Laboratorio Permanente is an architecture studio operating across multiple scales, from architecture to interior design and urban planning. Every project begins with a careful observation of the context and its many facets: the natural environment, the material culture of each place with its norms, the identity of local communities, and even the personal histories of individuals. The studio has designed numerous coworking spaces both in Italy and abroad. We spoke with Nicola Russi, co-founder with Angelica Sylos Labini of the firm, about how the design of workspaces is evolving.
How did the modern office come about?
With industrialization – but the crucial invention was the telegraph. It allowed production and administration to be separated, creating buildings dedicated solely to office work. This is what enabled cities like London and New York to grow commercially and gain power, even while far from the sites of production.
How have workspaces evolved?
Early offices were linear and hierarchical, with desks arranged like assembly lines, overseen by supervisors. In the 1960s, more flexible models emerged, such as the famous Osram building in Munich: furnishings were arranged more casually, diminishing hierarchical rigidity. Later came cubicles – individual but placed within open spaces – leading to contemporary offices like the C30 One Day Group headquarters in Milan: no control desks, mobile managers, neutral and generous spaces that encourage creative interaction.
Did Covid really change offices?
Covid validated smart working, but it did not eliminate the need for a physical workplace. Offices have not disappeared: they provide a sense of belonging, community, and corporate identity. Some companies reduced space, but never radically. Smart working increased temporal freedom, but did not lighten the workload.
Are offices still necessary?
Yes. They foster contact with the outside world, stimulate urban vitality, and create interactions between workers and the city. Purely residential neighborhoods are less vibrant than those that host active workplaces.
What are the new challenges for workspaces?
Environmental comfort is key: light, air, temperature, and natural micro-variations are essential for wellbeing. Connections to the outdoors—terraces, “work gardens,” outdoor meetings—are increasingly important. In projects like Edison Park in Sesto San Giovanni, we have integrated working gardens, bars, cafés, and gyms, creating complete and welcoming environments.
What role does style play in the office?
Style influences creativity. I have always thought that in a building like the Italian Parliament, steeped in history, it must be difficult to produce progressive laws. Neutral, generous spaces encourage creative work, while materials, colors, and textures contribute to a sense of belonging and wellbeing. Even seemingly minor details matter: a glass table, for instance, can be visually and tactilely uncomfortable, leaving fingerprints and distracting the eye. For an office, aesthetics that reflect the era are crucial, conveying a sense of engagement and purpose to those who work within.
How are furnishings and services changing?
Workers today accept flexible workstations, but still want personal lockers. Attractive amenities are growing: shared kitchens with healthy meals – sometimes prepared by a chef – break areas, and internal welfare services. Natural light, ventilation, and access to fresh air are fundamental for reducing claustrophobia and improving one’s perception of time. A window that can be opened is often more valuable than a meticulously designed air-conditioning system that ignores individual differences.
What is the guiding thread in the evolution of workspaces?
These are spaces that naturally evolve alongside society and human needs, reflecting contemporary culture and perceptions of comfort. The office is not just a place to work – it embodies time, lifestyle, and community. By combining comfort, aesthetics, and functionality, offices create environments that foster productivity and wellbeing, without sacrificing social interaction or connection with the outside world.
