On the ring road of Eindhoven stands a building with a very distinctive architectural style from the 1990s. Despite its strong architectural foundation, the atrium of this building—home to several real-estate-related companies—had gradually become rather gloomy over the years. It had turned into little more than a functional passage leading to the lift or the stairs, without any sense of character or a place to stay.

The Challenge: Combining Function and Experience

The owners wanted to breathe new life into the atrium and were looking for a contemporary appearance that would seamlessly connect with the existing architecture, which they value highly. Instead of a cold corridor, the atrium needed to become a place where people could truly gather.

The new functions of the space were carefully tailored to the needs of the users and their guests:

• Welcoming Reception – A representative place for short conversations or for waiting comfortably.

• Facilities for the Modern Worker – Charging points for phones and laptops have been integrated, allowing the space to function as a temporary workspace or an overflow area for the offices.

• Self-service Hub – A central point for coffee, tea, or a glass of water, lowering the threshold for using the space.

Design Philosophy: Rounded Forms as a Guiding Principle

The most striking feature of the building is the circular lift in the centre of the atrium, with a staircase “draped” around it. To reinforce this architectural language, the redesign consciously introduced free, rounded forms that break through the straight lines of the space.

This design choice is consistently reflected in the furniture:

• The custom-made coffee and meeting bar follows flowing lines.
• The benches and chairs surrounding the piece reinforce the organic dynamics of the space.
• A large, specially shaped rug connects the individual elements into one cohesive island.

The selected materials have a natural appearance and are robust, which not only aligns with the original architecture but also ensures a durable finish that can withstand intensive use.

Lighting and Signage: The Finishing Touches

A crucial part of the renovation was the optimisation of the lighting. Previously, there was an uneasy mix of white light and warmer yellow light. By unifying this into one warm colour temperature, the space now has a much calmer and more refined character.

Attention was also given to signage and navigation. Due to the costs and the structure of the building, a staffed reception desk was deliberately not chosen. To ensure visitors can still easily find their way, a modern LED panel will be placed next to the lift. As people naturally walk towards the lift upon entering, this is the most logical point to provide information about which companies are located where in the building.

A Future-proof Result

Thanks to the enormous glass façade at the front, the transformed atrium is a bright and inviting space during the day. In the evening, the new lighting ensures that the interior is beautifully visible from the Eindhoven ring road, acting as a showcase for the companies inside.

After two months of use, the conclusion is clear: by carefully considering the needs of the users and making use of the strength of the existing architecture, the atrium has been transformed from a gloomy hall into a multifunctional meeting place where people genuinely enjoy spending time.