Réaménagement de l'espace social de l’IMD à Lausanne

The IMD business education school called on RDR design to revitalise the social space of its original building, named « Bignami ». This meeting place, which includes a café and a lobby, is highly symbolic for the institute since it develops around a circular inner courtyard, whose shape can even be seen in the IMD logo. The project goal was to bring dynamism, character and warmth to the social core of the institute, which, 30 years after it was built, did not satisfy any more in terms of functionality and was considered too stark by its users. The layout and furnishings of the café have been completely reconfigured to promote informal business exchanges, while the foyer has evolved into an attractive and comfortable lounge. Priority was given to wood, textiles and colour, both to cover existing elements and in the choice of furniture. These materials, which were hardly present till then, helped to create a more friendly atmosphere. The challenge was, within tight deadlines and budgets, to create a genuinely positive impact on the users experience.