Which office-café archetype suits which office? A decision-making basis for employers

1. HUB - The meeting place for community

2. CLUB - The elegant business lounge

3. LIBRARY - The retreat for concentrated work

4. GARDEN - The biophilic feel-good space

Each of these archetypes fulfils different functions, appeals to different user groups and supports specific working modes. Below you can find out how you as an employer can find the right solution for your office - and why a combination of these types can make sense.

Characteristics:

The HUB is the place for spontaneous encounters and social interactions. It offers a lively, open atmosphere that promotes teamwork and a sense of community. A central counter forms the social hub around which various work areas are grouped.

Ideal use:

• For companies that prioritise collaborative teamwork

• Ideal for networking, presentations and public events

• Suitable for companies that frequently receive external guests or partners

Decision-making questions:

• Are regular meetings and interactive workshops a key part of the company culture?

• Is there a need for a hub that strengthens employee loyalty and social interaction?

• Is an open, dynamic environment that encourages spontaneous interaction preferred?

Recommendation: The HUB is particularly suitable for creative industries or teams that rely heavily on collaboration and informal communication.

Features:

The CLUB combines elegance with functionality. It offers a discreet, quiet environment in which both individuals and small groups can concentrate on their work. The furnishings are reminiscent of an upscale lounge, with high-quality sofas, armchairs and coffee tables.

Ideal use:

• For companies that value discretion, confidentiality and privacy

• Perfect for strategic meetings, confidentiality during negotiations or focused individual work

• Ideal for managers or employees who frequently work with sensitive information

Questions for decision making:

• Do employees regularly need quiet zones for confidential discussions?

• Is a room required that offers an exclusive atmosphere, similar to a business lounge?

• Does the company need a prestigious environment for customer or investor meetings?

Recommendation: The CLUB is ideal for consultancy-intensive sectors such as finance, legal advice or management consulting.

Features:

The LIBRARY is designed to facilitate concentrated work. It is structured, organised in a linear fashion and promotes a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. The furnishings mainly include tables, chairs and shelving to create an orderly environment.

Ideal use:

• For companies that want to promote deep concentration and individual performance

• Ideal for focused individual work, research-intensive activities or analytical work

• Suitable for employees who are regularly entrusted with complex tasks

Questions for decision making:

• Do employees frequently have tasks that require uninterrupted concentration?

• Is there a need for a space that offers as few distractions as possible?

• Should the space reflect more of a quiet, formal working environment?

Recommendation: The LIBRARY is ideal for research and development departments, IT teams or legal professionals. 

Features: The GARDEN focuses on biophilic design and natural elements. Plants, daylight and an organic interior design promote a relaxed, inspiring atmosphere. This archetype offers retreats that support relaxation and creativity in equal measure. 

Ideal use:

- For companies that want to promote well-being, creativity and innovation

- Perfect for brainstorming-oriented teams or employees who need regenerative breaks

- Suitable for hybrid working models where employees alternate between work and rest

Questions for decision making:

- Is value placed on a healthy work-life balance for your employees?

- Do you want to create a space that reduces stress and promotes creativity?

- Is there a need for flexible retreats that can be used for both meetings and relaxation?

Recommendation: The GARDEN is particularly suitable for companies in creative or technology-oriented industries that rely on innovation.

Step 1: Analyse the corporate culture

- Does the corporate culture promote teamwork or individual performance?

- How important are social interactions in everyday life?

- How strong is the need for retreats or representative spaces?

Step 2: Determine the needs of employees

- Survey employees to find out which working modes they use most frequently and which environments they prefer

- Analysis of current work processes and identification of gaps in the room design

Step 3: A combination of archetypes

The ideal solution often consists of a combination of the different archetypes. A HUB for social interaction, a CLUB for discreet conversations, a LIBRARY for focused work and a GARDEN for creative breaks - this variety covers the different needs of all employees and ensures a balanced working environment.

The perfect office café is individual

Every employer must analyse the specific requirements of their company in order to identify the right office café archetypes. The mix of HUB, CLUB, LIBRARY and GARDEN creates flexible, functional and inspiring working environments that increase both the well-being and productivity of employees - and thus forms the basis for the working world of the future.