Spotify
Vibrant and Considered WorkplaceJohannesburg
When Spotify established its regional hub for Sub-Saharan Africa, the brief extended beyond a conventional fit-out. The project needed to balance Spotify’s global workplace standards with a space rooted in Johannesburg’s identity. Delivered in Oxford Parks Precinct, the headquarters emerged through a highly collaborative process between Spotify Workplace Design and Build, HesseKleinloog, Trend Group and a network of South African talent.
This highly collaborative project delivered a distinctly African regional hub for a leading international brand. The concept design was developed by HesseKleinloog (HK Studio) in close collaboration with Spotify’s Workplace Design & Build team, while Trend Group managed and delivered the workspace. The offices needed to balance Spotify’s global standards and feel authentically rooted in Johannesburg. Many interconnected elements required careful coordination – with every element carefully considered, customised and curated.
An African identity
From the outset, the design team sought to avoid predictable interpretations of African design. Rather than relying on clichés, the project drew inspiration from Johannesburg itself. The colour palette references the city’s iconic jacaranda trees through rich purples and deep burgundy tones, while subtle gold accents acknowledge Johannesburg’s mining heritage. One of the underlying concepts was to capture dance and to create a sense of rhythm throughout the space to reflect a ‘city in motion’, according to HK studio. Spotify’s Workplace Design & Build team remained closely involved throughout, helping to frame and steer the design.
Trend’s delivery model was instrumental in coordinating the many moving parts. By managing all aspects of the project under a single umbrella, it allows them to remain dynamic and responsive throughout the project lifecycle. The project involved extensive coordination between mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, lighting, acoustic, sustainability, and AV specialists. Weekly design and site coordination meetings ensured that decisions could be made quickly and that challenges were resolved before impacting programme delivery.
Design Features
Working closely with the client from the outset, the Design Colab FF&E team focused on local artisans, local manufacturers and proudly South African craftsmanship, creating a workplace that felt authentic to Africa while meeting Spotify’s global standards. Standout pieces identified by HK Studio includes custom Disco Armchairs Chairs developed in collaboration with Dokter and Misses, re-engineered specifically for Spotify’s requirements. A customised Mash T Noodle sofa features in the listening room, a further celebration of South African design.
Office Fitout Delivered
The Spotify headquarters necessitated a sophisticated level of technical integration – acoustic performance, lighting design, and AV infrastructure. Many of the project’s strongest features emerged where technical requirements and creative thinking intersected, such as the custom ombré acoustic ceiling installation. A large-scale mural by esteemed South African artist Yay Abe behind the reception desk reinforces the African narrative.
The headquarters was designed to support Green Star principles, with sustainability consultant input influencing everything from material selection to workplace planning. Local procurement formed a key component of the strategy and Design Colab undertook a comprehensive furniture audit and reuse programme, with certain items given a second life.
South African craftmanship
The workplace features a highly democratic layout with no executive corner offices, flexible work settings, collaborative zones, meeting spaces, listening rooms, and social areas that encourage interaction and creativity. For all involved, the project demonstrates what can be achieved when local creativity, technical expertise, and craftsmanship are combined in pursuit of a shared vision. Ultimately, the Spotify headquarters showcases the calibre of South African design, project management, manufacturing and craftsmanship on an international stage.
