Problem:
Before the transformation, this place was a closed back of an office complex on the Merwede Canal. Lots of paving, little greenery, not inviting and closed to passers-by. Although it is located beside a frequently used cycle path and on the water, the outdoor space turns away from it.
Solution:
The new owner of the 45,000m2 office complex, spread over seven towers on the Merwede canal, was seeking a designteam to transform the complex into a working environment and attractive part of the city which meets today’s expectations in a six months’ time span. The building had a 70% vacancy rate and was fully rented after the transformation.
Burobol and D/Dock architects designed the outdoor space from the concept of creating space for a whole new ‘Business community’. An environment that inspires and seeks the connection with other users and the city. The paved, elevated and secluded outdoor area has been transformed into an open park-like environment with an excellent setting for festivals. The new users of the complex are now facilitated to walk out for lunch or a meeting in a setting of their choice. Sheltered in the green or gazing out over the Merwede canal with the building in the back. Both in- and outdoors provide a multitude of informal seating.
The roof gardens have planting tubs with trees, grasses and perennials which slightly slope towards the building, designed to create an optimal green scenery seen from the inside. The choice of species is based on year-round seasonal experience through various flowering periods and evergreen grasses. The wooden furniture contributes to a pleasant environment for lunch, meeting or a stroll. The new working environment of Republic Offices is connected to the city and the water through the wooden deck that flows into a staircase with seating. In this way, the previously hard edge and height difference of 2,5 meters got bridged in a soft way, that also offers acces to food trucks through a specially designed slope. The open character invites the city to visit events programmed on the roof garden.
Process:
To meet the expectations of a complete transformation in a six months’ time span, we formed a special design team with all fields included. Great craftsmanship and collaboration has resulted in this lightning-fast design and successful result.
Architecture offices involved in the design: DDock
Construct/design team with D/Dock, Grijsen, Tetris, Verwey, Terberg, Biltz, Sweco, FPW
Other designers involved in the design of landscape: D/Dock (architect), Peter van Kempen (light)
Location: Ringwade 3, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
Design year: 2018-2019
Year Completed: 2018-2019
