pedrali exclusively opens up bergamo HQ office in park associati interview

‘The evolving nature of offices prompted a fresh approach to design. Pedrali’s request for a hybrid, innovative space allowed us to reimagine the traditional workspace, emphasizing flexibility and modern trends. Despite its scale, this project goes beyond a typical place of work,’ begins Park Associati’s co-founding partner, Michele Rossi.

Pedral inaugurates its offices at the Headquarters in Mornico Al Serio (Bergamo)

all images courtesy of Pedrali | image © Ottavio Tomasini

The Pedrali Collaborative Space is a testament to the evolution of workspaces in recent years. Moving beyond traditional working settings, it embraces a hybrid approach, creating cross-functional areas that prioritize community, interaction, and collaboration. Spread across 560sqm, the space is divided into three key zones: the contemporary office with multiple workstations, meeting areas, and breakout rooms. The project was designed by the Milanese architectural practice Park Associati, which in 2022 oversaw the renovation and expansion of the company restaurant. In similar terracotta shades, the harmonious atmosphere brings with it adaptability, flexibility, and a layout that focuses on the comfort of the people who use these spaces everyday.

‘Our focus was on creating an office space that integrates Pedrali’s furniture, showcasing their adaptability to a dynamic work environment. The modern trend blurs the lines between residential and office. The goal was to infuse a sense of home comfort into the Headquarters in Mornico Al Serio, meeting current preferences,’ continues Park Associati.

designed and led by Milanese architectural firm Park Associati, the Pedrali Collaborative Space radiates a contemporary, dynamic and flexible environment | image © Ottavio Tomasini

Through a cohesive blend of functionality and aesthetics, the space serves as a canvas for showcasing Pedrali’s products. These are thoughtfully placed within a neutral container, harmonizing with the architectural volume through a careful selection of models, fabrics, and colors. At the heart of Pedrali Collaborative Space lies a commitment to well-being and innovation with furnishings that fare not only customizable, but also equipped with high-end mechanisms, providing individuals with control over their workspace. This emphasis on adaptability extends beyond comfort, stimulating creativity, and enhancing teamwork. 

‘Pedrali’s furniture was selected for its functional versatility without compromising aesthetics. The furniture subtly incorporates various features, such as adjustable desks and sound-absorbing divider panels, meeting the diverse needs of individuals without sacrificing a warm and welcoming appearance. The focus is on functionality without overtly displaying technical elements. Customizing certain products to match our color scheme was a part of the process. However, most elements were seamlessly integrated, highlighting the adaptability of Pedrali’s products straight from their catalog,’ adds the firm.

the hybrid workspace serves as a canvas for showcasing Pedrali’s products | image © Ottavio Tomasini

Greeted by a double-height room adorned with 25 Isotta pendant lamps by Basaglia Rota Nodari, the Pedrali Collaborative Space is characterized by 32 workstations, features the practical Arki-Table Adjustable Desk, offering maximum comfort and ergonomics. Users can personalize settings through a mobile application, promoting a balance between standing and sitting work. Accompanying this is the Polar task chair, the iconic product by Jorge Pensi Design Studio. The product guarantees excellent comfort thanks to its weight-activated, synchro-tilt mechanism that is able to regulate the degree of tilting autonomously according to the user’s body weight. More specifically, the backrest consists of an injected-moulded nylon frame with a breathable, flexible polyester mesh for a sense of transparency. Depending on the setting, Polar features minimalist armrests that can be adjusted in height, depth and width, and can be orientated to suit the user’s needs. Boxie, the wheeled storage system by Claudio Dondoli & Marco Pocci, completes the space.

‘Recent years stressed the importance of spaces promoting communication. Areas like the break zone play a crucial role in fostering communication and sharing ideas. The concept of a hybrid space, blending café-like settings with functional offices, encourages collaboration and creativity. 

Pedrali’s Arki-Table featured with sound absorbing panels upholstered in fabric for a quieter as well as a more private work environment | image © Ottavio Tomasini

To promote social interaction, breakout areas have become integral, offering spaces for relaxation or informal discussions. Characterized by a solid die-cast aluminium frame, the Toa table by Robin Rizzini, surrounded by Nemea chairs, acts as a large convivial table for breaks or informal meetings. The Buddyhub by Busetti Garuti Redaelli provides an intimate area, functioning as a quiet, temporary workstation thanks to its wrap-around, sound absorbing panel, available in two heights, that envelops the seat in a sort of enclosed niche. Available as an armchair or sofa, the units can also be placed opposite each other, thus creating a four-seat box suitable for an informal meeting, a phone booth or a break out area. The Buddy coffee tables add the finishing touches.

