Atelier van Berlo designs new headquarters of the international Design-driven-innovation agency VanBerlo in Eindhoven
The former power plant of Philips in Eindhoven is transformed into a multi-tenant office building;
the Innovation Powerhouse. It is an open ecosystem to inspire collaboration, co-creation and
innovation. As initiator of the transformation, VanBerlo’s headquarters is the first to open its doors.
World Architecture & Design Awards 2019
First Award | Category: Office Interior
Architects: Janne van Berlo
Studio: Atelier van Berlo
Team Members: Janne van Berlo, Veerle Rigter
Country: The Netherlands
Website: www.ateliervanberlo.com
The interior, designed by the Rotterdam based architecture firm Atelier van Berlo, is a translation of the vision and workflow of VanBerlo, who constantly aim for inspiration, collaboration and open innovation. Within a growing digital world, they wanted a physical place where coworker, client and partner can meet up, collaborate and co-create.
By diving into the company philosophy, and applying a Design thinking methodology to the design proces, the result is more than an office; it is a place that redefines the way of working for the creative agency. The different layers of the company, from branding, philosophy, management and HR style to logistics and workflows, are all present in the design. Every space is created with care for their purpose and is connected through layout, use of materials, technology, colour, typography and signage. Together they create an atmosphere where creativity can thrive.
Throughout the design process the customer journey for client, co-worker and partner were essential. Everyone who enters is welcomed by the large coffee area, as if you invite someone in your kitchen. This opens up to the heart of the office; a spacious atrium with a warm and cosy atmosphere. Here client, co-worker and partner can meet up, collaborate and inspire one another. It is a large open area, with a few grand gestures creating multifunctional use. A forty meter long exhibition wall showcases succes stories and inspiration of co-workers, a heightened wooden plateau creates intimacy for informal workspaces and the large stairs doubles as a presentation theater or a podium for events hosted in the building. This area is not only open to clients and partners but is also used to host various public events.
The central area gives acces to the various meeting rooms, workshops and warrior rooms, serving the different work atmospheres. Meeting rooms are designed not only for presentations but also for multi-day workshops, usability testing or hackathons.
Besides facilitating the creative process, the design also embraces the industrial character. Thematerials chosen are pure, raw and yet of a high quality finish. Newly added elements are all large in size to match the grandeur of the building and simple in form and material to emphasize the beauty of the original architecture. Due to the use of construction wood, soft colours and uniquely designed lamps (Alex de Witte), the space feels warm and welcoming. Where possible Atelier van Berlo re-used old elements of the power plant into the design, as is visible in the reception desk.
All in all the design brings together the two worlds, the philosophy of VanBerlo and the beautify of the original architecture.
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