Purmerend City Hall

Purmerend

8.000 m²

Redesign complete city hall

Interior design
Town Hall Purmerend

Smarter use of space. More connectivity.
The municipality of Purmerend faced a familiar challenge: saving on housing costs. We turned this into an opportunity. By using fewer square metres more efficiently, we created a future-proof workplace that promotes meeting, collaboration and flexibility.

Customised workspace
Rather than simply reducing space, we designed a new workplace concept that brings together functions, processes and people. Communication zones at the entrance to each wing create vibrancy and cross-pollination between teams. These zones include Touchdown workstations, informal meeting areas, lockers and cupboards, lounge areas and a 'coffee bay' with 4 coffee machines and central meeting rooms that can be reserved.

Focus and flexibility
From the meeting zones, the corridor leads to open plan workspaces. These are spacious and equipped with acoustic cabinets with integrated greenery and waste separation. Quiet workspaces are scattered throughout the building - never more than 20 steps away. This design encourages movement, meeting and collaboration - between departments and floors.

A networking hub for the city
We also expanded the public part of the building. The central hall - previously mainly functional - was given a social heart: the Network Café. An accessible place for employees, visitors, entrepreneurs and residents. For spontaneous meetings, consultations and networking.

Result
Fewer square metres, but more quality. A welcoming, open working environment where hierarchy gives way to human interaction. Involved employees, short lines of communication and a community that is literally closer to the people.

Client: Municipality of Purmerend
Interior design: Casper Schwarz & Plamen van Dijk | Photography: Peter Baas