IBN-DLO in Wageningen is an organisation for research into forest and
nature. Starting point for the design of a new office was that the design
must emphasise the identity of the organisation.
 |
 |
Square on the laboratory are the three office wings. Between
these office wings are two inner gardens oriented towards the south. These
not cooled nor heated inner gardens form a buffer between the outer climate
and the office spaces. The plants and the water create cool air of high
quality with which the offices are ventilated. While in the winter the
inner gardens create pre-warmed ventilation air, in the summer an air
flow can be created by opening the roof of the gardens which will remove
the warm air from the offices. The heavy soils of the gardens and the
mass of the concrete floors of the office wings (without lowered ceilings)
are used for warmth-accumulation so the building 'burns' at the end of
the workday.
Besides using passive energy- and ventilation systems, the efforts of the users play a large part, since the conditioning of their own work environment must be determined and taken care of by the users.
The proposal to wear an extra sweater in the new building in the winter, and dress lightly during the summer was not feasible. This could work for the immobile functions, but not for the co-workers that have to be at different places within the building. According to Behnisch air, light and spatial quality determine the quality of the working place. It is a prejudice that only using technique and installations can create a good working environment. Without installations, space and funds are being freed. Extra money for the finishing of the interior, and for choosing healthier materials.
jv