garage meets dutch pride at google amsterdam office by D/DOCK

garage meets dutch pride at google amsterdam office by D/DOCK
all images by alan jensen, courtesy of D/DOCK

the google amsterdam office has received a make-over. the renewed interior by dutch studio D/DOCK has been conceived off of the garage where google founders larry page and sergey brin started the company, boasting quirky elements such as graffiti walls, cardboard box lights and a container wall in the 70-seater auditorium (referred to as tech talk), integrated into the existing space to illustrate its birth period.

a bicycle carrier can be found in the reception area

located in the southern part of the city, the 3,000 square meter expanse has been transformed into an interactive landscape. each floor features its own cave, with all general facilities including huddle rooms, meeting areas, micro kitchens and video booths positioned at the core of the building. the ‘neighbourhoods’ which define the individual work areas surround the central cave element; all situated adjacent to the window affording employees a 180 degree view overlooking the city while at their desks.

graffiti walls reference the garage where the larry page and sergey brin founded google

sustainability has played a big role in the development of the renovation project’s scheme. for example, existing meeting furniture, individual work places and parts of the micro-kitchens were given a second life after refurbishment. additionally, D/DOCK followed google’s health material list by only using non-toxic materials, with major design elements focusing greatly on water and energy consumption. the re-used febo snack wall that previously served as the amsterdam HQ’s cafeteria, now functions as a distribution point of computer accessories.

communal areas surround a central cave element positioned on each level

besides paying homage to the company and its initial beginnings, D/DOCK has splashed a bit of dutch pride into the interior to give the office atmosphere a more local feel. a carrier cycle can be found at the reception desk, the surface texture of the popular dutch dessert stroopwafel is applied to the ceiling panels, while the restaurant is clad in gingerbread wall coverings and delft blue graphics; and for employees wanting to bring a bit of life to their meeting, real sixties caravans sit at the middle of the office, offering a more private area to congregate and discuss.

stroopwafel ceiling panels and delft blue graphics are some of the dutch elements integrated into the design

‘it is a place that makes the employee perform better by offering a work environment that meets their needs,’ explains D/DOCK partner coen van dijck. ‘happiness, comfort, flexibility, relaxation, well balanced nutrition, exercise, daylight, freshair and visual stimulation are some of the fundamentals that make this office a healthy one,’ he continues.

real sixties caravans sit at the center providing a more unconventional meeting room

private and communal work areas are situated throughout

google amsterdam insignia

project info:

interior designer: D/DOCK
main contractor: de combi
project management: stevens van dijck
MEP consultant: deerns
LEED consultant: mott macdonald
surface: 3.000 m2
completion date: january 2014
photography: alan jensen