PROJECT

This is the 40m2 skybox that I designed for the soccer club FC Groningen. It houses two functions: A VIP bar & route towards the stands, and an in-house studio for video content.

 

CHALLENGE

The challenge was to turn this small space into an attractive practical room that embodies everything the club’s brand stands for. A project that makes my heart beat faster, as this is where my hybrid experience as both interior architect and product designer shines.

 

CONCEPT

A soccer club and its city form a deep proud connection that I wanted to tap into. I always start with a blank sheet, to fill in the client’s wishes, routing, and in this case; brand elements. I went with the strong and recognizable club colors and the abstract letter ‘G’ from the club’s logo that refers to Groningen. I morphed the ‘G’ into an abstract hexagon that shapes the layout as you see it. Form follows function for every element of this space. Routing, function, branding, and experience all got equal attention.

 

SPECIAL ELEMENTS

Six hexagons rise from the ground. Depending on their function (bar, storage, and seating), they get a certain height, color, and material. Green felt covers a whole wall. It’s an obvious wink to the field, but also works great as acoustic damping. On this field you can actually play with the soccer team: on designed wooden logo photo frames its players are shown: on the left the entire team, on the right the actual playing team. 

 

On the opposite wall, you find other smart functional elements: en route toward the stand, foldable logo tables save space and make way for an extra bar. The green logo lamps are functional eye-catchers.