VanBerlo motor for 'innovation district' Strijp-T Eindhoven

EINDHOVEN - The Innovation Powerhouse, the former energy plant of Philips with the two chimneys on Strijp-T, is now 'occupied'. Design and innovation agency VanBerlo has moved in, also serving as a 'driving force' for the innovation district that is expected to grow there.

"This building had to say something about our company. That we have courage, for example. Because advisors said 'what are you getting yourself into', but that didn't stop us," says Ad van Berlo, founder and still prominently present in the background at the design and innovation agency VanBerlo. "And you also had to realize that we work in an open and transparent process, in various forms of collaboration, also with our clients. You can see that reflected in the interior," says Thomas Paulen, director of the company VanBerlo.

Van Berlo is located in the front part of the former power plant on Zwaanstraat. The back and the high-rise building are available for rent. There is a lot of interest, but Van Berlo, who is leading the renovation project, can only mention one name: architectural consultancy firm Van de Laar. Work is also currently underway on the rear building TQ - owned by the same owner Geva BV from Best. It is being stripped down to be converted into a complex for innovative companies. "In fact, our office here is an example. We are setting the engine in motion for what should become an innovation district," says Van Berlo.

Central in the new 2300 square meter office is the large, two-story high open space, surrounded by all workspaces, almost all with glass walls. "Here in the central hall, we also want to welcome our clients or visitors. Like when you visit friends: you sit down in the kitchen. And from here, you can see almost everyone, but without being able to look at their screens." Because the work of the teams at VanBerlo remains confidential for the clients. But VanBerlo not only comes up with strategies, services, or products, often they are actually made and tested here as prototypes. There is also space for that.

Opening DDW

The renovation was done according to the design by Janne van Berlo (Atelier Van Berlo, daughter of Ad van Berlo), supported by the architects Margriet Eugelink (Eugelink Architecture) and Stefan de Bever (De Bever Architects). A striking feature in the design is the central skylight running the length of the building. A part of the ceiling has been replaced with glass, allowing plenty of light to enter and showcasing the high-rise building. Additionally, the tall section of the building is 'finished off' with a steel truss where emergency stairs are incorporated. All offices in the high-rise building have access to the open corner where they enjoy a beautiful view over Strijp-S. Unique are also the offices in the old concrete coal chutes, which are provided with light openings.

The public wishing to take a look at the Innovation Powerplant will have to wait a little longer. On the ground floor, between the huge concrete pillars on which the building rests, the first exhibition called Chronic Health - Designing a Healthy Future is being held during the Dutch Design Week. The DDW also includes the official opening of the Innovation Powerhouse and there are various public lectures accessible that week too.

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