Schneider Electric Hub – Novi Sad
ZABRISKIE’s Schneider Electric Hub in Novi Sad transforms an old industrial hall into a vibrant, sustainable workspace, marrying historical preservation with modern adaptability to foster collaboration and employee wellbeing.
Schneider Electric HUB is the first contemporary Serbian office building created through the transformation and reconstruction of an old industrial hall into a vibrant hub for IT professionals. While the original Novkabel production halls held limited architectural value, the design team, in close collaboration with the client, treated the first hall as a monument, preserving its industrial character while celebrating its historical significance as a symbol of progress in Serbian industry.
ARCHITECTURAL PRESERVATION & GREEN INTEGRATION
The existing structure was carefully restored, maintaining the original industrial aesthetic while reinterpreting glass surfaces typical of these halls. A green ring along the perimeter introduces natural elements into the workspace, integrating greenery, ventilation, and daylight to enhance employee comfort and productivity. Four interior courtyards function as open green gardens, offering spaces for breaks or focused work, supporting wellbeing and providing visual relief from screen-intensive tasks.
WORKSPACE FLUIDITY & FLEXIBILITY
The client’s emphasis on a fluid workspace guided the creation of an open-plan layout with numerous workstations, complemented by isolated rooms for focused tasks and meetings, as well as informal zones for collaboration. Diverse mobile furniture arrangements across multiple spatial entities create adaptable “working sceneries,” stimulating employees and encouraging interaction throughout the day.
THE HUB & MAIN SQUARE
At the building’s core, a double-height central volume acts as the main square – a hub for social interaction, creativity, and information exchange. Transparent cylindrical curtains form intimate micro-cells when needed, without disrupting the spatial continuity, allowing flexible use of the space for individual focus or group activities.
SUSTAINABILITY & LEGACY
By preserving and carefully restoring the original hall, the project achieves sustainable goals, reduces environmental impact, and maintains the historical identity of the site. The integration of architecture, interior design, and company culture creates a cohesive environment where functionality, flexibility, and wellbeing converge, making Schneider Electric HUB a model for modern industrial office transformation.
Design: ZABRISKIE
Design Team: Ksenija Bajagić, Mila Đorđević, Mirjana Lazić, Staša Simenović
Consultant & Tenant PM: Novaston
Photography: Miloš Martinović
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