Skype Offices in Stockholm

The aim of this project was to design the new Swedish office for Skype. The project consists of audio and video studios, offices and social areas for 200 employees. The core idea behind the Skype software application has generated the design concept for the interior of the new office; the idea being that Skype is a useful and playful tool that allows chats, voice and video calls over the Internet. A pattern has been derived from an idea of voids emerging between the abstracted interconnected nodes sym­bolizing the interconnected world.

The scheme of this abstraction replicates itself in the flooring and in the design of the fixed interior. The idea of the bubbly furniture has evolved from the Skype logo. The Skype logo has also been reinterpreted as a ball-shaped light fixture, shining through­out the chill out space and the sky-light. Created within a former brewery, a major effort has been made in order to accomplish high-end accoustics in the premises with efforts such as installing and designing soft wall absorbers. These efforts have been necessary for an office that predominately works with audio- and video development. This focus on audio and video development is visible in the interior and expressed in the unique wallpapers with prints of cables, earphones and other devices linked to the audio-video and mobile technique.

The ebullient atmosphere and the vibrant colours are directly translated from the graphics of the Skype design. The contemporary interior generates not only an eye-pleasing environment but also an inspiring working place. Instead of the old fash­ioned offices with cubicles, this new interior creates a playful atmosphere that allows good, crazy and brilliant ideas to develop.

An office should encourage a creative and playful atmosphere and the Skype office truly does that!

Area: 1680 + 1520 sqm

pS Arkitektur
Head architect: Peter Sahlin
Project architect: Part 1 - Mette Larsson Wedborn; Part 2 - Mari Owrenn
Lighting designer: Beata Denton
Assisting architects: Part 1 - Erika Janunger, Thérèse Svalling; Part 2 - Martina Eliasson, Emilie Westergaard Folkersen, Thérèse Svalling