Areal Consulting GmbH (AREAL) has redesigned office space for a Japanese pharmaceutical company in the Meandris office complex at Europa-Allee 52 in Frankfurt am Main. The total area of the office unit comprises around 2,000 m² on two floors, of which around 1,500 m² were worked on by AREAL as part of the project. The project was initiated in 2023 and completed in 2025. The aim was to create a quiet, functional and contemporary working environment within a tight budget and while largely retaining the existing spatial structure.
The focus was deliberately on the further development of the existing building: Existing work furniture, storage cabinets and desks with acoustic back walls were largely reused and specifically supplemented. The office space was significantly upgraded by a new colour and material concept, acoustically effective elements, custom-made carpentry work and adjustments to the ceiling and floor design. Clear zoning within the area ensures better orientation and a higher quality of stay.
A central design element is the comprehensive planting concept, which specifically contributes to improving the quality of stay. The implementation and detailed development of the specially designed plant luminaires was carried out in cooperation with the luminaire manufacturer Baulmann. The luminaires bring green directly to selected workplaces. The concept is complemented by planters on existing storage cabinets and an approximately five-metre-long “plant curve” that separates the open space from the hallway and at the same time offers space for spontaneous standing meetings.
The functional requirements of modern working environments were also in focus. The New Work concept at Meandris envisages that several employees can share a workplace. The floor and ceiling designs support the zoning of these so-called stand-in workstations, while flexible partition walls with acoustic function as well as cosy retreats in the open space enable concentrated work and meetings.
The nine existing think tanks were completely redesigned and converted into protected retreats. Warm materials, new colours and textile elements create a calm atmosphere, while foils with fine origami cut-outs allow playful insights and create a subtle reference to Japanese corporate culture.
AREAL has also reinterpreted the kitchenette: the former cafeteria has been transformed into a lounge area with a kitchen counter, equipped with new seating, acoustically effective ceiling design and Japanese-inspired foiling. Today, the room is not only used for catering, but also as an additional place for exchange and informal meetings. At the request of the client, a spacious sofa landscape complements the area.
The reception area also received an update with a redesigned existing counter, new rear wall and adapted ceiling design. A specially developed, graphically prepared wallpaper tells the story of the company and thus strengthens the identity of the location.
AREAL was responsible for the design and implementation planning, the tendering and awarding of contracts as well as the construction management for the project. The implementation was carried out in close coordination with the tenant and regional craftsmen. Since only minor intervention was made in the room geometry, fire protection and technical building equipment played a subordinate role. The result is a harmonised, acoustically optimised and modern working environment that respects the existing building and at the same time creates new qualities for contemporary work.
