Deliberately quiet and timeless interior
Alice Tabak, interior architect at Gispen: 'The architect, CIVIC, has laid a strong foundation for the atmosphere. The building is very light, with many high windows. There is a lot of air, for example in the large open spaces such as the entrance hall on the ground floor and the foyer on the first floor. Wide, light wooden stairs connect the different floors. Students can also sit or even work on the steps because there are power supplies. I then deliberately kept the interior quiet and timeless. It has a natural look with lots of wood and greenery. Where necessary, there are accents. For example, the entrances to the various courses have a recognizable color of their own. The work café has been given its own character. Thanks to a bold black ceiling, black walls, a high pink sofa, large bookcase, round shapes and warm fabrics, there is room for rest and meeting.'
Barista bar and flexible foyer
The school had to reduce the number of square meters. Flexibility was therefore a prerequisite for the interior. The new school no longer has its own auditorium; Instead, there is now a multifunctional entrance hall with barista bar and catering. The entrance hall can be converted quickly, as can the foyer. Tables and benches on wheels are easy to move around for a meeting or graduation ceremony. In the foyer, houses with a wooden frame offer students just a little extra privacy. We created lounge areas with Gispen JUNA sofas and placed high, robust tables with a wooden top. Alice: 'In the hall downstairs, where there is supervision, you see more soft materials such as chairs and bar stools with felt seats. Upstairs in the foyer, I deliberately opted for plastic seats. There are stacking chairs and round tables that can be raised to standing height with a gas spring for receptions.'
Gispen WIZZ
Gilde Opleidingen opted for Gispen WIZZ apprentice chairs. Roger: 'We liked them right from the very beginning. The idea behind it is beautiful – the recycled fruit crates. The functionality is good. But they are also ergonomically perfect for a school environment. After all, students also like to sit backwards on a chair. Even that is comfortable on the WIZZ."
How do you like it?
Roger: 'For the time being, we can move forward for years with this beautiful modern school building. Students think it's beautiful but very 'white'. That is a matter of getting used to. Employees have to work more systematically: desks can be reserved via an app or a terminal in the department. It also takes some getting used to, but there is a lot in return. Fine acoustics, good ventilation, beautiful lighting, cozy planting. And a fantastic interior. The Gispen project manager was visible and present during the deliveries. The Gispen Furniture Service Team wanted to deliver without damage and also took care of the installation and cable management. We were one team from start to finish. The people of Gispenaren and our people internally.'
Photography: Studio De Zwarte Kater
