Designing the Booking.com City Campus: A Holistic Approach

The Booking.com City Campus, located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, designed by UNStudio and completed in 2023, stands as a testament to innovative office design and community-building. With a focus on creating a healthy and engaging work environment, the campus serves as a magnet for top talent in the tech industry.

Vision and Inspiration

In 2015, Booking.com partnered with BPD (Bouwfonds Property Development) to commission UNStudio for the design of their new campus in Amsterdam. The primary goal was to foster a healthy community, bringing employees together while attracting talent globally. Drawing inspiration from successful tech company buildings, the design aimed for a unique and unparalleled experience.

Creating a Healthy Environment

A key aspect of the design was to prioritize the physical, social, and mental well-being of Booking.com’s employees. The architecture encourages movement through engaging environments, incorporating features like stairs, bridges, and galleries across all levels. Underfloor air distribution and radiant ceilings ensure fresh air and comfortable temperatures, while attention to acoustics and lighting enhances overall comfort.

Sustainability and Efficiency

The campus boasts state-of-the-art sustainable solutions, earning a BREEAM Excellent design certificate. A connected building management system ensures seamless operations. UNStudio focused on the urban approach and architecture, while HofmanDujardin led the interior design, creating amenities like 28 themed breakout spaces, restaurants, and meeting areas. The flexible design empowers employees to tailor their workday for optimal productivity and well-being.

Future of Work and Connectivity

The design of the Booking.com City Campus reflects the company’s ethos of functional, transparent, and connected work. It serves as an integrated urban campus, embodying the future of work, life, and connectivity. With its holistic approach to design and community-building, the campus sets a new standard for office environments, fostering creativity, collaboration, and well-being.