Traffik

Global marketing firm’s new headquarters reflects the firm’s buzz-worthy culture

The new workplace for Traffik, a global marketing firm, is an experiment in interactive design, combining elements of hospitality, retail and workplace. Located in a shopping mall in a space originally intended for a steakhouse, next to an Apple and a H&M, the two-story, 22,000-square-foot workplace is designed to create the type of buzz the company is famous for producing.

The design embraces its very public location and assumes an almost “hospitality” vibe. The retail component is highlighted by street views of the firm’s glass-enclosed podcast studio and main conference room. The entry and reception area are meant to feel like a hip, urban hotel, with a check-in concierge, lounge waiting area and luggage carts.

Traffik wanted to bring back the ambience of an old-school advertising agency, while reflecting the firm’s modern approach. An emphasis on simple metal frames, brick, wood floors and leather furniture define the space, which features a stadium stair, library, barbershop and collaborative “cocktail lounge.”

Throughout the workplace, there is a constant connection to socialization and collaboration, reflecting a core element of the firm’s culture. The barbershop design, including vintage barber chairs, evolved from discussions about the social aspects of traditional barbershops and how those might spark different types of thinking and discussions in a collaborative space.

With window space scarce on the second level, darkness was embraced and enhanced. Art, bold graphics, color and the lighting design play important roles in the immersive experience.

The actual workspaces are minimal and designed as almost “libraries” between the event spaces. Long tables provide constant interaction and collaboration, saving the specialty spaces for project teams discussions, pitch meetings and interviews.

Traffik’s CEO called the workplace “the physical manifestation of our mindset, of being present, of being noticed, of being recognized for the phenomenal things we’ve accomplished and the extraordinary work that’s yet to come.”