Volkswagen: Activity-based workplace powered by modular architecture

Background

Volkswagen developed a new two-storey office building at its Salzgitter plant in Germany to support approximately 300 employees. The project was designed to enable flexible, activity-based workplace that supports different ways of working within a technically demanding environment.

Challenge

The objective was to create a highly adaptable office that supports multiple work modes — from focused individual work to collaboration and shared functions — without permanent partition walls.

At the same time, key shared amenities such as kitchenettes needed to be easily accessible and logically positioned within the space in a way that maintains openness, accessibility and efficient flow across the workplace.

Solution

Volkswagen implemented a modular office concept using Vetrospace pods, which act as architectural elements that structure the open office into clearly defined zones.

A full range of pod sizes (XXL, M, XS) was implemented to support different work settings while maintaining spatial flexibility.

• Vetrospace XXL pods: These 12m$^2$ pods were used to create multipurpose meeting rooms and collaboration spaces.
• Vetrospace M pods: The 3m$^2$ pods were utilized as calm individual workspaces and smaller one-on-one meeting rooms.
• Vetrospace XS pods: These phonebooths offered a possibility to place multiple single person spaces for calls and focused work around the office.

This approach enables a future-proof office design, where spaces can adapt to changing needs without structural changes.

View a walkthrough video of one of the office areas.

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Kitchenettes inside the office – redefining workplace layout

A defining feature of the project is the integration of fully equipped kitchenettes inside Vetrospace XXL pods, positioned centrally within the open office.

Instead of placing kitchen areas along walls or in separate rooms, Volkswagen designed the space so that social and service functions sit at the heart of the workplace.

These pods include running water and dedicated electrical connections, enabling the use of coffee machines, microwaves and other appliances.

This solution demonstrates how Vetrospace pods can accommodate infrastructure-heavy functions, transforming them from simple meeting spaces into fully functional architectural elements that actively shape how the office is used.

Supporting activity-based work

The pods are integrated into a digital booking system, allowing employees to easily access the right space for each task. This supports efficient space utilization and reinforces the activity-based working model.

Larger collaborative spaces for up to six people were realized using Vetrospace XXL pods configured as enclosed meeting rooms. These pods were equipped with integrated whiteboards, supporting brainstorming, workshops, and structured team collaboration within acoustically controlled environments.

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Healthy and high-performing indoor environment

Employee wellbeing was a key priority. All pods are equipped with:

• Smart CO₂-controlled ventilation with filtered air, ensuring continuous fresh air and optimal cognitive performance
• aBL (antimicrobial blue light) technology, which reduces microbial load on surfaces and supports hygiene in shared office environments

Result

Volkswagen achieved a flexible and scalable office environment where architecture actively supports different work modes.

By integrating both workspaces and shared functions — including kitchenettes with running water inside modular pods at the center of the office — the design enhances usability, interaction, and adaptability without compromising openness.

Interested in structuring your office space without permanent construction with Vetrospace pods?

Contact us to explore solutions tailored to your workspace needs.

© Pictures: Luca Vincenzo