Workplaces and offices are changing. After COVID-19, they are competing with home, cafes and small co-working spaces that are more intimate and small-scale. Clients consciously choose the context for their work, similar to how we select hospitality venues. Therefore, the office must be attractive, perform better than home, and offer more and sharper functionalities for an autonomous work style. In short, the office must be a place of energy, where you go to really present and collaborate.
Powerplant is working with KPN on a larger workplace project. We started by transforming the company restaurant in Amsterdam into a multifunctional co-working space that feels homely and energetic, close to the KPN culture. This results in an oasis of energy in a corporate environment. By integrally designing all facets of the concept, we created a place that acts as the green, beating heart of the building throughout the day.
The concept divides the space into two main areas: the dining room and the living room. By defining these areas homely, we reduce the scale and make the space more accessible to users. These areas contain iconic green elements that give the space essential functions, character and atmosphere. Each green icon has a hospitality function, an art wall and a screen for programming.
Sustainable choices, healthy food, programmed activities and lots of greenery create a logical and cohesive whole. The kitchen promotes healthy choices and we make water accessible and fun with our water bar. The interior features circular and high-quality furniture and upholstery. We felt it was important to use real materials that are recognizable to the user, such as the diverse wood in the space.
The co-working space is designed to accommodate a wide variety of functions to encourage meeting and collaboration. For example, the living room is specifically conceived to be a chameleon in functionality like a real living room, you can work here, hold events, hang out or eat your lunch. To facilitate these functionalities, almost everything is on wheels. The large green icon in the space feels like a fireplace, but in reality is a presentation stage.
The homey character is further enhanced by the presence of KPN's diverse art collection. Powerplant has carefully integrated artworks from their own collection into the design of the space. For example, paintings and artwork with food as the central theme can be found near the kitchen, while iconic portraits are placed around the fireplace. Details like art and clever signage make the space friendly and inclusive, making it a place you'll want to be with your colleagues every day.
Together with KPN, Powerplant's team created a truly integrated design in which interior, hospitality and communication seamlessly reinforce each other in an energetic concept.
David Kulen
