ENTRANCE MEETING ROOM FLEXIBLE WORKING SPACE + MEETINGS

The design of the meeting room as an introduction to the implementation of the new way of working for the Province of Zeeland by M+R interior architecture

In the twelfth century Provincial House in Middelburg, M+R designed a meeting room with an adjacent courtyard. The meeting room is a centrally located resting place in the Abbey where employees of the Province of Zeeland can meet each other. Within the monumental structure of the building, M+R created large openings so that the meeting room is open and easily accessible.

The openings were conceived from a play of lines of connections inspired by the urban renewal plans of Paris by Georges-Eugène Haussmann for the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and as a metaphor a pile head with its drying cracks: a centre with connecting lines. The connecting lines have defined the spaces and their use, the islands created within the lines have been designed as various meeting or consultation places. The colour scheme of the space is related to the colour palette of the Province of Zeeland, as well as the use of materials in which folklore has been translated into the application of this time, innovative and sustainable. The play of lines continues into the inner garden where wooden decking (piers) are situated, these create a natural relationship with the entrance and surrounding functions. The next step is that the mirrored folly in the inner garden is realised, as an extension of the capacity of the meeting and gathering rooms and the renovation of the entrance.

In the meantime, an innovative working environment has been designed for building G, the Librije. Within the monumental structure of the building and with respect for the monument, M+R has designed a flexible working environment for the Province of Zeeland. Prior to the final design, inspiration sessions with the employees contributed to the creation of the working environment. The design reflects the DNA of the Province of Zeeland and biobased natural products and materials were chosen for the installation package. Natural stone, glass and wood - products that can be found in the vicinity.

Every two years, the Abbey brings the world together during the presentation of the Four Freedom Awards. With its rich history and deeply rooted traditions, the interior of the Abbey also moves with the times. Since 2013, the official organization of the Province of Zeeland has been housed there in its entirety. Commissioned by the provincial government, the organization works there for Zeeland through visible results and in mutual coherence and cooperation. With its meeting function, the Abbey makes that work possible. It brings people together, contemporary, in various forms, in the style of Zeeland, land in sea. Together we work on the results for Zeeland!

(source: Province of Zeeland, Abdij meeting guide, February 25, 2015)