INNOVATIVE WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The Privium ClubLounge is an organically shaped space with natural materials and light colouring, with the environment completely tailored to the needs of the “frequent flyer”. The traveller is central to the lounge: is “on stage” with all facilities carefully created in the space, with different functions, but always working as a safe cocoon with a view of the surroundings - “connecting”.

To design the lounge, we applied the Eastern philosophy of Feng Sui: how the environment can influence the visitor's happiness. This philosophy suits Rituals perfectly, so it is no surprise that Privium became the leitmotif for Rituals' new accommodation. Together with Raymond, we visited three locations, two modern office buildings and the canal houses on Keizersgracht. The latter location was preferred over the new office towers. These canal houses have an appropriate authenticity and fit better with Rituals' DNA.

The choice was made. The property on Keizersgracht is a combination of 3 connected buildings where, behind the monumental outer walls, a modern office space has been realised by the owner. The original level differences have been maintained, but the interior is entirely up to “current” building standards. White climate ceilings with energy-efficient fluorescent lighting, staircases and lifts; in short, a modern office.

Rituals DNA
The challenge for us was to create a Rituals environment in the modern environment based on the New Way of Working. To accommodate the entire programme, Rituals rented two floors in the five-storey canal house, totalling approximately 1,500 m2.
On the basis of the number of employees and occupancy measurements, we drew up a layout concept with various forms of workplace. In close consultation with Rituals, we came up with the ideal layout and types of workstations. Among other things, we designed long work tables with movable wooden frames, so employees can adjust their workstations to their own wishes. The wooden frames are also fitted with sound-absorbing cushions. Many of the workstations have become sitting/standing workstations, contributing to a more active posture. Because a lot of telephoning takes place within Rituals, telephone booths have been installed in various places, so that employees can work without interruption. For better interaction between the two floors, we designed an open organic staircase, directly accessible behind the reception/reception area. Walk-in closets are located on the closed side walls, which at the front are fitted with printed covered fabric with acoustic padding. These walk-in cupboards provide maximum storage capacity for samples and materials, easily accessible and without any obstructive visibility.


Colour and materials
The Privium Club Lounge's colour and materials palette served as inspiration; natural sustainable materials and light natural tones; wood, glass and natural stone.
The wooden floor is an oak strip parquet composed of sustainable residual materials, finished with a white glaze. The fixed furnishings are made of sustainable FSC wood. The interior includes bamboo trunks as room dividers. Colour accents were obtained by using coloured re-used carpets, furniture, plants and Oriental images based on our mood boards, carefully selected by the Rituals design department.

Coherence
We also approached this project from an architectural perspective. We analysed the functions and use of the building and examined how best to arrange this building and its functions within the given space. We worked from an overall concept for the entire project. All elements of interior and exterior form a whole, with every detail geared to the desired result: Rituals.

Light and rhythm
To bring order to all parts of a room, light and rhythm are our most important tools. Natural daylight is essential for the experience of interior spaces and should be able to do its work unhindered as much as possible, supplemented by artificial light where necessary. Light gives depth and contrast to a room. It emphasises the shapes and rhythm of architectural elements. Light combined with rhythm makes a room come alive.

The human scale
How does a person (visitor, employee, resident) experience the space, do they feel safe and at ease? The exterior is the shell that preserves the interior, the space of use. Use is the main purpose of the space. This is why the interior is so important: this is where the human scale is created.
Our work is ultimately about creating a “second skin” in buildings, the environment that people come into direct contact with, that they experience most strongly.
Spaces should feel pleasant and safe. To achieve this, we made sure that the space speaks for itself completely. Upon entering, a clear Rituals atmosphere is already recognisable and one can immediately find one's bearings. Everything had to be right: lighting, acoustics, climate control, routing, materials. Well-chosen shapes, colours and materials also ensure that an environment has a positive effect on people.

Sustainability
The most obvious interpretation of sustainability, in our view, is: creating projects that will benefit the client in the long term. Materials, finishing and detailing are very important for this. We also aim for sustainability from an ecological point of view. This means that we use as many materials as possible that do not overload the environment and natural resources. Sustainability and innovation make an excellent combination and have worked out well at Rituals. What could be more sustainable, you might say, than repurposing an existing building?

Flexibility
The Rituals organisation is evolving. The organisation is growing and adapting, which is why a flexible working environment had to be created. Flexibility stands for the ability to adapt effortlessly when the situation demands it. The Rituals employee can work anytime and anywhere, helped by the continuous development of communication tools. The result is there, we have received positive reactions from Rituals employees, who praise the new accommodation, the building and its use.