How to create a future-proof interior for a young and fast-growing organisation with high ambitions? By taking the core values 'connecting people and learn every day' as a starting point. The core business of HR service provider HeadFirst is connecting people. It is therefore only logical that this is fully reflected in the interior design. It was an interesting challenge to create a connecting and inspiring design within the fixed context of the building and installation. The fact that the building was immediately used after completion, showed that we succeeded. The work environment of HeadFirst now is a place where people like to be.
How to create a future-proof interior for a young and fast-growing organisation with high ambitions? By taking the core values 'connecting people and learn every day' as a starting point. The core business of HR service provider HeadFirst is connecting people. It is therefore only logical that this is fully reflected in the interior design. It was an interesting challenge to create a connecting and inspiring design within the fixed context of the building and installation. The fact that the building was immediately used after completion, showed that we succeeded. The work environment of HeadFirst now is a place where people like to be.
Maximum effect within the given context
Fokkema & Partners already knew the building because we also designed part of the interior for the previous tenant, the ANWB. Since we were aware of the sustainability and installation related requirements of the building, we could speed up the process.
Thanks to the existing installation concept, the building is sustainable and uses very little energy. That's great, but it also meant that we had to be creative with the limited flexibility within the given context. For example, no adjustments could be made to either floor- or ceiling. It forced us to think outside the box and make smart use of what was already there. Think of the smart positioning of functions and workplaces in combination with air inlets (from the floor), the reuse of the existing light tracks, strengthening the positioning of the pantries and the reuse of existing acoustic ceiling panels in larger, quiet areas.
A room without a roof
We set out to create a stronger and more dynamic connection between the floors. We have done this both functionally and visually. Everything now comes together around the voids: the meeting rooms, meeting areas, reception, pantry and touchdown workplaces.
The voids also make very strong vertical connections with use of the slatted wood wall and added greenery. They are, together with the open staircases, the key design elements that connect the three floors, which provide a physical and spatial connection.
The design is about connecting with each other and the outside world. When you enter, you have the feeling of being outside by bringing in air, light and green. Biophilia played an important role. This 'love for living systems' revolves around the bond between human and earth. Above you, you see the clouds moving through the glass roof. As if in a room without a roof. The sunlight causes ever-changing shadows on the floors and walls.
The link with nature is not only a positive experience, it also brings people wonder, energy, inspiration and creativity.
The high wooden slatted wall gives an unexpected and surprising effect. You cannot see exactly what is happening behind it. Just like in nature, the image changes continuously; through the movement of the people and the change of the light on the other side. Also because of the ever-changing perspective from which you look, the changing rhythm of the slats and the compaction and thinning of the greenery.
"The connection that we tried to create in the design was immediately used. Even though people had been working from home for a long time, the office was directly full after completion. It has become a place where people want to be."
Power up and learn
Learning every day is important to HeadFirst. The working environment is designed to stimulate cooperation and learning from each other. Carefully chosen graphics at strategic places in the building form fire starters for good conversations. Moreover, all facilities are open, shared and dynamic, which further underlines the condition of learning and working together.
Vitality is also one of the core-values. Headfirst employees can therefore enjoy the fitness room, sports bar and roof terrace on the first floor. A floor of CO2-negative carpet tiles from Interface has been installed. This means that the production of the carpet tiles prevented more CO2 emissions than were needed for production. More than 17,000 kg of CO2 emissions were prevented. That is equivalent to the emissions from a car that has driven 68,742 kilometres.
In this design Fokkema & Partners made important choices with HeadFirst in terms of health, growth, inspiration and well-being, turning this office into a place where people want to be and get inspired.
