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ThE ORGaNIZaTION OF ThE PLaN
The functions are organized within a square building with sides measuring 83 m in length, in an 8.1 m grid pattern (10 x 8.1 m +
2 x 1.35 m).The contradiction between a compact building (for maximum energy control) and openness (for visual comfort and wellbeing at work) results in the organization of four parallel of ce volumes with a width of 11 m, separated from each other by patios that are 13.5 m wide. A total of 11 m is the ideal width to provide the space with suf cient natural light all year round, while at the same time enabling ef cient of ce organization. The facades are fully glazed to above work-surface height. External views are guar- anteed in all of ce areas: views of the patios for the of ce spaces closest to the centre of the building, and views of the outdoor sur- roundings for the of ce spaces closest to the facades.
The cross section shows that the proportions of the patios are dif- ferent. On the east side of the building, the patios on the rst oor have been designed as an interior garden.They only have limited accessibility because of the extensive roof garden feature, and have been made open at oor level to allow light to penetrate into the darkest areas of the car park that lies beneath. These openings also make possible the planting of a solitary tree.
On the second oor the patio adjoins the exterior facade.These vast, east-facing terraces are an ideal meeting place for staff when the weather is good. As a result of the bamboo nishing, the roof garden and the panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, the employees are in direct contact with a variety of natural elements in their working environment.
The patios on the west side are double the height and look like cubes that have been cut out of the building.
An oblique central gallery unites the building’s different func- tions and divides the four of ce wings into two unequal zones. The longer zones on the east side house the main of ce functions. Small meeting rooms, sanitary facilities and the entrances to
the other of ce wings are located in sequence along the gallery. Since the occupancy of the building, it has become apparent just how often the meeting rooms are used: they bring life to the gal- lery, making it a vibrant place.The shorter zones on the west side merge to create a fth wing. Running parallel with the gallery, it houses the restaurant on the rst oor and a conference hall and the larger meeting rooms on the second oor.
The of ce wings can function autonomously and can therefore be rented to different companies.The gallery and the fth wing on the west side provide the necessary common services.The cost
of these areas can be divided between the different tenants.The gallery can also be rented for speci c events, since it is a separate entity in its own right.
A conscious choice was made to stack the of ce facilities over two building levels rather than four. An of ce building with four levels would be even more compact, but this would require the more intensive use of lifts. In this project, the use of staircases has been strongly encouraged. Moving about in the workplace is good for the health of the employees and provides opportunities to meet each other.
The fast and easy-to-use stairs between the different building levels and the obligatory use of the gallery improve internal com- munication between the users of the building.Two lifts have been discreetly positioned, one at each end of the gallery.They have been deliberately placed away from the main circulation ows. The position and attraction of the main staircase in the reception area invites visitors to walk up to the gallery on the rst oor.
The restaurant is a place to meet up with friends and colleagues, where users can feel ‘at home’.The atmosphere of its various sec- tions responds to the different wishes of users: to see, to be seen, to see without being seen, to have lunch in groups or alone, to sit at a table or on a bar stool, etc. As in the rest of the building, the materials help conjure up this atmosphere, with wood playing a major role (oak tables, counters and oors). Lighting comes from hanging lights arranged almost randomly, while movable curtains play with the omnipresent light and help fence off the different sections. In summer, the restaurant extends to three outside patios.The area showcasing the food on offer is ‘free ow’ and kept as simple as possible, featuring stainless steel, glass and oak.
Two small glass-enclosed volumes at ground level form the entrance to the building.The transparent sculpture LIGhT3 will in future mark the main entrance on the south side for both employ- ees and visitors.The entrance on the north side is more functional and is intended for deliveries and staff.These two volumes are linked underground via an English courtyard.
This basement level contains the various technical facilities.
1 main entrance 2 Central gallery 3 Of ce areas
4 Restaurant
5 Conference rooms