The starting point of the BIC Eat & Meet is to create a place in the building where visitors and residents feel at ease.
The signature of interior architect Dimitri Schouten is already part of many major interior and design projects. He owns EVE Restaurant in Tilburg, but also the BAR at Eindhoven Airport, Hangar1 in Amman, Jordan; The Boathouse in Zurich and Jackie in Val Thorens. And now, on behalf of NoRoBo Creative Design, Schouten, in collaboration with SDK Vastgoed and Sodexo, is providing a new “Eat & Meet” interior on Brainport Industries Campus.
The tenants on campus have been looking forward to it for some time, but it seems that everything will be ready in time for the grand opening in October. The BIC Eat & Meet will have a coffee bar, lunchroom, theatre and creative lab right in the centre of the Factory of the Future’s first hall. “The starting point of the BIC Eat & Meet is to create a place in the building where visitors and residents feel comfortable. Whether it’s to spend time during the breaks, meet with colleagues or do business”, Director Erik Veurink says.
Schouten inspired the design of the BIC Eat & Meet on an Italian square. “The contrast between nature and high-tech can be felt, with two beautiful tall trees in the centre of the square and a variety of natural structures within the design, including wood and tree motifs. In the coffee bar, a green plant roof is created with different varieties of hanging plants. The design is aimed at creating an outdoor feeling. The square functions, among other things, as a lunchroom, event location and workplace for the more than thirty companies that have already established themselves on the campus. A total of 600 people can have lunch, work and meet each other here at the same time.
The special feature of the design is that the hospitality area turns into a theatre area, which can be folded out and can accommodate around 200 guests. Veurink: “This part is ideal for an event, a trade fair, presentations, workshops or other meetings. And even when the theatre set-up is in use, the Eat & Meet retains its full capacity.” Directly adjacent to the theatre, there will be flex workstations and brainstorm rooms that can be used by tenants and external guests. “It is designed in such a way that the basic character is retained in every function, Veurink says. “Whether it’s for a break, a presentation, the use of the theatre or a company drink, it’s always pleasant to be here. That’s what we call ‘Think BIC’ here.”