The result is the Playhouse, where we have all the facilities and (mind)space needed to have fun while delivering high-quality work together. Every room is named after a different kids’ playing area, always reminding us to see the true adventure and fun in solving complex challenges. Here are some of our key office features:
We want an open office & collaboration.
From the beginning, we’ve been wanting to sub-let our space to partnering agencies, together able to offer an end-to-end process from research, strategy up to UX and development. We figured that sharing facilities with people from other creative agencies in an open space would lead to spontaneous encounters and connections, creating a more vibrant and dynamic working environment.
The Clubhouse.
A large part of the Playhouse is dedicated to our clubhouse. It’s a vibrant area where we have lunch, informal meetings, stand-ups, Friday drinks, karaoke and even host events up to 75 people. It is the first area you’ll see when entering the Playhouse, which also shows you what we find most important. In the end, your office is a place where you spend most of your time, so why not make it feel fun and inviting?
The Classroom
The Classroom is our flagship room with enough space, table soccer and empty walls to facilitate sprint weeks, training sessions and masterclasses for up to 16 people. The room is a bit secluded from the rest of the Playhouse, which allows you to focus.
Our Labyrinth and Zoo
Two smaller flex rooms provide the space our teams need to work on projects together, without bothering others, including lots of walls, glass and light furniture. The rooms are separated with a police-style one-way mirror wall, so the rooms can also serve as a user research facility. Here, we can observe testers using the digital and physical prototypes we develop, without distracting them.
Secret doorway
We wouldn’t be a real playhouse without a secret door. One book in the bookshelves triggers the secret door to be opened leading to…
Well… if you really want to know, drop by one day and find out.
Poster storage
In our previous office spaces, every corner was littered with old posters and workshop materials. We now have our own poster storage space. Groovy!
The Treehouse
The Treehouse is one of the biggest meeting rooms but it’s best feature is not inside. It features a conversation pit on the top, accessed only by climbing a net from an adjacent meeting room.
Work with a view.
My favorite spot, however, is a high sit working table with a direct view on the large industrial ships being unloaded on the river IJ.
1926 Citroen B14
Because it’s considered rude to talk about a lady’s size, let’s say it was quite a challenge to get her inside. We had to use a massive crane to lift her to our floor and get her in through the balcony doors. However, in the end it was all worth it, as she now fuels the office with her style and grace!
Want to drop by and have a tour?
Some photos of the building process
