Underwater realms

Underwater realms

APELDOORN (NL) - A few years ago, Neutelings Riedijk Architects were commissioned to design an extension to the Central Tax Office in Apeldoorn. Four existing and two new office buildings were linked visually and organizationally by a new podium in the form of a dug-out basement level. The podium accommodates all the shared functions – a conference centre, sports centre, reception, car park and a restaurant. The entire podium roof is covered by a huge rainwater pond on which a series of steel-clad lightwells appear to float.

Artist Rob Birza was invited to design various elements for the interior. These included wall hangings of which the one in the restaurant is undoubtedly the most eye-catching. Here, instead of carpeting the floors, the artist 'carpeted' the walls. The pattern of the carpet references 'underwater realms' – big splashes of colour create an impression of tropical fish in an aquarium. The sound-damping effect of the wall-carpet produces an appropriately subdued and intimate atmosphere. (Hannah Schubert)