Client projects: La Poste Montpellier

A historic site bringing together La Poste’s operations

When La Poste brought together several of its operations in the iconic Rondelet building in central Montpellier, the ambition was clear. The organisation set out to create modern work environments that support collaboration, ergonomics and long-term development, without compromising the building’s cultural and historical value. In close collaboration with Kinnarps, this vision has now taken shape.

From dispersed teams to shared spaces

The site covers a total area of approximately 3,000 square metres, with an ongoing extension of a further 850 square metres. Around 400 employees work in the building on a daily basis, out of a total of 1,000 across the wider site. When La Poste decided to bring together teams that had previously been spread across several addresses, the need for new work environments became clear.

Kinnarps was commissioned to design 126 shared desk workstations along with associated meeting and support spaces, with the aim of creating better conditions for collaboration between different operations. Individual and enclosed offices were replaced by shared areas adapted for different tasks, with a strong focus on function, ergonomics and adaptability over time.

A project developed in phases

The project began in the summer of 2024 and is being carried out in stages to ensure continuity in daily operations. In the first phase, the building’s conditions were analysed and existing spaces were adapted to gradually integrate new teams. The shared work environments are now complete, and employees are being introduced to their new spaces on an ongoing basis.

The next phase, running until 2027, focuses on fully integrating the IT operations. The phased approach has been crucial in creating a sense of security during the change process, while also enabling a long-term transformation.

Stripped-back design with people at the centre

La Poste’s requirements were clear: a high level of ergonomics, a light and stripped-back design, modular solutions and sustainable material choices. Kinnarps met these needs through a close and committed way of working, with users involved early in the process. Through 3D visualisations, teams were also able to visualise their future environments at an early stage.

Visits to the Kinnarps showroom provided inspiration, task chairs were tested in real working situations, and material and colour choices were developed in dialogue with the organisation. The result is a cohesive colour palette in soft yellow tones, sky blue and beige, in harmony with the flooring, the company’s graphic profile and the character of the building.

A clear improvement in everyday quality

When employees moved in, they were welcomed by bright, warm and well-considered environments. A clear contrast to the previous premises, which were experienced as dark and heavy. Spaces for focused work, personal storage lockers, well-designed acoustics and proximity to the city centre all contribute to a working day of higher quality.

The move also coincides with the city’s redevelopment of the square outside the building, which has now become a green and vibrant meeting place. The overall impression reinforces the feeling that La Poste is once again a natural part of Montpellier.

A collaboration built on closeness and trust

For La Poste, the collaboration with Kinnarps has been a decisive factor in the project’s success.

The result is a long-term partnership in which historic environments have been given new life, and where the work environments now fully support La Poste’s continued development.