Inside Barbie’s Dreamland: A Peek into the Dual-World Design of Mattel’s Headquarters

Exploring the Dual World Design of Barbie‘s Mattel Office

An Office Caught Between Reality and Fantasy

The Mattel office in the Barbie movie may seem like it exists solely in the realm of imagination, but director Greta Gerwig intended for it to straddle both the real world and Barbie Land. Production designer Sarah Greenwood explains that Gerwig wanted the office to have “a foot in Barbie Land and a foot in the real world,” creating a unique blend of reality and fantasy.

This duality is reflected in the physical appearance of the office. While the building itself is situated in the real world, the interiors transport us to a toylike wonderland. The sets, reminiscent of Barbie‘s fantastical world, amplify the strange and whimsical events that take place within the office walls.

One standout feature that captures this duality is the boardroom on the tower’s “all the way up” floor. Described in the script as a pink and fluffy heart, the boardroom stands in stark contrast to the rest of the office. It becomes the only space within the building filled with vibrant color. The playful pink walls and a heart-shaped desk with a matching overhead light evoke the imagination of a six-year-old girl. The boardroom also houses a life-size Barbie doll box, serving as a portal to transport any Barbies from the real world back to Barbie Land.

Philosophical Exploration – The Interplay Between Imagination and Reality

The design choices present in the Barbie movie’s Mattel office raise intriguing philosophical questions about the interplay between imagination and reality. The office represents a space where the boundaries between these two realms are blurred, challenging our perceptions of what is real and what is merely a product of our imagination.

By incorporating elements from Barbie Land into the office, the filmmakers suggest that our imagination and fantasies can have a tangible presence in the real world. It prompts us to contemplate the power of our own imaginations and their ability to shape our reality. Just like the executives who inhabit the vibrant boardroom, our inner child and imagination have a role to play in our lives, even in professional settings.

The Dichotomy of Design

The visual contrast between the boardroom and the rest of the office space further emphasizes the dichotomy between imagination and reality. While the boardroom is a haven of whimsy and vibrant color, the remaining areas of the office are characterized by a stark grayscale palette of black, gray, and white.

The mundane and sterile appearance of the lower-level workspaces stands in stark contrast to the executives’ vibrant playground. The contrast underscores the hierarchy within the office, with the lower-level employees toiling away in a drab environment while the executives revel in childlike playfulness.

Editorial – Design Lessons for Real Office Spaces

While the Mattel office in Barbie Land may be a fantastical creation, there are design elements that individuals and real companies can draw inspiration from. The pink boardroom, with its pink velvet chairs and mural-like backdrop, presents an opportunity to inject creativity and playfulness into office spaces.

Designers and individuals looking to create inspiring work environments can take cues from the boardroom’s vibrant color scheme and incorporate elements that evoke a sense of imagination and wonder. By embracing a touch of whimsy, workplaces can foster creativity, boost morale, and promote a more engaging atmosphere.

Advice – Nurturing Imagination in the Workplace

Incorporating imagination into the office doesn’t necessarily require pink walls and heart-shaped desks. There are various ways to embrace creativity and nurture imagination in the workplace.

1. Flexible Workspaces: Create spaces that can adapt to different tasks and encourage collaboration. Incorporate comfortable seating areas, standing desks, and breakout rooms that allow employees to think and work in different ways.

2. Artistic Expression: Encourage employees to express their creativity through artwork, murals, or even designated spaces for personal decoration. This can help foster an environment that values individuality and self-expression.

3. Playful Design Elements: Infuse subtle elements of whimsy and playfulness into the office environment, such as colorful accent walls, unique lighting fixtures, or quirky furniture. These small touches can spark imagination and evoke a sense of joy and wonder.

4. Mindful Break Areas: Create designated spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation. Incorporate comfortable seating, natural elements, and even games or puzzles to provide employees with moments of respite and inspiration.

In conclusion, the dual world design of Barbie‘s Mattel office beautifully captures the interplay between imagination and reality. It serves as a reminder that, even in the most professional settings, embracing creativity and fostering a sense of wonder can lead to a more engaging and fulfilling work environment.