» Our rooms are an expression
of our culture, our identity.«
Mr. Martin, what does the word »room«
mean to you as a designer?
Peter Martin You can certainly say something quickly, but it would take
longer to build. For this reason, I consider every room to be a con-
structed, materialized and long-term message. I think that the way that
we want to work in the future depends primarily on the room in which we
work. This room must be designed in such a way that, in terms of its at-
mosphere and quality, the processes that take place there have already
been considered or, better still, anticipated!
How do you anticipate a room that
has not even been built yet?
Peter Martin (laughs) Great question! I try to assume different perspecti-
ves and anticipate all dimensions in the design. One thing is clear: you
can certainly anticipate many things, but you cannot do all of them justice.
At the end of the day, every room is always just an approximation of your
ideal place. This is the compromise that you ultimately have to make. But
I am happy to make it.
What sort of fundamental principles
are you applying right now?
Peter Martin We want to lend our identity to the room, but we do not
want to overwhelm the identity of the room, and certainly not to destroy it.
We try to identify the essentials, analyze them and then consider how we
can optimally support them.
What will the design-related requirements for
working atmosphere be in the future?
Peter Martin The old office world is too clean and strict. Today, people
want to be able to concentrate on their work, but the organization itself
should resemble a small family. You want to be able to withdraw and work
by yourself, but still be part of a community. I personally am happy when
people feel at home. This is usually the basic requirement for good work.
We want to create a new welcoming environment in the corporate world.
It should be more free, open and inviting – this is the goal we are setting
in the world.
What role does light play as you
implement your vision?
Peter Martin Having the right light at the right moment is absolutely
essential. A couple will light a candle when they want to spend a romantic
evening together. This makes it obvious: this will not be a business
meeting. By contrast, we need to be able to see things clearly at work.
This is why we need clear and bright light. Light must be able to react
differently to various formats and situations.
Do you think there is such
a thing as perfect light?
Peter Martin The perfect light reflects the cycle of nature – it is stimulating
in the morning, brilliant at midday and soothing, warm and soft in the
evening. A sunset is a very special moment that you only really get in
nature. The light becomes warmer and finer. It casts a different shadow.
The natural softness fosters the moment in which day turns into evening –
the moment of warmth and comfort. You can see what I mean if you
look at our rooms on these pages: we have created an environment
in which people who trust one another can escape and have candid
conversations.
An interview with Peter Martin,
advises the clients of his agency Martin et Karczinski
in the Gabrielenlofts
Peter Martin
is brand strategist, designer and CEO
of Martin et Karczinski. The agency has
offices in Munich and Zurich, and advises
such clients as Lufthansa and Occhio
as a branding lead.
» Feeling at home is usually
the basic requirement for
good work. We want to create
a new welcoming environment
in the corporate world.«
Gabrielenlofts Munich
Martin et Karczinski
Peter Martin
CEO – Martin et Karczinski
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