Plaza Amersfoort

The desire
A challenging pilot project of the Chamber of Commerce to create an inspiring and unique meeting place for entrepreneurs in the Amersfoort region, allowing them to quickly and easily arrange matters with other businesses and organisations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Dutch tax authorities and the World Trade Center Almere area. The object was to create an open and accessible market square on the ground floor that while being light and transparent, also featured space for privacy. With meeting rooms as well as advice, lounge and flex areas. Due to the diversity of possibilities, clear and logical routing was essential. The square had to feel as one entity, with a vibrant character that encourages visitors to be active, meet others and work collaboratively. And last but not least: the available budget was limited, which posed a nice extra challenge.

The result
First of all, all internal walls were removed leaving only the centre core. A wall with recesses was then added four metres from the outside facade. This ring accommodates all workstations and meeting rooms, offering sufficient privacy. A lot of attention was dedicated to the correct ceiling and floor finish to avoid sounds from the main square creating noise. The central square is the core of this challenging property. It is a meeting place and place of inspiration with workstations for self-employed people, freelancers and entrepreneurs who, while having their own workspace, every now and then feel the need to talk to fellow entrepreneurs. The large

advertising signs around the square offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their business.  The lively grand café with outdoor terrace is an energetic and light place, with two enormous cardboard chandeliers as striking eye-catchers.