The Slaak Rotterdam is a 74-room hotel in the iconic former Het Slaakhuys building, home of the influential Dutch newspaper Het Vrije Volk ("The Free People"). It is an architecturally significant building with a rich history associated with print. The concept was inspired by the rich history of the property related to the newsroom. The challenge, however, was to respect the anti-capitalist nature of the movement inspired right from this building while designing a quiet luxury hotel. The approach to this conflict is to create a public social space that is open to all people. Instead of a conventional entrance and lobby, designers created a social hub that would be a place for new ideas in the guest rooms. The conflict settles by having a desk in the centre of the room. It is not the bed or the TV that get the attention. Guests are encouraged to produce rather than consume. The interior design embraces the grandeur of '50's culture in Rotterdam by celebrating the colours and pattern of the time. A colour palette of greens and yellows blends with classic materials such as marble, wood and brass throughout the property, evoking the flair and freedom of the 1950s. The guest room design is inspired by the art movement of the mid-century. A quirky residential-style space that features handmade furniture. The desk is in the centre to celebrate writing. It takes us on a journey back to a loft in mid-century while providing all the advantages of now. Different corners for sleeping, writing and communicating and relaxing make a very diverse space in the same room; form follows function but in a new way. Materials are a big part of the story; shiny and colourful vs rough and grey. And lighting accentuates this contrast.