ArchShowcase Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. YNNO Workplace in Utrecht, The Netherlands by SPRIKKDecember 1st, 2011 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: SPRIKK Sprikk designed a new working environment for consulting agency YNNO. YNNO advises on innovative methods of working and the environments that support these. Their expertise follows the conceptions of the “new ways of working”. As their best reference sprikk planned the office that embodies these notions. Since their consultants spend more time at their client’s than in the office, YNNO asked for a workplace that functions as a home base rather than a conventional office.
A working environment was created that suits the nature of the consultant’s way of working in which communication and networking play a vital role. The floorplan is kept entirely open with the exception of two acoustically separated glass volumes. This stimulates free movement, spontaneous encounters and flexible uses while allowing for lots of natural light. In this open plan organically shaped birchwood structures were placed that form partitions, niches, storage spaces and bookshelves. By applying one material and a single construction method a coherent appearance of the space is created, that still offers a diversity of working places with gradations in open and closed character. The natural, haptic qualities of these birchwood structures form a contrast to the high-end communication- and presentation technologies that were applied throughout the space. The wood structures contain a number of ergonomic workplaces that embrace daylight and offer a view to the outside. Settings for the concentrated individual as well as active collaboration can be found. A vis-à-vis setting for casual discussions is placed on a platform integrated into the wooden structures. Groups of up to eight people can work on projects and presentations in an acoustically well-balanced room.
It is fitted with writable surfaces and high-end presentation equipment. Private meetings or presentations for clients are held in an acoustically separated room that offers a casual atmosphere and plenty of daylight. A free-formed wooden island, close to the printer and the archive, can be used for secretarial and administrative work but can also function as an open office desk space for the consultants.
The most notable open working environment is the ‘guild’ table. This giant surface provides an active and communicative setting by its organic layout. For special occasions and company-wide presentations it can accommodate the entire staff. Sprikk created a workplace that suits the client’s wish for a unique and exciting work environment that contributes to YNNO’s identity as a young and innovative company.
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Tags: The Netherlands, Utrecht Categories: Business Centre, Offices |