& OTHER STORIES
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of the Success Story
the client
& Other Stories is a subsidiary of the fashion group H&M. Founded in 2013, the company has three design and creation studios, in Stockholm, Los Angeles and Paris. It develops collections of clothing, accessories, shoes and beauty products adapted to each city. It focuses on feminine styles at the crossroads of trends and timelessness, which tell a story and are part of an eco-responsible approach.
DESIGN & BUILD
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
ENGENEERING
Paris 2ème
700 m2
2023
MEETING THE NEEDS OF H&M’S & OTHER STORIES SUBSIDIARY
Factory was engaged by H&M to undertake the renovation of the Paris headquarters for its subsidiary, & Other Stories. The project encompassed three key areas of focus: lighting enhancements, reorganization of the layout, and the creation of a communal space to foster conviviality. The company’s offices, situated in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, had not undergone significant updates since the teams first moved in 17 years ago.
The teams were spread across two floors, with each floor designated for a specific division: the textile division on one side and the accessories division on the other. Alongside the design and creation functions, support functions were also housed within the premises. The challenge lay in effectively accommodating the coexistence of vastly different professional roles, necessitating the integration of traditional office typologies with specialized textile creation positions. This approach aimed to streamline operations and enhance overall organization within the space.
ACCOMPANYING & OTHER STORIES IN OFFICE RENOVATION
Factory played a pivotal role at various levels throughout the project. Initially, we provided valuable support to the client in navigating the necessary trade-offs to ensure budget compliance. Our ability to comprehend the client’s expectations, propose alternative solutions, and select the most suitable course of action greatly impressed & Other Stories.
Subsequently, extensive reflection was conducted to address the project brief while mitigating potential employee frustration.
The employees had been accustomed to an unaltered workspace for over 15 years, and it was imperative to integrate storage solutions that would encourage improved organization without causing a disruption to their established habits.
Furthermore, we had to consider the specific requirements of the business, which called for a harmonious combination of traditional workstations and creative areas with dedicated storage for clothing, material samples, and more.
Striking this delicate balance required skillful execution, aligning with the parent company’s desire to convey a message of care and comfort to its teams through the office renovation, particularly after the challenging period of the health crisis, which had left a lasting impact on people’s well-being.
In addition to our role in the interior renovation, Factory also acted as a coordinator with the landlord, as simultaneous work was being carried out on the building itself, including the replacement of windows on the façade. Effective supervision of ongoing actions was crucial to ensure that both projects progressed according to plan and in harmony with each other.
SOBRIETY IN THE CREATIVE PROCESS
In line with the aesthetics found in & Other Stories boutiques, Factory has prioritized a discreet architectural approach. The architectural project purposefully recedes into the background to accentuate the processes of inspiration and creation, within a space that exudes Haussmannian charm, boasting high ceilings, generous openings, and excellent natural lighting.
The new office environment has been significantly brightened thanks to a carefully crafted lighting scheme. Glass partitions have been strategically introduced to delineate areas while reinforcing the workshop atmosphere that characterizes the space. Specific and tailored storage solutions have been implemented to facilitate the organization of samples.
Employees now have access to a versatile, shared space that can be utilized as a cafeteria, meeting area, or relaxation zone. Factory’s strength in
this project lay in its clear understanding of the unique needs of textile-related activities and effectively meeting those needs through the provision of modularity, simplicity, and organizational solutions. The project was carried out in a relationship of trust and tranquility, with each stage progressing collaboratively, through a co-construction process that was valued and appreciated by all involved.
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