DATA SHEET
Project: Stay Studio & Markland Architects
Furniture: Vitra
Lighting: Xal, Wever&Ducré and Wästberg
Photo: Cafeine
Link Lab is a one-of-a-kind space, formerly a commercial floor in a residential complex, designed originally to hold a large concept store. Now it has become a new shared creative office where no one claims their “own” space. Designers from various agencies can, instead, interchangeably occupy the space. Designed by Studio Stay, Link Lab was created as a platform for several creative studios – Dencity, Markl, Us, and Stay Studio– which consist of urban planners, architects, and interior designers. The different agencies joined to find a spacious floor in the heart of the town of Kortrijk and chose this former commercial space. This entire floor was chosen because of its floor plan, the external staircase for separate access to the residential complex, and the possibility to have a shared use for the new offices.
In addition to those offices, Link Lab was also conceived as a place to put on architecture workshops and organize networking events and conferences. The commercial space atmosphere was preserved as far as possible. Some parts of the walls and ceiling were covered in spray plaster to create unity and heighten the space’s perception. Building systems such as ventilation ducts and other pipes were maintained and left visible in order to give the spaces a sense of continuity.
The furnishing is in contrast with the open space/industrial atmosphere, a selection of high-quality and fine materials including patterned veneers, marble, custom-made furniture, mirrors, and design furnishings. The contrast gives the platform elegant boldness and a distinctive look, in which each type of client of each creative agency can see themselves. Though there are no divisions and private areas, minimal delimited areas were needed – essential for privacy during workshops and meetings. A solution was adopted with a unique aesthetic with doors and glazed walls recovered from greenhouses.
