A SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIP
Gispen has also experienced the power of a sustainable partnership. In 2014, we furnished Talis' previous head office and, during the pandemic, we provided ergonomic home workstations for all Talis employees through a dedicated website. Danon van der Hoeven, Gispen account manager, is therefore proud that Talis has once again asked Gispen for assistance with regard to circularity, hybrid working, optimal meetings and various conference and teamwork methods. 'It's to be able to use our knowledge and expertise to create fitting work environments and meeting areas, which were established in close cooperation with Claartje ten Have of Studio Moj. Her input has led to very pleasant and functional spaces.'
MEETING UP AT THE GRAND CAFÉ
A good example is the transformation of sections of the old corridors into silent work zones; floor-to-ceiling glass ensures the secluded employees stay in touch with the rest of the office. The open-plan design of the attractive Grand Café near the entrance provides a blend of people and activities. Danon: 'It has become such a nice place, where everyone feels welcome. This is due to the host or hostess who greets you, the inviting coffee station, the centre table and smaller tables or the more intimate seating areas. Talis has opted for an open office and inviting meeting area. The presence of people naturally creates social safety.'
A FULL-SERVICE FURNISHER
The open-plan office area also calls for more private workspaces and other areas for formal and informal meetings. Danon: 'The new office has far more conference facilities than the old one had. And they are all different: from a traditional conference room with a conference table to a more informal setting with seats and lounge sofas for brainstorming sessions, from free-standing conference units to high standing tables for active consultation. 'This shows that we are a full-service furnisher: from custom furniture to signing, from acoustic fabrics to lighting. With products from our Gispen range: CIMO planters, STEE benches, Outline lighting and JUNA coach seats.'
PARTNERS IN CIRCULARITY
Gispen also served as a partner in circularity to the corporation. Talis wanted to reuse everything, while matching it to the new look and feel. Danon: 'We first carried out a Circular Quality Scan. Our fitters checked all the existing furniture items, serviced them and made repairs where necessary. Some items went straight to the district offices, while others were reupholstered in the new corporate style. Moreover, we gave used Gispen JUNA coach seats a totally different look that is perfectly suitable for the new head office.'
In addition to the circular services, Gispen also provided project management services. From attending construction meetings to planning the storey-by-storey move. Danon: 'A project and client to be proud of.'
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE RESULT?
Maria Meijaard, Talis project manager: 'We have only just moved into our new head office, but I can already say that the interior design is a success. Especially the Grand Café where spontaneous meetings arise between people from both Talis and Bindkracht10. We've also noticed that there's more interaction between employees, for example because they can sit together more easily due to the layout of the office. We also see the employees from the district offices more often and for longer. Because the area surrounding the office will soon be developed, with the construction of project NDW21, we also expect more activity and 'walk-ins' from local residents. And what we hoped for is less aggressive behaviour due to an open layout. Physical security, with dividing screens and cubicles offers a good feeling of protection, but we find that the presence of people might actually offer more security, peace and solidarity. The open layout enhances social safety and increases the chance of meetings to occur.'
Photography: Claartje ten Have
