BANG&OLUFSEN Struer, DENMARK Struer, a small town in Denmark depends mostly on agriculture and fishery. Bang & Olufsen (B&O), a renowned audio equipment manufacturer, dispatches its high quality designs to the world from here. “The tool to enjoy music should not be invisible as a black box” – their products are unique with high quality performance, yet with the design so emotive, they have earned a special spot in the industry. The new head office, also known as “The Farm,” has an understated exterior that blends into the surrounding landscape, but the interior is dynamic and open, resonating the B&O product design. The building consists of three main wings in a slightly opened U-shape. The north wing has the main entrance, reception and other public facilities. The south wing is all office, and the connecting block houses offices and multi-purpose space. Contrasting the brick tile exterior, the profuse use of glass in the walls facing the courtyard creates a transparent and integrated entity, visually connecting all points of the complex. The office area has a simple layout, where four workstations are arranged facing each other in an open office. The space is non-hierarchical and task-based. Private spaces with glass partitions are assigned only to the CEO and certain workers such as secretaries. Sufficient attention is given to natural light. The window slots on the south facade of the office building are small and filter out most of the sunlight, while the north facade is all glass to allow maximum light. The office wing is ventilated by a natural air control system. With cutting edge technology and graceful form, this building is a work of art -- superbly expressing the production philosophy B&O has upheld for many years, "Essence and Simplicity."           Location: Struer, DENMARK     Move-In Date:     Floor Area:     Workforce:     Building Design:     Interior Design:     Interview Date: 2000.11