The Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) , celebrates the expansion of 3,500 square meters in the Groothandelsgebouw in the Central Business District of Rotterdam. With the opening CIC celebrates the success of a still growing community of nearly 150 innovative startups, established companies and investors. The success of the first phase quickly lead to another request to even more square meters creatively designed space. Kraaijvanger Architects also designed this second phase of the interior with a focus on sustainability and innovation, by which CIC already rents out 8,300 square meters flexible office space and is still growing.
In the design that Kraaijvanger Architects created in collaboration with CIC’s own design team, over 100 new offices, meeting rooms and hangouts have a complete new ‘Urban Jungle look and feel’ with a focus on health, sustainability and innovation.
New neighbourhood to innovate
The second phase is an expansion to phase 1 and functions as ‘a new neighborhood to innovate’ with a different look and feel than phase 1. This is emphasized by the many colorful meeting rooms, the secret room and a huge diversity in office spaces. There’s a space for maker & hacker activities. Also there a many great hangouts and a second kitchen and living room. The design connects with the target group of CIC; young companies active in ICT, technique and creative sectors. The combination of the organic design structure, the interior and the added green turns a tour through phase 2 an exciting adventure.
Sustainable and healthy
In the decision for materials maximum effort put into the use of circular materials. Plants play a big part within the urban jungle of CIC. They purify, humidify the air and make the working environment healthier. Kraaijvanger Architects developed the green concept together with Green Fortune. In the whole office innovative green applications can be found, such as the Tubegardens, in the hallways, the plant wall and the by Green Fortune newly developed Plantchandeliers with automatic watering in the kitchen.
In this phase Kraaijvanger Architects also collaborated with Arttenders who integrated art from local artists and even more circular materials were used. For this Studio Spass was involved to give an unique interpretation to the Urban Jungle living room.
About CIC
CIC Rotterdam’s startups have brought in over three million euro’s last year and created over 100 jobs. The Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC), housing the world’s largest startup communities, started four years ago with a trip to Rotterdam, the first international location of CIC. Through a strong basis and with the help of amazing partners, in the summer of 2015 CIC opened the ‘Beta space’ – with co-working desks in an open space. September 2016 was the official grand opening of the first 4,000 square meters, celebrated with clients, partners and press. CIC Rotterdam offers flexible offices, co-working, event spaces and high-quality facilities and functions as gateway to Europe.
About Kraaijvanger Architects
For Kraaijvanger Architects transformation is one of the most important steps forward to a sustainable future for existing buildings. Our ideal is a building that supplies energy, purifies air and water, offers space to biodiversity and produces no waste. We try to achieve this by using as many healthy and reusable materials as we can and making all the cycles in the building as conclusive (water, materials, food, energy and air) as possible. Our ambition is clear with every project: 100% cradle to cradle and energy supplying.
All Images: © Stijn Poelstra