Design practice UN Studio creates the newest headquarters for Booking.com in Amsterdam. The building is defined by a slew of details including the plethora of staircases, galleries, and bridges. All of these are meant to foster a closer sense of collaboration and encourage more social interactions. It is found right by the Central station and is meant to celebrate the city. The building overlooks views of the harbor and has a skylit atrium at the center.
Co-founder of UN Studio, Ben van Berkel explains that "We wanted the overall concept for the building to serve as a reflection of Amsterdam – its location and the Dutch travel company's base since its inception. The architecture, therefore, combines the robust qualities and the industrial history of the harbor, with glazed detailing that reduces the overall immenseness of the building and gently reflects the glistening of the water and sky."
Image Credit: UN Studio
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Dynamic Workspaces
- Opportunity for companies to design office spaces that foster collaboration and social interaction.
- Celebrating City Identity
- The challenge for architects to create buildings that reflect the essence and history of a city, creating a unique sense of place.
- Blending Industrial and Modern Design
- Exploration of architectural designs that combine the industrial heritage of a location with contemporary elements, creating a visually striking contrast.
Where This Applies
- Architecture
- Architects can find opportunities to design innovative office spaces that promote collaboration and incorporate city identity into their designs.
- Real Estate
- Real estate developers can leverage the rising demand for dynamic workspaces by creating buildings that prioritize collaboration and community engagement.
- Travel and Hospitality
- Travel and hospitality companies can explore partnerships with architects to design headquarters that celebrate the city and create a unique experience for employees and visitors.
