Velvet Café (BE)

Based on the holistic rebranding concept by Amsterdam creative agency Forpeople, the interior of start-up Formo in the space of a historical warehouse building at the bank of Berlin river Spree shows itself not only as a space for work, but at the same time as second home for the employees. After the end of work they enjoy lingering while having a beer and sometimes they even invite friends or family members. Moreover, the headquarter of the manufacturer of nondairy cheese products made from fermented proteins is expected to be the linkage with the teams of the other Formo sites. As future changes in the company’s culture and size have been expected, Formo wants to be prepared. Therefore flexibility has been a key in developing the interior design concept. With its lighting technology characteristics the Soliscape system was predestined for the realization. Nonetheless, the idea to implement this illuminating system throughout the space first of all emerged from a design idea. On its website Formo visually explains the technical background of its vegan cheese production, which uses fermentation processes of microorganisms to create milk proteins. Graphically this process is presented by numerous threedimensional bubbles with docked on balls, which are visually associated with the Soliscape modules. The use of many Soliscape modules in the space abstractly builds the bridge to many holes in cheese. Moreover, the great flexibility and the sound absorption, which is of great importance in the rooms with their high raw ceilings and a great amount of glass, spoke in favour for Soliscape. The idea was presented within two minutes and understood as rapidly. In addition to its original function Soliscape has become a distinctive design element in the open space offices and the semi-public areas. More than that the system is a “mood maker”, as it can create most diverse lighting atmospheres.