Image courtesy of Ateliers Jean Nouvel

European Patent Office by Jean Nouvel

Construction is set to get underway in the Netherlands at the site of the new European Patent Office (EPO) building near the Hague. Designed by Jean Nouvel, the 80,000 square meter development will provide a flexible and comfortable working environment for the organization’s 1,750 staff. Standing at a height of 100 meters the structure will be a bold symbol of the EPO’s commitment to fostering innovation throughout europe.

Image courtesy of Ateliers Jean Nouvel

The almost transparent building floats effortlessly above the landscape, with glass and steel façades that allow the calm and serene structure to become part of the skyline. Emerging from a landscaped body of water, the stainless steel entrance to the tower is flanked by flags of 45 european countries.

Image courtesy of Ateliers Jean Nouvel

Guests access the site by dipping under the water’s surface, before entering an expansive 6-meter tall lobby flooded with natural light. At the reception desk, a set of linear periscopic mirrors reflect the image of the horizon. Offices are envisioned as open-plan environments that encourage interaction, communication and collaboration between workers. The European Patent Office is set for completion in april 2017, with further landscaping to be completed by early 2019.

more. http://www.jeannouvel.com/