The KIT Royal Tropical Institute faced a lack of interaction within and between its departments, as well as with the guest tenant organizations in the same workplace. KIT’s history is characterized by frequent relocations, during which its identity had to be protected and re-established.
Through conversations with the community, we attracted the explicit and implicit challenges and needs. It was found that the workplace’s quality and distribution affected the level of engagement, unity and productivity. Together, we conceptualized a shared vision: “Creating one KIT”.

In the newly designed space, KIT’s core team reside in a centralized private office. Within the same floor, common spaces are created where the highest flow density was found, to enhance the interconnectivity between the organizations. This is reinforced by re-using old KIT interior and mixed textures with contemporary details. The distinction between KIT’s private and common areas, was clearly and consistently communicated by the usages of two color schemes for the interior elements, and core to the concept lies comfortability, multi-functionality and re-usability.

KIT’s construction process was phased by building per space, to avoid relocating employees and to use resources solely when necessary. Our “adapting phase” ensures a space continuously adapts to the smallest fluctuations in needs and dynamic – a living space. Both these aspects are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals KIT upholds.