The difference between office cafés and traditional break areas
The main difference between an office café and a traditional break area lies in its function and atmosphere. A break area is usually purely for relaxation or recreation, often without a focus on encouraging creativity or collaboration. In such spaces, there is usually a limited amount of seating, little technological equipment and an emphasis on functional furnishings.
Office cafés, on the other hand, combine elements of recreational and work areas. They are often equipped with modern technological solutions such as multiple power sockets, Wi-Fi and flexible furniture and offer a variety of seating options - from individual workstations to group seating areas. They also incorporate design and style elements that create a stimulating yet relaxed atmosphere, often supported by biophilic design and natural light. While a break room focuses primarily on physical relaxation, office cafés provide an environment that is suitable for both formal and informal work situations.
The four archetypes of office cafés
When analysing hybrid workspaces and office cafés, four main archetypes were identified that serve specific work requirements and corporate cultures. Each archetype offers a unique atmosphere and fulfils different employee needs.
1. Library
Mood: Calm, contemplative, promotes focused work
Special features:
A space with a calm, restrained atmosphere geared towards focused, undisturbed work.
Separate work areas, muted colours and a quiet background noise are typical of a “library”.
This archetype is particularly suitable for people who want to work in peace or immerse themselves in individual projects. Private retreats are often a feature.
2. Garden
Mood: Natural, calming, inspires creativity
Special features:
The “garden” architecture type is characterised by a strong connection to nature, often with lots of greenery, natural materials and open, airy spaces.
Here, a relaxing atmosphere is created that promotes well-being and has an inspiring effect at the same time.
This archetype is well suited for breaks, but also for creative thinking and brainstorming in a relaxed environment.
3. Club
Mood: Elegant, cosy, encouraging social interaction
Special features:
A “club” style office café conveys an exclusive, stylish atmosphere with comfortable furniture, warm lighting and cosy seating areas.
It is ideal for informal meetings, casual conversations and networking. The environment tends to encourage social interaction while providing comfort and cosiness.
It conveys a “lounge atmosphere” that is used for relaxed work or informal meetings.
4. Hub
Mood: Lively, flexible, dynamic
Special features:
The “Hub” is a space for intensive collaboration and creative dynamism. There is a lively, social feeling here, which is often emphasised by an unconventional room design and flexible work areas.
The set-up encourages quick changes between individual work, group collaboration and spontaneous meetings.
This space is particularly suitable for co-working environments where ideas are exchanged and spontaneous interactions are encouraged.
Office cafés as flexible workspaces
Office cafés are far more than just places to relax. They create a balance between work and leisure and offer employees the opportunity to work in different environments that are specifically tailored to their needs. Whether it's focused work, creative brainstorming or social networking, each of the four archetypes (library, garden, club and hub) offers a tailored atmosphere that supports the modern, hybrid working style. By using flexible furniture, cutting-edge technology and conscious design that is both visually appealing and functional, office cafés help to create a pleasant and productive working environment.
