Why factory tribune

Surrounded by the glass and steel structure of Eekhout and the original facades of the monumental building, the institute clearly distinguishes itself by its bright orange color. For the Netherlands this is a relatively new experiment, but it has already proven itself abroad: the Media Lab for instance became a very respected independent institute within the walls and organization of the MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Because the wooden construction of the Tribune which accommodates the office and meeting rooms, is painted in the same color, the institute becomes one element within the space. The ground floor of the tribune provides for a conference room and a room for lecturing. On the first floor the offices of the scientific collaborators are situated, and on the top floor there is another meeting room. The interior is kept work friendly white and for the same reasons the furniture outside of the Tribune are kept black.

Next to lectures and film projections, the tribune can also be used as an informal work place. This is facilitated by a strong wifi-network and sockets at the seats.

The conical tapered form of the Tribune allows for more work spots on the balconies, which is practical in times of deadlines and crowds. To offer an alternative to the so called Blokkenhal of the old building, the aim was for the furniture to be versatile and flexible in use. The space needed to be able to adapt to various uses: studying, working, meeting, model building and storage, film projections, exhibitions and of course parties and events.

The work places for students are specifically designed for the building by Richard Hutten Studio. Eight tables for making models are distributed in the open space. Extra shelving underneath the tables allows for storing the models. The model tables are on wheels so they can easily be put aside to make room for a presentation or an event in front of the Tribune.

The tables are also ideal for exhibition display. In the upper meeting room of The Tribune is a stackable meeting table, also designed by Richard Hutten Studio.

The wooden construction of the Tribune which accommodates the office and meeting rooms within, is painted in the same color so that the institute is a unified element within the space. The ground floor of the tribune provides a conference room and lecture room.

On the first floor are the offices of various collaborators, and on the top floor is another meeting room. The interior is kept work-friendly white, for the same reason the furniture outside of the Tribune is kept black. In addition to lectures and films, the tribune can also be used as an informal work space.

This is facilitated by a strong wifi-network and sockets at the seats. The pyramid form of the Tribune allows for additional work spaces on the balconies, which is practical in times of deadlines and crowds. To offer an alternative to the so called Blokkenhal, or s interior, of the old building, the goal of the furnishing was to be versatile and flexible. An interior courtyard was created and designated as the new residence of The Why Factory.

MVRDV designed the three floor tall wooden structure, containing lecture halls, meeting rooms and the premises of the research institute. An auditorium stair climbs to the top, literally putting the students on top of their teachers.