Microsoft Dutch Head Offices | Sevil Peach

The project's goal was to create a new work concept of activity-based work with all staff, including senior employees, working non-territorially without designated workplaces or enclosed offices, in order to engender interaction and collaboration and utilize the flexibility their software allows. Microsoft required a new branding and identity which was transparent, democratic and customer friendly. A variety of architectural interventions were initiated to facilitate further transparency and connection both horizontally & vertically.

The Ground Floor is the main Reception and Hostess greeting area. The 1st Floor, designed around a large courtyard is the focus of the building, creating a Communal work space where Microsoft staff and their customers can interact and work together. This floor clearly represents and reflects the flexibility and mobility that Microsoft products enable – it is a showcase and is the social heart of the working environment, with facilities such as a coffee shop, dining, a variety of informal meeting/ working scenarios, individual work carousels, relax zones, sleep pods, meeting rooms, boardroom, and 2 Auditoriums.

The Office Floors similarly provide a variety of work scenarios such as work benches, enclosed and semi enclosed meeting rooms, concentration/study booths, individual work carousels, work lounges, high benches, enclosed meeting rooms as well as informal open meeting zones and print areas.

The project has been highly successful and achieved full adoption by the employees. Currently some 1000 Guests visit the building weekly and it has repeatedly been awarded ‘the Best Place to Work’ in the Netherlands.