When designing a commercial project of this scale, what are the key things to consider?
“It is important to empathize with the client. What is their message? What do they want to propagate? Sometimes you have to challenge them a bit. I find it is important to think from the identity of a company, from their DNA. Danone is an ambitious company. They want to make a positive contribution for a better world, a better climate. Therefore we had some clear and ambitious challenges. For instance the WELL Building Standard. Focusing on human well-being in a broad sense. It sets preconditions for use of material, light, acoustics, air quality but also regarding nourishment, fitness and cognitive and emotional health.
In an interior project everything comes together, multiple disciplines, multiple preconditions. Selected materials for example have to have a certain look and feel, but on the other hand it is also important that they are durable and easy to clean.
Last but not least is the fact that this is one of the three global headquarters, next to Paris and Singapore. Starting point was to give the headquarters international allure. A strong, timeless, base.”
What were the reasons for choosing our Studio Triangle from the collection Create in the color Fabrico?
“I wanted to create a significant different feel for the hospitality areas, like the central bar area on the ground floor. These are the more inspirational and social meeting areas. As opposed to the more dynamic and efficient traffic areas surrounding them. Most used flooring, a light oak loose lay vinyl, is beautiful but has a fairly plain structure/tactility. I wanted to create a clear contrast between the different floors, not only in colour, but precisely also in structure and tactility. I have used Bolon more often so I’m familiar with its specific qualities. We have had some discussions mostly regarding cleaning. Facilities dept. are always a little anxious because of the relief of the Bolon flooring. In the end we have been able to convince them..
The beautiful thing of the Fabrico color is the blue thread. It is a binding element for the interior. The blue represents Danone and the amount of blue is dynamic because it is depending on the angle in which you look at the floor. This is an added value and in the end the client is really happy with the choice we have made.”
