ManufactuurVenlo, The Netherlands

'We discovered it was an ideal place for a wide range of creative content,' says Eric Schellevis of 2.0 Architects.

The central entrance connects three different companies (Leolux, HME, and 2.0 Architects). 2.0 Architects asked Lagotronics Projects to work with the firm and come up with a solution for the space that would optimally highlight the openness and specific nature of the buildings and businesses in them. And, of course, also allowing for the use of the space as exhibit area, presentation area and daily lunch spot...

To answer to all these requirements, Lagotronics Projects studied the central entrance in detail: it is an elongated area, meaning the distance involved is significant – especially for aspects such as sound. And with its odd angles and oak cladding of the walls and ceiling, it becomes a real echo chamber. So the layout was critical for coming up with the perfect solution.

For the ideal setup for this specific space, Lagotronics Projects chose a flexible configuration with at the centre a ceiling projector, remote-operated projection screen and heavy roller blind. The retracted screen is recessed into an alcove, as are connections for digital and analogue equipment into the walls.

The entire space is used in different ways every day, so it was divided into four sound zones and outfitted with Bose sound equipment. 'Front, centre, rear and patio' can each be provided with their own sound, or one sound source, from a simple control panel. Inside, the speakers are built in; outside, weatherproof external speakers are mounted.

The newly created, flexible spaces are the implementation of a solution that optimally embraces both the 'open character' of the space and the need for 'enclosed privacy'. Lagotronics Projects sees the success of its work in the fact that the three companies (Leolux, HME, and 2.0 Architects) now use the space virtually every day.