Sabic Europe Head Office

Light and transparency characterize the design which derives from the core values of its client.

The funnel shaped, low entrance draws visitors into the heart of the building -- its atrium. This central space was created in response to spatial context and functional requirements such as climate control.

The six work storeys are placed as galleries round this atrium. The space surges up to the sky owing to the cascading galleries and the diagonal ceiling, creating a sense of lightness and rest.

A variety of functions such as reception, waiting space and coffee bar are incorporated in the large welcome desk, which winds its way across the ground floor.

It's "coiling form" derives from the Arabic alphabet. Also functioning as a security zone, the welcome desk articulates a boundary without over-defining it.

The plaza with its restaurant also serves as a meeting place outside working hours. The vitreous back wall is painted by German artist Vera Sous.

Another restaurant is situated at the eastern end of the building.

The work floors are arranged as galleries around the atrium.

Since there are no individual offices, each floor is divided into a variety of different working zones.

In the centre, one finds the 'club area' for informal team building activities. The service units (containing wardrobes, pigeon holes, lockers and a room for technical and IT equipments) serve -- at the same time -- as a sound barrier to create a quiet working space.

The 'quiet zone' towards the periphery of the floor plate contains individual desks and a small lounge place, furnished with fauteuils. This lounge can be used for small meetings.

The second and the fifth floor however follow a slightly different layout.

The second floor plate runs around the whole building with a restaurant located on its western edge. Directly below it, on the first floor, a meeting room (with small balconies for the use of mobile phones) is suspended, resting on three beams.

A special boardroom and clubroom is located on the fifth floor accessible to the management only.

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