TOG in Linden Palais is a minimal space located in Berlin, Germany, designed by Norm Architects. The new TOG workspace offers an attractive setting for employees to work creatively and effectively, with marble kitchens, sizable living areas with loft-like ceilings and magnificent herringbone parquet flooring, as well as a salon on the top floor. The Linden Palais, which formerly housed the French embassy, features stunning views of Berlin and around 5,000 m2 of office spread across seven storeys, with the upper floor being an addition later constructed by David Chipperfield Architects. The location offers a wonderful home for everyone, from fledgling startups to freelancers or seasoned entrepreneurs, and has an exquisite yet laid-back ambiance that encourages informal encounters over a cup of locally roasted coffee.

The interior’s color scheme was influenced by the colors of the original entrance ceiling, which were dark hues brought out by marble, gold, wood, and stone. To retain a generally minimalist appearance, the studio interpreted these hues as more subdued color references. Each color serves as both the foundation for the interior on each floor and as sophisticated wayfinding. Two distinct ideas that together form a whole bring the structure together. The first draws influence from its surroundings; Under den Linden’s expansive foyer features vegetation and columns that replicate the rhythm of the trees lining the historic avenue, giving visitors a sense of being outdoors in an urban setting.

The connections to the city architecture of the surrounding environments are highlighted by the concrete floors and industrial-looking yet tactile materials. The design was inspired by pre-existing architectural features including the herringbone parquet flooring, the intricate ceiling and wall paneling, and the curved archways. As a result, there are several details throughout the building that subtly but effectively demonstrate the relationship to its past, such as the top floor’s chevron parquet flooring, which pays homage to earlier herringbone structures.

Photography by Jonas Bjerre Poulsen