
Type

Blauwhoed Headquarters
Location
Rotterdam
Client
blauwhoed vastgoed b.v.
Year
1999
Status
completed
Program
offices
Blauwhoed Headquarters
This office building is one of four designed by Dam & Partners Architecten in the North Brainpark office park in Rotterdam. The masterplan for the area outlines guidelines for the positioning, size, masonry use, and color of the buildings, as well as the tripartite vertical division of the facades. The middle section of the building features a transparent facade with vertical brick stiles that create a dynamic visual effect. Viewed head-on, the facade appears open; however, from an angle, it gives the impression of being closed.
The L-shaped structure is enlivened by two sculptural staircases and a wide central corridor, with voids and columns on either side, extending over several floors. Only the third floor is fully enclosed for fire safety reasons, while above it, the open voids merge into a single expansive space. The spatial complexity is most pronounced in the building’s lower levels. Although most workspaces are divided into individual offices, there is still a sense of horizontal spaciousness thanks to glazed corridor walls.
A sophisticated service design, based on natural ventilation, made it possible to avoid using lowered ceilings in the office spaces. This allows nearly all areas to be illuminated by indirect light through the high ceilings, enhancing the airy and open atmosphere.
The L-shaped structure is enlivened by two sculptural staircases and a wide central corridor, with voids and columns on either side, extending over several floors. Only the third floor is fully enclosed for fire safety reasons, while above it, the open voids merge into a single expansive space. The spatial complexity is most pronounced in the building’s lower levels. Although most workspaces are divided into individual offices, there is still a sense of horizontal spaciousness thanks to glazed corridor walls.
A sophisticated service design, based on natural ventilation, made it possible to avoid using lowered ceilings in the office spaces. This allows nearly all areas to be illuminated by indirect light through the high ceilings, enhancing the airy and open atmosphere.







