In the center of Dhaka’s relentless urban sprawl, Decathlon’s new liaison office has carved out an unexpected oasis. Designed by Studio one zero, the two-floor, 20,000-square-foot workspace is a lively yet calming blend of nature, sport, and smart design — a triumph achieved under the intense pressure of a compressed timeline.
One floor of the office is devoted to a sprawling seminar and multi-purpose event space, while the other flourishes as a vibrant open-plan workspace. Together, they embody Decathlon’s global brand ethos: movement, accessibility, and connection to the environment.
From the first step inside, the design immediately surprises. Natural light pours in from every angle, with open workstations, informal seating zones, and collaborative spaces stretching toward the glass walls. But what truly distinguishes the space is its deliberate, sensitive incorporation of natural elements into an otherwise urban setting — a concept that chief architect Jafor Hoq and Partner Architect Humaira Binte Hannan at Studio One Zero were determined to bring alive.
Challenge Against Time
“The biggest challenge for us,” says Jafor Hoq, “was the design decision against time. From the initial concept to execution, we had a very short period. And it wasn’t just about filling a space — Decathlon wanted something meaningful, experiential, and true to their brand spirit.”
Working under intense deadlines and changes meant that decisions on materials, layouts, and designs had to be made rapidly but thoughtfully. “We had no time for second-guessing. Every material, every design move had to be purposeful and achievable within the timeframe,” Hoq recalls.
Instead of battling the constraint, Studio one zero leaned into it, focusing on a few strong ideas and executing them meticulously.
Bringing Nature Indoors — A Different Way
While biophilic design is no longer a novelty, Studio one zero’s approach for Decathlon’s office is refreshingly nuanced. Instead of merely placing potted plants in corners, nature was embedded into the structure itself.
The most striking feature — the tree-inspired columns — originated from a need to solve a technical problem with artistic flair. Existing structural columns, often seen as obstacles in open-plan offices, were transformed into vertical wooden sculptures.
“These columns are not just cladded structures,” Hoq explains. “We intentionally gave them the form of large tree trunks, expanding outward at the top, creating a canopy-like feeling. Under these ‘trees,’ we placed high seating zones, making them natural gathering points where people can sit, stand, and connect. It’s about reinterpreting indoor nature — not just bringing in greenery but evoking the experience of being under a tree.”
Materiality: Warmth in an Industrial Frame
The material palette reflects a thoughtful balance between modernity and warmth. Light oak wood cladding runs through the flooring of common pathways and wraps around key architectural elements, providing a sense of warmth and continuity.
“The idea was to humanize the space,” says Hoq. “We were working with an exposed ceiling — which gives that industrial look — but we didn’t want it to feel cold or impersonal. Using wood, texture and incorporating green , was the answer.”
Meanwhile, the furniture choices favored light-colored wood and clean lines to complement the architecture without overwhelming it. Lush green walls filled with planters further softened the industrial base, offering breathing spaces that look and feel alive.
Even the lighting played into the natural narrative. Angular, dynamic geometric light fixtures, seemingly random yet deliberate, mimic dappled sunlight filtering through tree canopies, casting a playful rhythm of light and shadow across the workspace.
Functionality at the Core
Of course, Decathlon’s office needed to be more than beautiful; it needed to work. Beyond the seminar space and open workstations, Studio One Zero integrated a variety of amenities including a gym, prayer rooms, a sick room, and a restaurant-style café.
The café, with its relaxed seating and natural materials, encourages casual interaction — a deliberate attempt to break down formalities and foster an easy, collaborative culture. Flooring materials shift subtly from wood to textured carpet tiles to indicate different zones without physical barriers, preserving the openness.
Every design choice speaks to movement, flexibility, openness and wellness — values at the heart of both Decathlon and Studio one zero’s architectural philosophy.
A Space That Moves People
In the end, Decathlon’s Dhaka office is more than a workplace. It’s a living, breathing environment, where the boundaries between indoor and outdoor, formal and informal, structured and free-flowing, are beautifully blurred.
Studio One Zero’s bold vision — executed under a limited timeframe — has resulted in a space that isn’t just seen; it’s felt. A place where employees can experience the spirit of sport, the calm of nature, and the excitement of innovation, every single day.
“We didn’t just design an office,” Jafor Hoq smiles. “We designed an experience.”
Written By Fatima Nujhat Quaderi
Photo: Truphoto Studio
