Details
For MSD Polska, a leader in biopharmaceuticals, the post-pandemic reality demanded a radical shift. The goal was to transform their headquarters in the Warsaw Trade Tower from a traditional corporate layout into a destination. We reduced the office footprint by 30% to invest in quality, creating a "Green Industrial Pharmacy" — a concept that blends the precision of science with the warmth of a boutique apothecary. By replacing fixed desks with activity-based zones, we created an environment where employees don't just work, but genuinely want to be.
4510
Square meters of area
30%
Reducion in space
11
Months of work
1
Green industrial pharmacy
MSD’s organisation in Poland is a manufacturer of high-tech drugs and vaccines employing approximately 600 people. The key challenge was to define the recipe for an open, diverse, and attractive environment for such a large team. Since most employees preferred concentrated work or meetings, the new headquarters had to compete with the comfort of a home office. The goal was to create a "meeting place" — a space of a higher standard that encourages employees to return to the office voluntarily by offering a visually attractive, friendly, and stimulating environment.
Selecting the direction
To achieve this transformation, we presented three distinct design directions. The client selected the concept referring to a "boutique pharmacy of yesteryear." This direction points to MSD Polska’s identity and values as a pharmaceutical company that has been growing for more than a century. It avoids the clinical stereotype of medical offices, instead aiming for a warm, historical atmosphere that creates a sense of belonging and prestige.
new office design concept
2
The representative heart
The 16th floor serves as the representative heart of the office. Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a reception desk flanked by a timeline showing the company’s history. Behind this lies a highly flexible conference space equipped with mobile walls and a multimedia wall. This functional layout allows the room to open up completely, merging with the networking area to host large town halls and company events.
Density vs. diversity
To make the hybrid model work, we reduced the previously occupied area by 30% (from 6 floors to 4) and the number of workstations by 60%. We converted the previous "expansive open space" with assigned desks into a hybrid ecosystem of "support zones." The new layout offers a menu of choices: single rooms for deep focus, double rooms for 1-on-1s, 4- and 6-person rooms, and larger conference spaces. At the cost of individual workstations, the organisation gained the space needed to build relationships.
3
Design and atmosphere
The desired "boutique" effect depended largely on the quality of finishing materials and specific decor. The interior features warm wooden floors, glass walls with industrial muntins, black metal elements, and exposed brick walls. We curated the space with distinct period accessories: burnt wood cabinets, shelves filled with medical books and laboratory glassware (menzies), and library lamps. We even matched the signage (wayfinding) to the office design, ensuring that every visual touchpoint reinforced the narrative.
Biophilic focus
A crucial element of the revitalisation was the introduction of nature into the industrial space. We ensured the inclusion of "plenty of greenery" throughout the office. This was a direct response to employee feedback gathered during workshops, where the desire for contact with nature was highlighted as a key factor for well-being.
Ergonomics and color
To balance the industrial aesthetic, we introduced colourful carpets and high-quality ergonomic lighting. These elements soften the raw textures of brick and metal, adding comfort and visual warmth that aligns with the "home office" philosophy.
4
A holistic scope
This project was unique in its operational scale. MSD engaged Sodexo Poland to oversee the transformation, and it was Sodexo that selected us as the partner. Our scope was larger than standard, dividing the work into three integrated pillars:
- Architecture & Design: Responsible for the "Green Industrial Pharmacy" concept, material selection, and full technical documentation.
- Change Management: We guided 600 employees through the cultural shift of the Activity-Based Workplace. Working with internal "ambassadors," we conducted workshops to establish new office etiquette and prepared the team for the transition to a desk-sharing model.
- Project Management: Our PM team managed the budget, schedule, and tender process. They verified cost estimates and negotiated with the general contractor, ensuring the project remained viable despite market volatility.
5
Navigating instability
The project faced significant headwinds. The Warsaw Trade Tower itself, due to its age and existing infrastructure, presented numerous technical challenges that complicated the renovation. Furthermore, as the project moved toward realisation in February 2022, the market destabilised rapidly due to rising costs and the conflict in Ukraine. Despite these obstacles, our project management team maintained strict discipline. Through value engineering, we managed to reduce the initial general contractor quote by approximately 30% without sacrificing quality.
Circular economy
Environmental responsibility remained a priority throughout. We maximised the reuse of existing assets: desks were retained, and chairs and soft seating were refurbished to give them a second life. Where new materials were needed, we chose sustainable options, such as conference table tops made from recycled Smile Plastics, acoustic ceilings made from wood wool, and carpets installed without bituminous underlay.
Inclusivity and tech
The new space was specifically designed to better support the needs of employees with disabilities, ensuring accessibility and high ergonomic standards. We also implemented innovative no-touch solutions and technology, such as sensors, to increase safety.
Scope
Research
Design
Team
Board
Bogusz Parzyszek
CEO I Founder
Dominika Zielińska
Former Managing Partner, Workplace
Design
Paweł Kołodziej
COO & PM
Rafał Mikulski
Senior Architect
Ewelina Jezierska-Podolska
Senior Architect
Barbara Majerska
Research & Strategic Design Director
Ewa Jędras
Architect
Igor Łysiuk
Architect
Urszula Kuc
Architect
Katarzyna Gajewska-Kulma
Strategy Manager & Researcher
Client
MSD Polska
Suppliers & partners
Adam Grzesik
Photos
Krzysztof Marszałek | Ilnedro
Technical consulting
Damian Bieniek | SpaceID
wayfinding and space branding
Nina Jasiewicz
MSD team
