Dynamic Frame, a film production company, sought to unify the documentary and advertising branches in a single, adaptable workspace, with room to grow. Their new office in Zurich's Binz district presented us with a unique challenge. The building was a blank slate, with no floors, windows, or wiring, allowing us to design from scratch while addressing significant acoustic needs for the various production rooms.

We drew inspiration from the term "frame," which has significant meaning in filmmaking and construction. In cinema, what lies outside the frame is often as intriguing as what's within. In architecture, a facade hides the interior, revealing its secrets upon entry. This duality defined our approach, leading us to create a space that reveals its functions gradually.

We divided the space into four zones, each split into smaller rooms with distinct purposes: a cinema, a meeting room, editing studios, an open space, and default office premises. The zones are separated by passages, not walls, embodying the idea of showing what's behind the scenes – ceiling and beams. The floor plan follows the 4:3 aspect ratio commonly used by our client, further reinforcing the framing concept.

Glass plays a central role in the design, appearing in various forms – matte, gradient, and glass blocks. This material contrasts with light-shaded wood on the walls and parquet, while microcement flooring adds a modern, industrial touch. Noise insulation was a priority, achieved through carpeting and installing perforated plasterboard and wood.

The ground-floor office features two entrances: one for general access and another dedicated to loading and unloading film props. The main entrance leads into a welcoming area with a wardrobe that can double as a reception area during events and a fully equipped kitchen. The dining room features movable tables that can be reconfigured to suit different needs.

In the center of the open workspace, we placed a lounge with custom furniture, including an amphitheater with hidden bookshelves and a multifunctional cube on wheels. This 360-degree rotatable cube, depending on its positioning, serves as a seating area, whiteboard, or acoustic barrier.

The meeting room features a custom-made, irregularly shaped table designed for optimal viewing of a central TV. The walls are adorned with whiteboards and a high-resolution print of a painting by Ukrainian artist Igor Nekrakha. Also, there are curtains to transform the room into a dressing room for actors during castings.

A dedicated cinema room, essential for client previews, was designed to provide an immersive viewing experience. Round windows are sealed with hatches or opened for the flow of daylight, making the room versatile for screenings and meetings.

The editing studios feature improvised windows made of glass blocks, which allow some daylight through and can be closed with roller blinds to ensure total darkness.

Working with Dynamic Frame allowed us to create a workspace that meets the technical needs of a multifunctional office and embodies the company's creativity. The space is adaptable to ever-changing demands, whether hosting a client briefing, a party, or simply providing a functional workspace.