Architectural Cases

The Booking.com City Campus in Amsterdam, envisioned by UNStudio, represents a forward-thinking approach to workplace design. Initiated in 2015, the project sought to create a dynamic and inclusive environment that not only facilitates collaboration among current staff but also draws in top talent from around the world. The campus thoughtfully integrates diverse work settings with vibrant communal areas, aiming to cultivate a strong sense of community and enhance employee well-being within a bustling urban context.

UNStudio Completes Visionary Booking.com City Campus in Amsterdam, Netherlands

In 2015, a groundbreaking collaboration was forged between Booking.com, BPD (Bouwfonds Property Development), and the renowned architectural firm UNStudio. Their shared vision culminated in the development of the expansive Booking.com City Campus, majestically situated in the vibrant heart of Amsterdam, Netherlands. The project, brought to fruition in 2023, underscores a strategic commitment to fostering a thriving corporate community. UNStudio, led by Ben van Berkel, alongside a dedicated team including Arjan Dingsté and Marianthi Tatari, masterminded the architectural design. The interior spaces were expertly crafted by HofmanDujardin, complemented by contributions from a consortium of designers including CBRE Design Collective and i29 interior architects, ensuring a rich tapestry of functional and aesthetic elements. This state-of-the-art campus, covering a substantial area, was conceived to unite Booking.com's diverse workforce, providing an innovative ecosystem designed to inspire creativity and collaboration, while simultaneously attracting elite professionals globally. Key consultants such as a.g LICHT for lighting design and Aronsohn for structural engineering played crucial roles in realizing this ambitious urban landmark. The campus stands as a testament to contemporary office building design, emphasizing sustainability, advanced technology integration, and a profound commitment to employee experience.

This innovative project serves as a compelling model for future urban corporate campuses. The emphasis on community building and employee well-being within a modern architectural framework offers valuable insights into creating workspaces that are not merely functional but truly inspiring. The successful integration of diverse design expertise also highlights the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in achieving complex architectural visions.

Nestled on the western hillside of Keelung's harbor, Taiping Elementary School has long been a sentinel, observing the city's fluctuations. Established in the 1960s to educate the children of port workers, its prosperity mirrored the bustling industrial era. However, as industries transformed, populations shifted, and birth rates declined, the institution eventually closed its doors in 2017.

In a remarkable demonstration of architectural vision and community commitment, KHAA (Kuo+Huang and Associates) embarked on a transformative journey for Taiping Elementary School. Their design aimed to reimagine the dormant campus not just as a historical relic, but as a vibrant, multifaceted community hub. The renovation thoughtfully preserved the school's heritage while introducing contemporary functions, blending educational facilities with spaces accessible to the wider public. This adaptive reuse project has breathed new vitality into the area, creating an integrated environment where learning, culture, and community interaction flourish.

This initiative stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, underscoring the profound impact architecture can have on urban regeneration. By converting a disused educational building into a dynamic center that caters to diverse community needs, KHAA has not only preserved a significant local landmark but has also fostered social cohesion and a renewed sense of pride among Keelung residents. The project illustrates how thoughtful design can bridge the past and the future, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and collective well-being.