Creative Conference Rooms From Around the World
Group meetings aren't typically something employees look forward to. For one thing, conference rooms can be drab and utterly lack inspiration. But some companies have started to take a new approach to conferencing. Some is the result of advanced video-conferencing systems and the like -- but we're also seeing a touch of actual style.
Here are some of our favorite new "conference environments." Let us know what you think!
1. Unilever
As a multi-national corporation, Unilever is both British and Dutch in their ownership. They own many consumer product brands worldwide, including Dove and Hellman's.
2. Jaiku
Originally based in Finland, Jaiku is a small social networking and micro-blogging service that is similar in concept to Twitter. The company was purchased by Google in late 2007, and the software has since been released as open-source. Based on Google's notorious flair in their offices, it's no surprise that Jaiku's office follows suit.
3. Spotify
Named "Ebba Grön," after a Swedish artist, this organic-feeling conference room is one of several at Spotify's office in Stockholm, Sweden. Comfortable swiveling chairs allow a conversational feel for video-conferences with their office in the United Kingdom.
4. Google
What "top offices" list would be complete without a Google feature? This shot features a section of their office in Taipei.
5. EPFL
The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is located in Switzerland and is one of the two Swiss federal institutes of technology. With part of their mission including "to provide a hub for interaction," we'd say they certainly succeeded!
6. Pumalin
Parque Pumalin, a nature reserve in Chile, is a public park with trails, campgrounds and visitor centers. One of the centers features this conference room with a decidedly outdoor influence.
7. Niavaran Palace
Located in Tehran, Iran, the Niavaran Palace complex is made up of several buildings and a museum. This photo shows King Mohammadreza Shah's office. Quite a contrast to the clean and simple designs of the conference rooms above.
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Jake Thiewes
A graduate from the School of Media Arts & Design at James Madison University, Jake works with partners to bring their content to AOL Jobs. Other focuses include photo/video acquisition from sources around the globe, social media and analytics for the team. In his free time, Jake voraciously feeds his weekend motorsports hobby.
Email Jake at jake.thiewes@teamaol.com.
