An Office Of Illustrations For JWT Amsterdam
/With a founding year of 1864, advertising firm JWT (aka the oldest advertising firm ever), can now match their surprisingly young hot-shop mentality with a clever new workspace. Two talented Dutch designers Alrik Koudenburg and RJW Elsinga came together to create a playful workshop full of dreamy illustrations, upside-down castles, and a greenhouse. Here, having a conversation with a family of life size toy robots is a new possibility.
Before the company's big move into the new space, Ralph Wisbrun and creatively by Bas Korsten completely reorganized the agency. Believing that our complex world calls for a new way of working, they tore down the traditional agency structure and built a new one. With 3 leaner, meaner and more agile departments: Think, Do and Make. This new mantra inspired Koudenburg and Elsinga to create a proactive and cheerful space to align with this positive philosophy. For ‘Think’ Koudenburg & Elsinga created an inspirational garden, where one can wonder around and let thoughts flow freely. The space includes a library and a podium overlooking the Leidse Square. 'Think' is the place where ideas are invented and plans made, based on strategy, technology and connectivity.
For ‘Do’ a city setup was created, which functions like a busy beehive where JWT staff organize the idea, getting it done with a team of concept producers, online- / activation- / and print producers. ‘Make’ feels like a happy factory, being inside a creative toolbox, where digital craftsmen and women bring the ideas to life. It consists of a studio for (online) design, visualizing, film making, etc. The huge CMYK colored robot cabinets (2.80m high) keep everything nice and tidy.
Koudenburg noted "We wanted to make work feel like play. Designing a wide range of work environments. Open & closed, S / M / L with breakout spaces and touchdown work settings, where 1 / 2 / 4 / 8 up to 12 people together can do their magic. We didn't wanted to use a singular 'design-concept' for the entire space, because the surprise effect would wear off too soon. Creating a wild mix of inspiring experiences not only creates the smile we were after - but also supports the agencies way of working. Offering diversity helps to set a homelike atmosphere. Only this one comes with a grand café, complete with a chef. Bon appetit."
The uplifting wall illustrations come from artists such as the Dutch collective Kamp Horst or the Norwegian Anders Rockum. The non-stop illustrations leave visitors of the space wanting to go explore more. As the magic progresses through the workshop one would find an upside-down castle at reception, the greenhouse meeting space with huge plants, the architectural tree sculptures, funky Skype units, space dividers in the shape of Amsterdam Canal houses or the profile of Holland's greatest writer, made out of his Wiki-page text.
As the magic progresses through the workshop one would find an upside-down castle at reception, the greenhouse meeting space with huge plants, the architectural tree sculptures, funky Skype units, space dividers in the shape of Amsterdam Canal houses or the profile of Holland's greatest writer, made out of his Wiki-page text.
Together the duo worked on creating a stunning space of nearly 2000sq meters, almost all custom-designed, successfully creating the 'WOW' effect that complements the work ethic and philosophies of JWT.
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