A striking new office space in Warsaw has transformed the traditional concept of commercial workspace design by placing contemporary art at its very heart. The headquarters of retail park developer Rock Capital, designed by the architectural firm BIT CREATIVE, serves as both a functional workplace and an impressive gallery showcasing a carefully curated collection of vibrant contemporary artworks.
Located in the prestigious Metropolitan building near Pilsudski Square in central Warsaw, Poland, the 4,951-square-foot headquarters draws inspiration from its architectural surroundings. The distinctive Foster + Partners structure features prominent arches that have been thoughtfully referenced throughout the interior design. "The interiors we designed act as a subtle backdrop to the strongly contrasting pieces of art, rich in color and form," explains Barnaba Grzelecki, project lead and architect at BIT CREATIVE.
The design philosophy revolves around creating flowing curves of various sizes throughout the space, establishing a meaningful dialogue between the building's exterior architecture and the interior rooms. Rather than incorporating a traditional reception desk, the entrance features an unexpected centerpiece: a covered structural column that immediately sets an open and welcoming tone for visitors. Above this central element, a mirrored ceiling inset has been strategically placed to softly reflect natural light while visually expanding the surrounding area.
The reception zone seamlessly doubles as a collaborative social space, connecting directly to a modern kitchen through elegant sliding doors. Comfortable sofas, versatile poufs, and thoughtfully positioned tables create an environment that naturally encourages teamwork and informal meetings among staff members.
The conference facilities showcase the same attention to both form and function that defines the entire project. The glass-fronted meeting room features a sophisticated ceiling composed of wooden slats with discreetly integrated lighting systems. At its center sits a custom-designed table crafted from sintered stone, the same premium material used throughout the reception area, deliberately chosen to mimic the natural appearance of rock formations.
Material selection throughout the office reflects a cohesive design philosophy that balances aesthetics with functionality. Concrete, wood, and a water-like laminate have been carefully paired together to provide visual consistency throughout the space. The overall color palette emphasizes cream, beige, and gray tones, a strategic choice that compensates for the limited natural light available on the building's first floor location.
The walls receive special treatment with carefully selected wallpaper and gently raised textures, creating a deliberately minimalist backdrop that allows the featured artwork to take center stage. The paintings displayed throughout the office are the work of artist Lukasz Stokowski, who created each piece specifically for this project. These dynamic works feature bold splashes of red, orange, and yellow that provide striking visual contrast against the neutral interior palette.
The artistic theme extends even to the naming convention of the meeting rooms, which bear the names of renowned artists including Salvador Dalí and Banksy. This creative choice reflects the personal taste of Jakub Linka, an avid art collector who serves as CEO of Rock Capital, bringing his passion for contemporary art directly into the workplace environment.
Every element within the headquarters has been as thoughtfully curated as the artwork itself, combining to create an elevated professional environment that continues to support staff productivity while inspiring creativity. "It is a well thought-out, modern, and ergonomic office, further enriched by unique details and interesting shapes," notes Grzelecki. "It is a space that employees enjoy coming to, one that energizes and motivates them."
The project represents a significant departure from typical commercial office design, demonstrating how thoughtful integration of art and architecture can create workspaces that serve multiple purposes. By functioning simultaneously as a professional office, an art gallery, and a collaborative social space, the Rock Capital headquarters establishes a new standard for how contemporary businesses can incorporate cultural elements into their everyday work environments.
