Reflect the ambitions of the future occupant by exploiting the best qualities of a building. That was the goal of MüllerVanTol in refurbishing the first floor of a former school building in the centre of Amsterdam for ad agency 72andSunny and its 120 employees.
The 19th-century school building had undergone numerous renovations over the years, but MüllerVanTol made the most of the surviving qualities. The layout of spaces along both sides of a central corridor has been preserved, but given an inventive twist. This corridor has been turned into a ‘soft space’ where staff can retreat for quiet work or informal discussions.
Agency staff work on various projects in teams that form and reform constantly, and knowing what everybody else is working on is vital to the office dynamics. This way of working is reflected in the variety of project and presentation spaces, individual spaces and meeting areas that cater for various forms of concentration and collaboration in a relaxed and open atmosphere.
To reflect the character and atmosphere of each space, MüllerVanTol designed a range of custom-made furniture and finishes. The reception desk incorporates the lid of a grand piano, a lucky find on the street. The check pattern of the floor covering expresses tradition and a business-like approach, as does the Burberry motif elsewhere.
Offsetting the muted turquois (wall) and green (floor) is an occasional splash of colour, such as the signal red worktable, aptly reflecting an agency that mixes creativity and professionalism.