New space for new needs. HDI Global Specialty SE is located in a recently renovated office in Rotterdam. Post-COVID, workstyles and behaviors have fundamentally changed, with employees seeking more flexibility and social spaces to connect and collaborate. Adjacent to the existing office, a walkway connecting two buildings became available—an ideal opportunity to address this need. Powerplant collaborated with HDI Global Specialty SE to create a space that is open in its functionality, complementing the existing office program.

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Break out is a work out. Meetings, workshops, ping pong tournaments, yoga, team building, town halls, one-on-ones, hackathons—or maybe even a gym. Work Out is a hyper-flexible, do-it-yourself break-out space. Since the current office already covers clear functional needs, we chose to create a space that allows for more open activities such as projects, workshops, creativity, sports, or events.

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Work Out draws inspiration from a gym and its endless potential to host a variety of physical activities. The floor markings in Work Out align with ceiling-mounted curtains, enabling a rich diversity of work-related activities. Flexibility goes beyond room-dividing curtains—movable plants, foldable furniture, and reconfigurable whiteboards empower users to create an endless variety of spatial setups. Instead of formal furniture, Work Out uses fitness equipment and playful elements to support its users and their activities.

Open spaces that support user autonomy and enable connecting events are becoming an increasingly essential part of office programs. Offices that create spaces like Work Out will inevitably become destinations that draw employees back—not just to work, but to reconnect with their colleagues and the company. Powerplant and HDI have joined forces through Work Out to meet this need and explore its many potential uses. Curious to learn more? Get in touch!