The Strawinsky House in Amsterdam has been redeveloped from a dull 70s office building to an open and transparent venue. DLA Piper was charmed by the building, and decided to rent almost 80% of the spaces. Casper Schwarz Architects was selected to design the interior of the workspaces, hospitality areas and restorative spaces.

INNOVATION
Since legal firms are fond of rooms, rather than open spaces, we decided to commit to develop our design with communication and collaboration in mind for every space. We used the transparency of the building both on the inner and on the outer side (atrium and façade). We increased the spatial qualities of the central atrium, and we enhanced the invitation to use all remaining spaces in the work processes. By complementing the rudimental square shaped architecture with soft shapes, classy yet timeless colours, and materials that breath innovation. The idea was to make the people almost forget they are working in an office building. To provide the vibe and feeling one might have in a luxury resort, a beautiful home or a stylish bar in town. We created a world on its own on the inside of these powerful facades.

FUNCTIONALITY
The workspaces are light, subtly coloured and transparent. The meet up spaces such as the break-out balconies, the barista bar and restaurant on the lower floor level, the client corner and the rooftop bar are all designed in a fashion that breaths invitation. Invitation to be there, meet up, work and enjoy the place together. Our aim was to create workspaces of the future, without going over the top on digital devices or creating a place that looks other-worldly. Instead, we have chosen the human centred approach by creating places where one feels comforted, safe, welcome and inspired.

CREATIVITY
Then there is the iconic sculpture in the middle of the atrium. The Hive. A completely 3d printed element that contains a meeting room. The idea was to create a centre-piece that would fill the large void of the atrium in such a way that it would not bother, but differentiate and complete. The contrast with the square shaped facades and roof windows is strong and the scale of the 3D pattern adds refinement and beauty to the roughly sized constructional element of the building. It provokes curiosity and marvel. The skin is made in such a way that daylight falls through, but visibility is limited. In addition, the sculpture shelters the client dedicated area behind it.

SUSTAINABILITY
The Hive is designed in close collaboration with Aectual, an Amsterdam based 3D printing company. To be able to bend the 3D printed panelling, they have used linseed oil. 100% ecological and reusable for 3D printing again in the future. To our believe, we have respected the architectural context, and we have implemented the wishes and requirements of our client in a careful yet daring way. With eye for detail, love for beauty and understanding for functionality.