Paolo Pampanoni: inside a workspace

A professional background rooted in deep knowledge of corporate production processes, thanks to the design of office partition walls, individual furnishings, and systems.

The intuition and ability to transform experience into a simple and effective method, now adaptable to projects of varying complexity and nature. The attention to corporate image as a tool for growth and communication. We met architect Paolo Pampanoni from the D+A studio in Petrignano di Assisi, the mind behind the recent renovation of CIAM’s Umbrian headquarters. With him, we explored a world that speaks many languages, responds to multiple needs, and is guided by a single principle: “every design choice is aimed at achieving a specific performance—functional, technical, aesthetic, or economic.”

Architect Pampanoni, tell us about the CIAM space renovation project: what needs and goals did it address?

The primary goal was to define a new functional and qualitative standard for the spaces involved in the project, particularly adapting them to the new dynamics that characterize today’s office workflows, which are heavily influenced by technology. The intervention was marked by a greater sensitivity toward the well-being of the employees who inhabit the company spaces, from lighting, acoustics, and thermal-hygrometric comfort to posture. Lastly, and perhaps less obviously but equally important, we addressed a communication goal. A company that takes care of its people and the spaces they move through conveys the level of quality and attention to detail it is likely to offer each potential client.

In terms of space distribution, what were the most significant actions?

As is customary for D+A, we employed an analytical approach aimed at defining CIAM’s strategic, operational, and spatial needs to provide structure to the layout. The synthesis of objective analysis and adherence to the coordinated image guidelines led to a project that increased workspaces by reducing the superfluous and focusing on actual performance. It was a significant intervention that created homogeneous spaces, open-plan areas, enclosed offices, meeting rooms, phone booths, and acoustic corridors. The layout was then organized according to differentiated and controlled access logic to ensure the necessary levels of confidentiality required by the company.

Let’s delve into the interventions aimed at employee well-being.

Our experience in designing workspaces has shown that ensuring a high-performing environment leads to genuine employee loyalty—after all, they are a company’s most valuable asset. Through a client-oriented, non-self-referential design, we aim to ensure the necessary levels of well-being to protect and enhance “human capital.” Some examples: properly separating meeting rooms from operational areas; installing highly sound-absorbing acoustic corridors; creating phone booths for calls and individual work; enabling height-adjustable desks for standing work; and integrating small service break areas within operational zones. All of this contributes to improving employee performance while reducing physical and mental stress.

From employee well-being to sustainable design: what is your vision for the future?

My idea of sustainability can be explained by breaking down the English word “sustainability.” “Sustain” is the pedal pianists use to extend the sound of a note, and “ability” is the skill with which we produce, build, and design. Looking to the future, we must have the ability to create long-lasting goods with interchangeable parts and recyclable materials. It’s a challenging goal, but I believe the future also depends on grassroots choices. We try to do our part: in addition to designing workspaces, at D+A we also develop products such as glass partition walls, furniture systems, upholstered items, and lighting fixtures. Now more than ever, we pay close attention to the choice of recycled and recyclable materials, and especially to the end-of-life logic that enables the real recovery of every component.

Beyond your shared roots in the region, what united CIAM and D+A in such a complex and ambitious project?

I believe both organizations share a commitment to valuing Umbrian professionals and a desire to invest in the region to bring our expertise beyond its borders. This creates economic activity, professionalism, and culture. In Federico Malizia, I’ve always seen an entrepreneur determined to pursue excellence and innovation—goals I also strive for, using different tools and skills.