The Grontmij office quite simply interprets what Grontmij does. The company’s work is usually invisible, because the technology it develops disappears below ground, behind walls or in everyday products; so commonplace that you don’t give it a moment’s thought. Our aim was to create an office clearly identifiable as Grontmij, an office in which the predictable nature of Grontmij’s work is certainly not presented in a predictable style.
Because of an essential reorganisation, for its initial project Grontmij choose a building in Rotterdam, located on a business park next to the A16. Partly because of its proximity to the Erasmus University and partly because of the contemporary office concept, Grontmij attracts new talent who, with their innovative knowledge, guarantee Grontmij’s future and breathe new life into the engineering firm. The building with a black, reflective glass façade almost seems to modestly underplay itself.
The triangular office spaces (2 on each floor) are rather unusual to look at, but they do have normal office dimensions. The offices are located along a corridor around a solid core containing lift shafts, fire escapes and toilets. The floor above the atrium links the two sections of the building and serves as a focal reception area, with a view across the outdoor terrain at the front of the building. The reception area is a versatile space in which you can become acquainted with others, meet others or for gatherings and celebrations. The hostess comes to greet you and helps you to find your way around the offices. Every office floor has a formal wing with closed rooms, which can be utilised as meeting rooms or as closed offices for a day. An open space containing a variety of sofas and table configurations is perfect for project meetings, or as a temporary workspace for dynamic employees. Located in the far corner are workstations for resident employees and for staff who wish to perform practical work without interruptions. Provided within these zones are a number of rooms in which phone calls can be made or for spontaneous and quick meetings.