Studio RIANKNOP, an Amsterdam-based studio for interior architecture, designs outspoken interiors. Strong conceptual designs that tell a story in which client, users, building and architect come together. Researched from an organizational strategy perspective, designed with heart and applied driven by functionality.
The studio designed the new office of the online travel agency Travelbird, housed in the “5 Keizers” (5 Emperors), 5 canal houses connected in the heart of Amsterdam. Over 4000m2 floor space, on 6 floors, now feature 800 workplaces, a professional company restaurant, a coffee bar and various meeting rooms.
Young, dynamic, full of energy and international. That’s Travelbird. These core values have been brought to life in the design. At Travelbird employees need to feel at home.
When entering you walk under the Travelbird tree, constructed with lamps, with Travelbird birds adorning the branches as decor. The company restaurant on the ground floor has stunning views over the Keizersgracht and access to the gardens out the back. The Dutch heritage of Travelbird is visible in the interior. For example, artist Jan Rothuizen made 3 of his Soft Atlas of Amsterdam maps available on which the locations of former Travelbird offices have been marked. The subtle contours of the Royal couple can be spotted in a self-designed wallpaper. The furniture is all from Dutch designers such as Anton de Groof, Maarten Baptist, Tiddo de Ruiter, Akko Goldenbeld and Studio Job. The space is suitable for lunching, but also flexible enough for large presentations to be given.
On the other floors, materials and colors from all over the world melt together, drawing inspiration from the countries where Travelbird operates. Each floor has its own color, its own city where meetings are held in the town “squares” and employees work at desks in the suburbs. The walkway and the squares have floors of Portuguese cork, and the work floor is cast, and of Dutch origin. Red cedar slats cover the centrally located stairwells and elevator. Detailed Moorish-style stucco covers the columns. Seats and niches throughout are made of different types of wood. On the roof terrace is a spacious bar perfect for meetings, drinks and presentations. In order to preserve the view over the old city of Amsterdam, sight lines have been kept free, the bar and pantry have been placed low in the space.
"Rian feels our corporate culture perfectly and was able to create a suitable design for our office here. Our playful and innovative character now lives on in the design combined with functional elements for a comfortable working environment. Words matching Rian: Quality, stylish, an eye for detail, creative and enterprising. " Symen Jansma - CEO Travelbird
Specifications: 4000M2, concept development, color and / or material advice, design elaboration, custom furniture design, 3D visualization, project management, advice and purchase contract furniture, interior management, construction supervision
