Wooing Talent is No Easy Task.
Mercedes-Benz creates a space engineers can’t not love.
MBRDNA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler North America Corporation, with four divisions focused on research, advanced engineering design, product development and testing for Mercedes-Benz cars and other Daimler Group business units. All that to say the goal of this particular project was to consolidate the headquarters from two locations into one innovative space that would play to their favor in recruiting and retaining the best engineering talent in the competitive Bay Area. A tall order, to put it lightly.
The lobby is tastefully impressive. Meticulous attention to detail and materials expresses the classic elegance of this innovative brand. A fluid element of wood, the reception desk transitions into a wall feature curving up into an organic-shaped ceiling element that brilliantly evokes the signature Mercedes-Benz design detailing. Sleek Sky Oculus P4000s from Prudential Lighting add visual interest within the primarily hard lines of the space, adding a round element to switch things up. Embedded stainless steel strips enhance the gray stone floor, and a black back-painted glass wall displays an interactive video screen inviting visitors to engage with the brand. The ground floor includes a spotless garage and lab for full modification and software testing on various models, plus chill-out space for employees, complete with cafe and outdoor patio.
Second- and third-floor R&D departments are laid out in fluid configurations to provide the maximum required just-in-time mobility defined during interactive user interviews. One hundred twenty fully adjustable work stations provide office space. Staff can easily move between enclosed offices, meeting spaces, huddle and phone rooms. Curved ceiling elements provide a variety of ceiling heights.
Departments are designed as neighborhoods, subdivided into a series of smaller suites separated by sliding glass partitions that double as writing surfaces. Floor-to-ceiling frameless glass walls and pivot doors give the enclosed spaces an impression of clear cubes suspended in space. Neighborhoods are identified by color and amenity, and each offers a unique attraction – juice bar, yoga/relaxing room, or rock for climbing, to name a few.
A neutral pallet of white walls and gray carpet is used throughout, with vibrant accent colors – orange, fuchsia and red – identifying informal and formal collaboration and focus areas. Color also assists in way-finding. Furniture helps define the use of space with soft seating and coffee tables in lounge areas, and more formal tables and task chairs in others. The result? A dazzler of a workspace and not-so-secret weapon when it comes to talent recruitment and retention.
