of the floors. The intervention is still visible by observing the internal walls, which end asymmetrically in the upper part.

The various offices have been separated by lightweight walls in glass and steel that recall the industrial buildings of the late nineteenth century, brightened by storage cabinets and colourful walls. Light is the protagonist, thanks to the five large period windows that open onto the common area, illuminating the maxi natural wood table that leads to the bar area, positioned on a slightly raised dark wood platform.

A space that invites to share, becoming, if necessary, an unconventional and fascinating meeting area. The choice of colours is a trait-d’union with the other Abacus offices, using warm and natural tones that move the spaces in an effective but sober way, creating a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere.  The co-working area will be created on the top floor of the building, currently under renovation. This new space, consisting of a large covered rooftop created from the floor of the old central courtyard, will be dedicated to welcoming teams of collaborators with working stations, relaxation areas and support rooms.

• Credits: Silvio Stefani, Architect. Clara Galanti, Photo.