Project Sid Lee
Stepping into Sid Lee’s Amsterdam headquarters, it’s clear this is no ordinary office. In fact, there isn’t a single traditional desk in sight. Housed in a heritage-listed canal-house building, the interior has been completely reimagined as a landscape of playful, carefully crafted architectural elements that provide anything but a typical workplace feeling. The international branding agency commissioned a radical redesign of their workspace, and the result is a joyful, theatrical composition of spaces that spark
creativity while respecting the monumentality of the old building.
Instead of generic office furniture, the design introduced a series of custom-built installations, each with its own character and purpose. All these elements come together to form a cohesive environment for working, meeting, socializing, and even playing. At the same time, they highlight and complement the historic features of the building rather than detract from them. Notably, several unique zones within the office received whimsical nicknames that capture their spirit:
“Whim Wham Wall” – a 25-meter-long, 6-meter-tall cabinet wall that serves as a central spine for storage, display and impromptu gatherings.
“Oval Office” – an open, oval-shaped area with flexible partitions, allowing teams to reconfigure their space for collaboration on the fly.
“Precious” – a shining golden box that encloses the core functions (staircase and restrooms), turning mundane features into a glamorous centerpiece.
“Glass Cage of Emotions” – a pair of transparent meeting rooms flanked by pivoting cabinets, which can open or close to adjust privacy and acoustics as needed.
“War Room” – a dramatic boardroom equipped with an elevating conference table, designed for high-energy creative sessions and decision-making.
Each of these interventions encourages Sid Lee’s team and visitors to interact in new ways. From informal chats by the Whim Wham Wall to focused meetings in the Glass Cage of Emotions, the office provides an array of atmospheres to suit every activity. The overall design blurs the line between workplace and playground, reflecting Sid Lee’s identity as a creative agency and making “the end of the traditional office” feel like a tangible reality.
Instead of generic office furniture, the design introduced a series of custom-built installations, each with its own character and purpose. All these elements come together to form a cohesive environment for working, meeting, socializing, and even playing. At the same time, they highlight and complement the historic features of the building rather than detract from them. Notably, several unique zones within the office received whimsical nicknames that capture their spirit:
“Whim Wham Wall” – a 25-meter-long, 6-meter-tall cabinet wall that serves as a central spine for storage, display and impromptu gatherings.
“Oval Office” – an open, oval-shaped area with flexible partitions, allowing teams to reconfigure their space for collaboration on the fly.
“Precious” – a shining golden box that encloses the core functions (staircase and restrooms), turning mundane features into a glamorous centerpiece.
“Glass Cage of Emotions” – a pair of transparent meeting rooms flanked by pivoting cabinets, which can open or close to adjust privacy and acoustics as needed.
“War Room” – a dramatic boardroom equipped with an elevating conference table, designed for high-energy creative sessions and decision-making.
Each of these interventions encourages Sid Lee’s team and visitors to interact in new ways. From informal chats by the Whim Wham Wall to focused meetings in the Glass Cage of Emotions, the office provides an array of atmospheres to suit every activity. The overall design blurs the line between workplace and playground, reflecting Sid Lee’s identity as a creative agency and making “the end of the traditional office” feel like a tangible reality.
Location Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Program Office
Client Sid Lee
Floor Area 800m2
Status Completed in 2015
