We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Belis Memik about their original and creative Multifunctional Workspace design work. Belis Memik is an award-winning architectural designer, that makes our world a better place with their original multifunctional workspace works.
Belis Memik ("BM") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Eurobump Unfold Multifunctional Workspace. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
BM : The main principle behind Eurobump Unfold is adaptability. The design responds to the evolving nature of work by creating a multifunctional environment that supports movement, collaboration, and well-being. The inspiration came from the contrast between rigid industrial settings and the need for human-centered, flexible spaces. I wanted to transform a factory-based office into a dynamic environment that feels alive — balancing efficiency with emotional comfort. Natural light, modular elements, and nature-inspired hues guide the experience, creating a workspace that’s both functional and sensory. The core idea is simple: design should move with people, not limit them.
BM : My main focus was to redefine how people experience work in industrial environments. I wanted to create a space that supports not just productivity, but also well-being, movement, and emotional balance. The goal was to shift away from static, rigid layouts and instead offer a modular, human-centered workspace that could adapt to different work styles — from deep focus to collaboration and informal interaction. I also wanted the design to feel warm and inviting, despite being within a factory setting. Ultimately, I aimed to prove that even in the most unexpected places, design can elevate daily life and positively influence behavior, mood, and performance.
BM : My goal is to use Eurobump Unfold as a blueprint for future workspace transformations, especially in industrial or overlooked environments where design is often seen as secondary. I believe this project can inspire companies to rethink how they support their teams, not just in terms of function, but also well-being and emotional experience. I plan to share the methodology behind this design from the ethnographic research to the modular strategies and apply it to new projects that require flexible, human-centered solutions. Whether through speaking, consulting, or designing similar spaces, I want this work to contribute to a larger shift in how we approach work environments.
BM : The design phase took around 2.5 to 3 months, including research, concept development, and detailed planning. A key part of that process involved ethnographic observation and employee interviews, which helped ensure the space truly responded to users’ needs. Following the design phase, construction took approximately 7 - 8 months — from February to early July 2022 — transforming the vision into a fully realized, multifunctional workspace.
BM : This project was commissioned by a car part manufacturing company, but the concept itself came from a much deeper place. While the client requested a functional office space, I saw an opportunity to go beyond that to challenge the conventional workspace within an industrial setting and bring in a more adaptive, human-centered approach. So while the commission initiated the project, the design concept was driven by my own inspiration and belief that even factory-based offices can be transformative, sensory, and emotionally supportive environments.
BM : The Eurobump Unfold workspace was custom-designed and built specifically for the company that commissioned it, and it is currently being used as their main office space. While the design itself is not a mass-produced product, the modular and adaptive strategies used in the project could definitely be replicated or adapted for other companies or contexts. I’m open to future collaborations where the core principles; flexibility, well-being, and user-centered design can be applied, and I would consider licensing or developing similar concepts through my studio.
BM : What drew me to this type of work was the challenge; transforming a rigid, industrial office into a space that truly supports human needs. I’ve always been passionate about using design to create emotional and functional impact, especially in environments where design is often overlooked. This project was a chance to prove that even in a factory setting, a workspace can be adaptive, inspiring, and deeply connected to well-being. I wanted to show that thoughtful design could not only improve productivity, but also how people feel every day in their work environment.
BM : Rather than being influenced by a single designer, my inspiration came from global research into evolving office spaces especially the growing awareness of how much time we spend at work and how that environment affects our well-being. I was particularly interested in how modern offices are starting to reflect elements of the home, creating spaces that are warm, flexible, and emotionally supportive. That idea shaped a lot of my decisions in Eurobump Unfold, blending functionality with comfort, structure with softness.
BM : The target customer is industrial companies or manufacturers looking to redefine their work environments, especially those who want to move beyond traditional, rigid office setups and invest in employee well-being, creativity, and collaboration. It’s for companies that understand that a workspace isn’t just a functional necessity, but a living environment. One that directly affects mood, productivity, and retention. This design is ideal for organizations open to adaptive, human-centered solutions that blend efficiency with emotional intelligence.
BM : What sets Eurobump Unfold apart is its emotional intelligence within an industrial setting. Many office designs focus on aesthetics or function, but this project blends modular flexibility, ergonomics, and well-being - in a space that traditionally lacks all three. It was developed through ethnographic research and direct engagement with employees, which made the design deeply responsive to real human needs. Its modularity isn’t just a visual gesture, it allows the space to evolve with the team, encouraging movement, collaboration, and focus without disruption. It’s also rare to see such warmth, adaptability, and sustainability-focused materiality applied to a factory-based office and that’s where this design truly stands out.
