Rutgers, Utrecht

Flexible and collaborative workspace designed to support hybrid work, combining open areas with quiet zones for focus and connection.

Design

de ruimdenkers

Photography

Martina Kelder Fotografie

Year

2023

Finding balance in a shifting work culture

Following the pandemic and a merger with Dance4Life, Rutgers set out to reimagine its work environment. The key question: how can a modern workplace support a hybrid way of working, accommodating time at home and in the office, physical meetings and digital collaboration, all within increasingly flexible schedules? Through a co-creative process with staff, a tailored workplace concept was developed and applied to both the Amsterdam and Utrecht offices. At the Utrecht headquarters, this concept has been further refined and implemented, creating a central hub where teams come together in person while staying connected across the globe.

Meeting under the right light

The interior is designed to support a variety of work styles and interactions. Large shared tables invite collaboration and informal meetings. Above them, ReFelt’s Aster PET Felt Acoustic Lamps, in Large and Medium, provide a balance of sound absorption and warm illumination. The lamps have a wider base that helps distribute light more generously across the tabletop, contributing to a welcoming and comfortable setting. With their simple and versatile design, the Aster lamps fit naturally into a range of interior styles, making it an ideal choice for adaptable workspaces like this one.

Acoustic panels supporting privacy

To ensure consistency in look and acoustic performance, ReFelt’s Acoustic PET Felt Panels, in the Standard and Melange Collection, have been used throughout the office. These panels are applied to walls, integrated into focus booths and used as workplace dividers, offering both visual cohesion and essential noise reduction. Existing furniture was reused wherever possible, reflecting the practical and responsible design approach. The result is a durable and inviting workplace that continues to adapt alongside the way people work.