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Hotspot, Leiden

Dutch design, creative entrepreneurship and easy collaboration find symbiosis in a conversion space of intelligent graphics and mobile workstations.

LEIDEN (NL) - With the progressive notions of 'Het Nieuwe Werken' ('The New Work' – a refinement of work environments and attitudes through new technology and flexibility) behind it, this conversion of an industrial space into a fusion of independent workstations and encouraged collaboration has become a model of openness. Without walls to separate or cubicles to insulate, the various entrepreneurs and freelancers intended to take up residence in what the designers call the 'TURBINE' will be free to move about and interact at their own convenience, depending upon project parameters, independent or collaborative work and, simply said, where the mood takes them.

Besides the eighteen individual workstations (themselves movable, in fact), the space includes conference and relaxation areas to promote further social interaction, stimulus and synergy in the workplace. Streamlined and minimal, the graphical circuit board embellishments create visual interest while remaining neutral and unobtrusive. With creative freedom as its primary design strategy, this former industrial space seems ready to incubate a steady flow of new work energy. (Dutton R. Hauhart)

In March 2010 the 'TURBINE' was opened, a unique office space containing 350 m² of industrial inheritance, designed for independent entrepreneurs. The 'TURBINE', specially designed to promote cooperation between entrepreneurs, is meant to be the new creative hotspot in the city of Leiden. Eighteen workstations, a catchy graphic design and a spectacular conference room represent the unique identity, which seamlessly fits in the monumental building and theme of 'New Energy'.

'Het Nieuwe Werken' demands a fresh vision on working spaces. The structure and composition of organisations is changing, and the segregation between private life and business life is fading. To meet this 'New World of Working', 350 m² of industrial floor space have been transformed into an inspiring hotspot for eighteen creative entrepreneurs or freelancers. Studio ÜberDutch and Renée Schuffelers Id. created eighteen one‐man offices shaped into mobile platforms that promote collaboration in projects. A central object called 'TURBINE' marks the conversation space, facilitating meetings and presentations. This bright space features ornamental supersize lamellae, which generate a magnificent visual effect and serve as a diffuse screen between the conversation space and the working stations. Additional needs of the entrepreneurs are fulfilled with a quiet room and a fancy relaxation spot. Vivid graphics on the floor and workstations designed by graphic design studio Duel, containing enormous, eye‐catching circuit board prints, intensify the spatial design.

Client Portaal gained a unique space that gives 'het Huis van de Communicatie' (the House of Communication) an extra dimension. The designers, Renée Schuffelers and Roel Wijnterp, were given complete creative freedom, resulting in a design that meets the needs of the modern knowledge worker; the fusion of 2D and 3D design makes this dynamic working environment complete.