In the heart of the 10,875 m2 ING headquarters, the atrium and its exceptional height inspired us to conceive a modern rainforest with its multiple layers: forest ground, understory, canopy and emergent. This scales down the very exposed volume of the atrium and offers different levels of intimacy. Different materials and colours for different heights and functionalities with a common guideline, nature. 

The pots meant to accommodate the largest trees were imagined and developed for this space, where they become multi-purpose sculptures: seating, lights, landmarks. 

The bar is the central element of the atrium and brings the place to life throughout the day: breakfast, informal meetings, quick lunch, visitors area, coffee breaks, etc. The space is modular and can also host company-wide events. The multifunctional type of activities related to the atrium radiate through the recharge areas across the building, each with its own design and mood. 

With 3 floors open towards the atrium, we emphasised transversality and interconnectedness, where users are both spectators of and participants in the life of the building. The balconies originally foreseen to overlook the atrium were transformed into dynamic meeting rooms, becoming an active part of the atrium both from an architectural perspective but also from the user’s experience side.