AIR Offices Interior

Given the enclosed, deep floor plates of a department store as the starting point – the concept was to carve a large central void to provide daylight penetration and to create an exciting architectural folly that can become a central collaborative focal point.

Above the void, a prominent skylight creates an enclosed courtyard on the first floor. This functions as the main communal lobby of the building and becomes a lively centre for business exchange whilst also functioning as a break-out or informal meeting space.

To increase floor area, a central core is kept intact by means of suspended walkways lined with corten steel, adding contrast to the multi-level atrium. The central hub houses a series of flexible workspaces, meeting rooms, lounges and catering services that enable collaboration and increase the comfort of the occupants.

Various textiles are used to improve the acoustic quality of the atrium and planting is present on every level to create a connection to nature in the atrium zone. Internal green walls extend 3 levels, topped with a secondary skylight visible from all office areas. The corten steel is complimented with earthy tones and warm timber features, hearkening back to the materials of the historic Rotterdam docklands.

Flexibility in how people work, and the health of all occupants are prioritized in the configuration of the new layout of each floor. The location and prominence of the stairwells are an integral part of the organization to encourage mobility.