CMS Amsterdam: A Warm, Natural Base Office Design Merged with Curves and Transparency

CMS is an international law firm based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Designed by Fokkema & Partners Architecten, the 6,000-square office showcases an elegant interior with subtle curves and a high grade of transparency on a warm and natural base. The entire design project was commenced in June 2015 and finished in November 2017.

CMS is situated on the top 6 floors of a new tower in the city. It has a generous lobby at the base. Although transparency was adopted in the design, the occupants still attain a sense of privacy and comfort inside the building.

Based on the building’s characteristics, the whole interior walls have rounded corners. That being the case, the glazed walls of the workspace offer a fluid line through the building. Storage and archives are set as bespoke furniture that wraps the building cores to establish powerful and warm gesture while at the same time defining all the spaces around it.

With a weathered and rusty look, the materials complement the copper-colored design of the façade with brass detailing. Focusing on the interior, the office displays clear lines and refined details for the bespoke furniture. They are also fortified by the lighting design, creating an integrated and balanced whole.

Meanwhile, clients are welcome on the top floor with a far-reaching view of Amsterdam. This floor has a spacious lobby and varied meeting rooms. A light natural stone floor combined with integrated brass makes a contrast to the vintage leather that wraps the building cores.

The core is topped with a radiant golden colored ‘ribbon’ to highlight the generous height as well as to set the office as a characteristic landmark at night.

Via Fokkema & Partners