Netherlands Embassy office

Zagreb, Croatia

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Stadium Luka Šokčević Šaljapin

Netherlands Embassy office

Zagreb, Croatia

Firm

GEplus arhitekti

Type

Government + Health › Consulate/Embassy

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2017

SIZE

3000 sqft - 5000 sqft

BUDGET

Undisclosed

In 2016 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Kingdom of The Netherlands has entrusted GEplus architects the process of developing a new philosophy of flexible work-space where employees are not strictly related to one workplace but different ones in office or home.

The interior is dominated by a unique multi-functional central surface and carpet as a floor covering designed for the purpose of this project. Carpet's role as visual media conveys new Dutch identity elements which makes it distance itself from the usual ones such as windmills, clogs and orange color, and becomes recognizable through its coastal landscape. The carpet design carries a picture of a pixel photograph of the Dutch coast - prophesying in diplomatic language about the natural wealth that connects both countries - The Netherlands and Croatia.

The interior project was determined by its diplomatic function. It is therefore designed according to the principles of flexibility, openness and neutrality, but also by recognizable Dutch identity. The concept has been developed based on two strategic client's guidelines: flexible functioning of the work space and the implementation of the new Dutch identity. Due to spatial tasks, a unique design surface is defined as a backbone of the interior, which, like a multi-functional spine extends through its center. Designed out of unobtrusive wooden cladding, it serves as a guide through the entire space. The floor area stretches from the center cladding surface in a form of a carpet that stands out as the main accent in the space. One of the client's guidelines was also a designer's creative freedom in the interpretation of the new visuals of the Dutch identity which influenced a modular carpet to be presented as a pixel photograph of the Dutch coast, transferring its color in shades of blue, brown and green.

For the carpet design, a traditional Dutch manufacturer, a pioneer of modular carpets, was selected. The material was primarily chosen due to demands for maximum noise reduction in order to achieve a pleasant atmosphere of silence. On the other hand, its role is symbolic because it suggests a 'common ground', a link between Croatia and The Netherlands in good diplomatic relations.

Apart from the carpet, the colors of the Dutch landscape are, to a lesser extent, also visible in other interior elements such as wall coverings, textiles...

The interior extends to 310 square meters and is conceptually divided into open space and concentration rooms, multi-functional areas, representative space and auxiliary spaces that are hidden but, depending on their function, more or less accessible. Each group is different in its function, followed by its different design expression.

Special attention was devoted to lighting design. In addition to its functionality, lighting emphasizes special architectural elements, spaces of comfort and relaxation; complements artworks and makes their presence more significant and prominent.

Lighting as well as complete installations are designed to meet the high standards and requirements of the Ministry's department for infrastructure development.

The new interior of the headquarters of The Kingdom of the Netherlands in Zagreb has been stylistically upgraded with the appropriate art exhibition of representative contemporary Dutch photography and fine art.