tribal DDB office in Amsterdam

To be honest, I totally dislike open spaces for work environments. I believe, they crush individuality, suppress the employee's sense of private creative space and exaggerate the feeling of constant monitoring by peers, not to mention the fact that due to the constant noise from others you cannot talk, listen, discuss, or even think clearly at some times, ultimately leading to poor performance and work fatigue. The truth is that the open-work-space model, is more or less dead, and most new firms are moving away from it, opting for more secluded worker's space, and common areas. However some spaces are so balanced, and so beautifully simply designed, that I cannot but comment favorably.

The goal for the DDB office in Amsterdam, was to create an environment where creative interaction is supported and to achieve as much workplaces as possible in the new structure with flexible offices and large open spaces. i29 Interior Architects searched for solutions to various problems which could be addressed by one grand gesture. At first a material which could be an alternative to the ceiling system, but also to cover and integrate structural parts. Acoustics became a very important item, as the open spaces for stimulating creative interaction and optimal usage of space where required. This led the creative duo to the use of fabrics. “It is perfect for absorbing sound and therefore it creates privacy in an open space. From felt we made ceiling, walls, furniture and lamps”. [1]

[1] Ref. http://www.dailyicon.net/2011/08/tribal-ddb-office-by-i29-interior-architects/