But, as Strijkers points out, an inherent feature of the design is its asymmetric layout. The brief called for an office interior that would accommodate 23 employees initially, but offer room to a potential staff of 48. Her proposal to create a space that would be in a visible state of transformation came as a surprise to the client. She envisioned a campsite office that would consist of a combination of fixed workstations and flexible office kits. Members of the permanent staff can use either a cubicle enclosed by transparent glass panels or an open workstation.
Employees needn t feel like specimens in a fishbowl, however.
Certain walls are covered by perforated bulletin boards, which block curious stares. If necessary, laughs Strijkers, people can hide behind a cabinet for privacy. The architect explains that the use of freestanding units demands complex solutions for air conditioning, acoustics and fireproofing. The paperlike substance that we sprayed on the ceiling is fire-resistant and absorbs sound. That s why workstation partitions don t have to reach the ceiling.