‘Pedrali’s furniture, with its fabric and textile options, serves a dual purpose – adding warmth and improving sound quality. The selection of warm colors creates a balanced palette, harmonizing with the overall layout. Variety was essential, ensuring that the arrangement complements the overall calming environment. Striking a balance between light, sound, and a home-like atmosphere is vital for enhancing well-being.’

the iconic Polar chair by Jorge Pensi Design Studio compliments the Arki-Tables of the meeting room | image © Ottavio Tomasini

During the working day, meetings are pivotal moments that can significantly impact the quality of projects. The Pedrali Collaborative Space hosts three well-organized meeting rooms, each featuring iconic furniture pieces. In the central area, two meeting rooms feature the linearity and rigor of Pedrali’s Arki-Table, surrounded by the Nym Soft armchairs designed by CMP Design, whose swivel bases add an element of flexibility and sophistication. In the second meeting room, the Arki-Table is complemented by the Laja armchairs, designed by Alessandro Busana with similarly swivel bases that combine elegance with practicality. The Elinor collection by Claudio Bellini characterises the third and last meeting area. The task armchair Elinor low back, with a weight-activated synchro-tilt mechanism and polyurethane injected foam that prioritizes comfort and flexibility, is placed around the Elinor table – a multitasking product characterised by premium aesthetic credentials that meets the needs of a constantly-changing market.

‘Addressing the trend of making office spaces less conventional, we aimed for variety. People desire the freedom to change their workstations and surroundings throughout the day. Dynamic, in this context, refers to offering a diverse range of spaces – from meeting rooms to sofas – catering to different tasks and preferences,’ expresses the architect.

Buddyhub by Busetti Garuti Redaelli provides a quiet, temporary workstation thanks to its wrap-around, sound absorbing panel | image © Ottavio Tomasini

Ypsilon Connect by Jorge Pensi Design Studio is a standout feature in all three spaces. This functional free standing, sound absorbing space divider offers extensive customization possibilities, defining new layouts and managing spaces more effectively, adapting workspaces to corporate training or meeting room situations. On each side of the panel it is possible to add accessories such as whiteboards, shelves, coat hooks or, thanks to a special provision for the passage of sockets, enable the attachment of a screen.

Park Associati paid a special attention to materials, with natural oak covering the staircase ramps and handrails, creating a cohesive atmosphere with the wooden square tiles on the floating and radiant flooring. Sound insulation, managed by a system of acoustic curtains, contributes to a harmonious environment. Also on the ceiling, a system of sound absorbing panels on tracks fosters concentration by creating an acoustically protected workspace. Energy efficiency is another relevant focus in the project, who integrated thermal and acoustic insulation, radiant systems, and sustainable energy sources. With a view to constantly improving the company in the wake of sustainability, the energy required to power these new workspaces is also generated by photovoltaic panels installed on the factories.

‘Sustainability focused on using Pedrali’s furniture crafted from recycled materials. The company’s commitment to recycled plastics aligns with our vision for environmentally conscious design. The project also incorporated acoustic panels for sound insulation, contributing to a comfortable and eco-friendly workspace. The integration of warm materials and subtle lighting also contributed to calming and aesthetically pleasing rooms,’ concludes Park Associati.

the 25 Isotta pendant lamps by Basaglia Rota Nodari hang right above the double-height space | image © Ottavio Tomasini

Park Associati paid a special attention to materials, with natural oak covering the staircase ramps and handrails, creating a cohesive atmosphere with the floor’s square tiles | image © Ottavio Tomasini

project info:

name: Pedrali Collaborative Space

architect: Park Associati | @park_associati

furniture: Pedrali | @pedralispa

products: Isotta pendant lamps; Arki-Table Adjustable Desk; Polar Task Chair; Boxie storage system; Nym Soft armchair; Elinor low back task armchair; Elinor table; Laja armchair; Ypsilon Connect divider; Toa table; Nemea chairs; Buddyhub; Buddy coffee table

designers: Basaglia Rota Nodari; Jorge Pensi Design Studio; Claudio Dondoli & Marco Pocci; CMP Design; Robin Rizzini; Busetti Garuti Redaelli; 

location: Bergamo, Italy

photography: Ottavio Tomasini