Designing Connections and Enhance the Spatial Experience

A fully glazed façade, interconnecting voids with staircases, and long sightlines are key features of many successful designs. At Fokkema & Partners, we prioritize transparency and connectivity to enhance the spatial experience and meet our clients’ needs. However, too much openness can sometimes compromise comfort and functionality. Striking the right balance between transparency, connectivity, and comfort is essential. This office project exemplifies how we achieve that balance.

Project data

Client

Undisclosed

Location

Amsterdam

Square

6.500

Timeline

May 2022 – September 2023

Crafting a Seamless Customer Journey

In early 2023, Fokkema & Partners was commissioned to redesign the headquarters of a global credit insurance company in Amsterdam. The client, who initially commissioned the construction of the building in 2008, had a clear vision for the modifications needed to optimize their workspace.

The redesign aimed to reduce the lettable floor area, making space for new tenants while enhancing the experience of employees and visitors alike. One of the main challenges we faced was creating a strong customer journey within a multi-tenant environment. We tackled this by introducing a ‘top-down’ concept, that intuitively guides visitors to the top floor upon entry. Here, a welcoming ‘Barception’—a fusion of a bar and reception— serves as a vibrant social hub. This area is complemented by a variety of amenities and ample meeting spaces that facilitate seamless interaction between internal and external users.

One of the main challenges we faced was creating a strong customer journey within a multi-tenant environment.

Balancing Transparency with Acoustic Comfort

Employees move from the top floor downward through interconnected office levels via strategically placed voids and inviting staircases. While these open connections enhance interaction, they also present acoustic challenges. To reduce excessive noise and ensure a comfortable work environment, we implemented a series of thoughtful solutions:

Acoustic Zoning: We introduced a strategic acoustic separation between the top floor and the office floors below, which reduces sound transmission while preserving a sense of openness.
Vertical Acoustic Elements: We installed distinctive vertical acoustic panels within the voids, which provide sound absorption and serve as a visual zoning element to delineate Social Collaboration and Focus Zones.
Refuge Spaces: Strategically positioned enclosed spaces throughout the office created quiet retreats within the open-plan layout, providing employees with a balanced work environment.

Softening Geometry for Enhanced Comfort

To balance the building’s angular lines and volumes, we integrated fluid graphical and geometric shapes throughout the design. This subtle manipulation of spatial elements introduces an additional layer of softness and comfort without compromising the building’s inherent spatial qualities.

Through these thoughtfully designed interventions, we created an office that embodies transparency and connectivity while prioritizing user comfort—delivering a workspace that genuinely supports its users’ needs.

Project partners
JLL, OZ Architect, Koers, Drees&Sommer, DVC Signing, De Projectinrichter, Gielissen, Brakel, QC Lightfactory, Kees Rijk, Bruinsma Natuurlijk.