Rational Openness

“The project for Össur’s European headquarters in Eindhoven is special to us, as it has both a rational structure and yet a clearly open character,” stated Rob Willemse of Dreessen Willemse Architecten. Hospitality is one of the building’s central themes, Willemse went on to say. This is why the architects have designed the central “Össur World,” which serves as a meeting point and restaurant, in such a way that it opens out to all departments. Bright woods and generous expanses of glass also foster the space’s welcoming character.

In order to duly emphasize the corporate identity of the developers of prosthesis and orthosis technology in an individual way the choice fell on products by Arper. With their customizable, high-grade and timeless design, the “Aava,” by Antti Kotilainen, “Catifa 70,” “Catifa Sensit,” and “Zinta” by Lievore Altherr Molina, furniture can be adapted to meet customer needs. The fact that the chairs, armchairs and sofas by Arper were developed to be used in both the contract and private worlds certainly enhances the pleasant atmosphere in the rooms. For example, Lievore Altherr Molina avoided any visible technology in their design for the “Catifa Sensit” office chair, which combines ergonomic seating comfort with elegant contours. Thanks to its variable lengths and straight lines, the “Zinta Waiting” modular sofa system, which the design trio likewise masterminded, also blends harmoniously into the spacious rooms. Dark upholstery fabrics were chosen for the most part in order to create a contrast to the light walls and surfaces. (am)