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CIC:

Cambridge Innovation Center Warsaw


2019 - Warsaw

WORKPLACE

Details

Cambridge Innovation Centre (CIC) Warsaw is more than a workspace; it is a catalyst for the CEE region's innovation ecosystem. Located in Varso Place, this multi-functional environment bridges the gap between startups, scientists, and corporations. We designed a space that actively engineers "serendipity"—the art of making happy discoveries by chance. Through a narrative-driven design that honours the history of science, the campus forces users out of silos and into a constant flow of interaction, exchange, and creation.

8500

Square meters of area

18

Months of work

1

A narrative layer


We utilised design as a tool to convey a deeper narrative, building a semantic layer around the functionality. The interior arrangement tells the history of the world of science and innovation, paying homage to great figures and breakthrough fields. To further stimulate creativity, we introduced visual interventions called "upside-down & inside-out" — features like inverted house forms, tilted shapes, and monochromatic linear elements. These unconventional geometries are designed to disrupt standard thought patterns and encourage out-of-the-box thinking.

Designing for interaction

The primary goal was to build a community, not just a workspace. We utilised CIC’s global know-how to plan a layout that prioritises human interaction over isolation. The circulation paths are designed to ensure a constant flow of people, preventing users from closing themselves off in private rooms. This deliberate "friction" in the corridors fosters spontaneous encounters that lead to the exchange of breakthrough ideas.

2

From mechanics to biology


One of the key networking spaces is named "Leonardo," inspired by the engineering and mechanical achievements of Da Vinci. This zone offers a glimpse into the mind of the Renaissance’s greatest inventor. Its openness and diverse seating arrangements naturally encourage spontaneous exchange of ideas — perhaps even those that will change the future.

The green zone

In contrast, the Green Zone takes users on a sensory journey through the world of nature and biology, referencing figures like Jane Goodall, Maria Skłodowska-Curie, and Charles Darwin. We collaborated with Florabo to create mirrored plant installations that make the space feel alive. This biophilic approach distances the campus from the stereotype of an impersonal corporate office, significantly improving employee well-being.

3

Rest and recovery


The flexible workspace is punctuated by informal social zones that make idea exchange natural and frequent. However, the design also prioritises mental health. Dedicated wellbeing facilities, such as a massage room and a room for mothers and children, allow users to find balance in the middle of the dynamic market environment.

The social heart

The heart of the campus is the District Hall and the event space—a social area open to all, featuring a cafe and networking spots. This is complemented by the Trend House, which includes a restaurant, club space, and creative rooms. (Concept design for District Hall and Trend House by mode:lina and Venture Café Warsaw Foundation).

Scope

Design


Design Concept
Design Development
BIM Executive Project
Supervisions

Team

Board


Bogusz Parzyszek

CEO I Founder

Dominika Zielińska

Former Managing Partner, Workplace

Design


Barbara Majerska

Research & Strategic Design Director

Rafał Mikulski

Senior Architect

Tomasz Wontor

Project Delivery Director

Maciej Kolak

Senior Architect

Igor Białorucki

Architect

Marzena Bednarczyk

Senior Architect

Urszula Dziedzic

Senior Architect

Agata Smolich

Senior Architect

Piotr Jabłoński

Architect

Mariia Shapoval

Architect

Sylwia Rebelo

Architect

Kevin Rebelo

Architect

Aleksandra Czarnecka

Senior Architect

Katarzyna Gajewska-Kulma

Strategy Manager & Researcher

Marcin Biliński

Architect

Paweł Deroń

3D Artist & Visualisation

Client


CIC

Cambridge Innovation Center Warsaw

Suppliers & partners


Adam Grzesik

Photos