BM : Eurobump is the name of the brand this workspace was designed for a car part manufacturing company. I chose to keep the brand name as part of the title to honor the identity and context of the space. The word “Unfold” reflects the concept behind the design: a space that opens up, adapts, and evolves with the changing needs of its users. It represents movement, transformation, and possibility, all core principles of the design. Together, Eurobump Unfold tells the story of a traditionally rigid environment being reimagined into something fluid, human-centered, and alive.
BM : I used a mix of digital and manual tools throughout the project. For spatial planning and 3D visualization, I worked with AutoCAD and SketchUp, supported by V-Ray for realistic renderings. The concept development and material palette were explored through hand sketches, moodboards, and physical samples. For presentations and layout compositions, I used Adobe InDesign and Photoshop. Beyond software, ethnographic research, site analysis, and team interviews were essential tools that shaped the heart of the design.
BM : The most unique aspect of Eurobump Unfold is how it brings modular adaptability and emotional sensitivity into an industrial workspace, something rarely seen in factory office environments. It’s not just about flexibility on paper; the design actively responds to human behavior, allowing users to shift between focus, collaboration, and informal moments without feeling disconnected or constrained. Every element from the layout to the materials is driven by real user needs uncovered through research, not assumptions. It’s a space that adapts like a living system, proving that function, emotion, and innovation can coexist even in the most utilitarian contexts.
BM : Yes, this project involved close collaboration with several skilled professionals and specialized teams. I worked with expert woodworkers to ensure the modular elements were precisely crafted and seamlessly integrated. We also collaborated with Koleksiyon, a well-known office furniture brand, to select pieces that aligned with the design’s flexibility and ergonomics. For the flooring, we used Tarkett modular vinyl tiles, chosen for their durability, acoustic performance, and ease of maintenance. Additionally, the project involved mechanical and electrical engineers to address technical challenges especially in relation to insulation, HVAC, and the building’s north-facing orientation. These collaborations were essential in bringing the design to life with both precision and functionality.
BM : Technology played a key role in both the design process and the realization of the project. We used CNC machining for the modular wood elements to ensure precision, seamless integration, and efficient installation. This allowed us to bring flexibility into the space without compromising quality. In the design development phase, software tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and V-Ray were essential for spatial planning and visualization. On the technical side, HVAC and insulation systems were optimized using input from engineers to address the challenges of the north-facing site. Technology helped us bridge aesthetic, ergonomic, and functional goals - making the space adaptable, comfortable, and future-ready.
BM : Yes! This design was deeply shaped by data and analytical research. I conducted ethnographic observation and employee interviews to understand how people were using the space, what challenges they faced, and what they truly needed to feel productive and supported. We also analyzed similar industrial office environments to identify key patterns around workflow, discomfort, and lack of adaptability. This research revealed the need for modular zones, ergonomic features, and a more emotionally balanced workspace, all of which directly informed the final concept. The design is not just a visual statement but it’s a response to real human behavior and workplace dynamics.
BM : One of the biggest challenges was navigating the conservative mindset of the company’s leadership. They were hesitant to embrace modern workspace concepts like flexible zones, open collaboration areas, and non-traditional materials. Convincing them required extensive research, visual evidence, and data-backed arguments to show how these changes could enhance both productivity and employee well-being. It took a lot of arguing and owning where I stand and why they hired me. On the technical side, the north-facing orientation of the space posed heating and daylight limitations, which we addressed through efficient insulation, smart HVAC design, and material selection. Managing expectations while protecting the integrity of the concept was a balancing act but ultimately, those challenges shaped a more thoughtful and resilient design.
BM : I was genuinely proud of the outcome and felt that Eurobump Unfold carried a message that deserved to be shared. But at the same time, I found myself thinking, “My work isn’t being seen and how can I make sure it reaches people and has an impact beyond this one space?” Submitting to an international competition felt like a way to give the project a wider voice to let it touch others, spark conversation, and show that even a factory office can be transformed into something human-centered and meaningful. It wasn’t just about recognition. It was about making sure the story and soul of the design didn’t go unnoticed.
BM : This project taught me a lot about patience, communication, and the importance of standing by your vision, even when it’s met with resistance. I learned how to translate emotional design concepts into language that a more traditional client could understand and support. It also pushed me to deepen my research process and find creative ways to balance functionality with emotional experience. I became more confident in using modularity and adaptability as design tools not just for aesthetics, but to serve real human needs. Above all, I learned that design is not just about creating beautiful spaces, it’s about navigating people, context, and emotion with care.
BM : I think just this: I hope Eurobump Unfold reminds people that design matters everywhere! Even in the most unexpected places. A workspace inside a factory doesn’t have to feel cold or rigid. It can be alive, warm, and deeply supportive. Design isn’t just about visual impact but it’s about how people feel, move, and connect in a space. And if this project can inspire just one person to rethink what a workplace can be, then I’ve done what I came here to do.
