Enterprising thinking

Transcription

1 Enterprising thinking Kora at Evoluon Eindhoven hawkinsbrown.com

2 Rational. Expressive. Functional. Modernising a modernist icon \ Rather than a corporate straightjacket, the creative package for Kora enables each new centre to carry the brand, while also celebrating its unique setting\ Morag Morrison Partner Right Architects Louis Kalff and Leo de Bever designing the dome in The Evoluon complex, Eindhoven. Kora s vision is to create the next generation of innovation centres in partnership with universities and enterprise development organisations. Starting with Evoluon, a network of hubs would provide affordable, flexible coworking spaces to nurture fledgling entrepreneurs, especially start-ups and research-based companies. They also need to be an enterprising place for the wider community, delivering valuable retraining and employment services. Our role was twofold: to develop a global concept for Kora and then apply it locally to Evoluon, with sensitivity to the remarkable building. The Netherlands is home to some of the twentieth century s boldest architecture. The Evoluon building in Eindhoven s Brainport region is one of the best examples. Commissioned as a public gift to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Philips company, visitors to the new Science Museum in 1966 must have felt like they d encountered a UFO. In the 1980s and 90s, Evoluon was developed for use by Philips, with the iconic dome becoming well-established as a sleek, city conference centre. In Kora s hands, the building entered a new century and chapter. Updating Kora at Evoluon required a sensitive design balance. While safeguarding the building s original aesthetic, we also needed to transform the site into the most modern of coworking places. Evoluon was constructed using quality, local materials and a high level of attention to surface detail. Glazed bricks in light yellow and blue adorn the single-storey visitor centre and the interior spaces are equally eye-catching. Our approach was to declutter, stripping out all the non-original fixtures and fittings, notably the free-standing cloakrooms and display cases. This process has enhanced the architectural features that made the building so spectacular in the first place. It also enabled us to use the foyer more effectively as both a reception area and main route in and out of the conference centre. Now, the design brings together big businesses attending conferences, with start-up occupiers in an informal meeting space. Planning everything out Crucial to the building s long-term success is making the most appropriate use of every inch of space. Our internal layout was underpinned by a study of the different ways we collaborate and work today, as well as an in-depth understanding of user dwelling times and extensive experience of designing social learning spaces. Kora provides a fluid mix of different working, meeting and collaborative spaces for all commercial pockets and purposes.

3 A space with great views and food The revamped café-restaurant is a hub for the innovation and conference centres. Completely refurbished, with a new informal counter and selection of different eating and drinking areas, it provides coworkers and delegates with a decent place to eat and meet. What s more, it s helped transform Kora at Evoluon into a public destination, wide open to Eindhoven. Space for local context Philips pendant lighting is an important feature throughout Kora at Evoluon, acknowledging the company s investment in innovation and strong Eindhoven ties. In the centre s café-restaurant, the furniture is inspired by the internationally renowned Dutch design scene, led by the local Design Academy. Left Opening up the views from the caférestaurant to the conference centre. Below Revealing the slim timber ceiling battens and exposed concrete columns. 150 seater café-restaurant Project: Kora at Evoluon Location: Eindhoven, The Netherlands Client: Kora Services: Architecture and interior design Scope: Refurbishment Value: 400k Status: Completed

4 A strong, inclusive brand for Kora 2 Kora brings together an exciting mix of people, functions, spaces and ideas. Inspired by this thought, we created a brand based on the unifying symbol of a circle. Creating a Kora kit of parts This circle motif is applied to the building s spaces in a number of ways, starting with Kora s sweeping welcome bench and seating area in the foyer. Round, lollipop lights sitting on the surface of the bench continue the branding theme, along with bespoke artworks and rugs. Outside, local flowers and herbs (grown for the restaurant s kitchen) are planted in circular tubes, echoing Kora s motif. Kora s sculptural bench What serves as a signature feature for the brand also provides reception services. The dramatic arc of this bespoke module enables various opportunities for informal working and display as well as accommodating a juice and coffee bar. The pre-fabricated sections of the bench are simply joined together on site, so the solutions works at Eindhoven, or equally when fitting out Kora s next location. As Kora expands into new sites, each branded innovation centre is free to respond to its immediate context, with subtle design interventions that reflect the local culture. Kora s welcome bench \1 Juice/Coffee Bar \2 Seating Area \3 Planters \4 Registration Area \5 Existing Security Equipment \6 Kora Pencils \7 DDA Compliant Reception Desk \8 Reception and Display Area Public Circulation m

5 Archive Photo on Page 2: Louis Kalff and Leo de Bever in 1963 Foto Visie Eindhoven/source: Philips Company Archives Making the most of your site Hawkins\Brown is a modern British architectural practice with an awardwinning approach to design. We put our hearts and minds into realising your project s potential. You ll discover creativity, commitment and a desire to collaborate to reach the best solution. To find out more about our practice or talk to us about your project, contact: Nicola Rutt NicolaRutt@hawkinsbrown.com +44 (0) London\ 159 St John Street EC1V 4QJ +44 (0) mail@hawkinsbrown.com Manchester\ 3C Tariff Street M1 2FF +44 (0) mail@hawkinsbrown.com hawkinsbrown.com