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Spaces House Modernes Utrecht

better space; better people

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A feeling of connection between the layers of different worker communities across four floors, while we peek down the building's voids with its eyecatching balustrade. We see a comfortable seating area that is symbolic for the human scale brought into the interior design. - Ewout Huibers
The entrance allows people to ease into a workplace environment as they leave the city's hustle and bustle behind them. - Ewout Huibers
The ground floor entrance is a transit towards the upstairs workplace environment. - Ewout Huibers
A feeling of connection between the layers of different worker communities across four floors, while we peek down the building's voids with its eyecatching balustrade. We see a comfortable seating area that is symbolic for the human scale brought into the interior design. - Ewout Huibers

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Sponsor
Comments
Innovation
Functionality
Creativity
Eco-Social Impact
Total
JURY VOTES
Co-Working Space
5.25
6.41
5.78
5.22
5.67
Amber Feijen
Amber Feijen Spatial and Concept Designer at 5AM
5
5
5.5
6
5.38
Michela Falcone
Michela Falcone Architect / Educator at Experimental Architecture / BNU University
5
6.5
6
6
5.88
Qi Wei
Qi Wei Member, Urban Renewal Professional Committee, Vanke Shanghai Area at Vanke Group
5
7
6
5
5.75
Mao Hua
Mao Hua Founder at EK Design
5
5.5
5
5
5.13
Massimiliano Tosetto
Massimiliano Tosetto Managing Director at Lodes
5
6.5
5.5
5
5.5
Melissa Amarelo
Melissa Amarelo Cofounder and Creative Director at Toi Toi Toi Creative Studio
5
8
6
5
6
Karen El Asmar
Karen El Asmar Architect & Interaction Designer at Tech
5
6
6
5
5.5
Bernhard Kurz
Bernhard Kurz Founder at IFUB*
5
7
6
4
5.5
Britt Berden
Britt Berden Senior Creative Strategist at FranklinTill
6
7
6.5
6
6.38
Simal Yesiltepe
Simal Yesiltepe Founder and Creative Director at Simal Yes Studio
5
6
6.5
5
5.63
Bob Chen
Bob Chen Founder at Bob Chen Design Office
4.26
3.81
4.17
3.9
4.04
Astin le Clercq
Astin le Clercq Cofounder and Design Director at Modem
6
8
7
6
6.75
Lisa Torreggiani
Lisa Torreggiani Partner at Monkeydu
It lacks of personality...
7
7
5
6
6.25
Client
IWG Plc
Floor area
7000 ㎡
Completion
2022
Budget
Complete interior project was €5.7 million including building adaptations and finishes, installations, lighting, joinery, furniture, decoration and accessories.
Social Media
Instagram Linkedin
Furniture
Furniture
Furniture
Furniture

This project is part of a global concept, that make quality workspace accessible to diverse people, closer to their homes. Aided by a deep understanding of exactly what elements matter most to different worker groups, it makes a strong design statement supported by a strict budget. 

Innovation:
3 industry drivers Home for Mixed Uses: House Modernes goes beyond its mono-functional origins. It is a mixed-use destination for people to work, eat, drink and relax. Third Place: Bs;bp is shaping a design culture in support of communities. This is our 50th design for the Spaces brand. Akin to a 3rd place, it offers a social space that is distinct from the traditional categories of 'home' and 'workplace'. Better than Coffee: In early 2020, bs;bp raised the bar for temporary workspaces. The result is Open Desk, developed for IWG in perfect step with the hybrid work trend. On the 1st floor of House Modernes, bs;bp integrated this new concept for drop-in workers.

Functionality:
Community Centric: For the first time, bs;bp is placing the lounges of two of IWG's most social brands side by side: Spaces and The Wing. The design is careful to avoid a hierarchy between brands. A shared entrance on the 5th floor, with RVS furniture, mirrors the elevator in an eclipse shape with a dome roof. In the lounge people spend more time and materials are softer. Around the coffee bar are exposed workspaces. In nooks and corners people cocoon for deep work. 

Creativity:
The interior design is based on an existing brand concept, yet custom-designed for this location. Bs;bp is responsible for the design quality of all IWG brands and often explores new ideas in flagship locations such as this one. Upside Down: Typically, the business lounge is located in the plinth. Making the most of what this specific building has to offer bs;bp designed it the other way around. Both lounges are at the top floor with easy access to an inviting roof terrace and charming Utrecht views. A green, cool hallway at ground level draws people in, enhancing the warm upstairs experience. Open Desks: Described as a creative mix between architecture and furniture, it showcases an original category of pop-up workspace. Installed and dismantled in a few days and, if desired, supporting a 100% self-service business model.

Sustainability:
Shared amenities. In the 2022 IPCC report, the sharing economy is identified as a top contributor to sustainability by reducing the average CO2 footprint. Open Desk: On the 1st floor, 43 Open Desks are designed with sustainability in mind. 1) Facilitate workplace density, closer to where people live to reduce user CO2 footprint. 2) Open Desk is modular by design. Individual elements are repaired/replaced, thereby extending product lifespan, reducing materials. 3) Transported as flatpack to lower emissions. 4) The offcuts of the fabric panels are upcycled into tapestry by artisan female weavers in Morocco who earn a fair wage.