Well Prologis

Doepel Strijkers designs on behalf of Prologis, the leader in logistic real-estate world wide, a Circular WELL Interior for the office and distribution center of DC5 in Tilburg. The design is based on the by Doepel Strijkers developed Toolbox for circular well interiors.

Together with the International WELL Building Institute, WELL AP M3e Groep, landscape architects Plein 06 and contractor Sprangers, the office designs in the architecture of Johan de Vries, a unique interior pilot which showcases an innovative building standard aimed at raising wellbeing for the staff at distribution centers. The design was created with principles that fall within a Gold label of the WELL certification. The project is registered at the Well Building Institute and within a few months the certification will be completed.

For the interior of DC5 the office translated the WELL features in a spatial structure. The structure is specifically developed for offices and distribution centers. The design is included in a toolbox ‘Circular Well office and warehouse’. This toolbox is a guideline for logistic real-estate. This is the first step in a standardization for Prologis that can develop in the future. The WELL standard is a new guideline and the toolbox 1.0 offers the opportunity to include new insights in order to develop the spatial translation into a 2.0 version.

The WELL Building Standard Version 1.0 applies to office spaces, where wellbeing is related to worker health, performance and motivation. In many ways a logistic warehouse is different from a standard office, not every well feature fitted to an office is compatible with the way a logistic center works and operates. Together with Prologis and M3E and the IWBI a Well Pilot project is realised for the DC5 Warehouse in Tilburg.

The spatial concept is a result of a process in which the well features are spatially translated. The design focuses on making the building healthy and understandable for its users and in the meanwhile the design stimulate social interaction and movement., Also the design aims to have maximum daylight within the building.

The floors and ceilings are connected through the stairs and walls in-between, creating a clear base. Within this base the heart of the building consists out of a closed core; connecting functions such as restrooms, locker rooms and technical spaces. By connecting the ceilings to the closed core the spatial structure is visually enhanced, creating a core in which light and installations can be overcome.

By pushing back the lowered ceilings light can get further within the building, creating a more liveable space for plants and green. Between the core and the façade, work- and meetings places, canteen and mutual spaces are positioned.
Each part of the interior has its own identity and material. This materialization of the spatial structure enhances way-finding, orientation and proves a spatial familiarity. Within the concrete base everything within the closed core is white. From the core glass walls define offices and meeting rooms, separated by acoustic walls from 100% sheep wool. The wool is sound absorbing, can absorb moisture up to 35% of its own weight at a high relative humidity and can chemically bind unwanted voc’s. All walls are positioned below the lowered ceiling, from there aluminum panels connect the walls with the façade serving as non-rhythmic sensori-stimuli by reflecting clouds and movement.

Along the length of the warehouse, the first 24 meters from the docks are part of the ‘living zone’; the part of the warehouse where people work the most. A large roof light above the living zone makes it possible to grow plants inside. A green plant element over the full width of the warehouse enhances the experience of nature and support occupants’ emotional and psychological wellbeing. Upon the mezzanine a breakout point is integrated, visually connected with the working area, but placed away from the direct operation to provide a calming environment. The breakout point has a small pantry with a Join-the-pipe water drinking point. An integrated screen provides information about health and wellness, safety within the warehouse, and shows data gathered by sensors. These sensors monitor air quality by measuring carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity and particulates.

The design is based on minimal material usage, material loss and technical handlings. Materials are selected on intrinsic qualities, durability and recyclability. Future disassembly and reuse are enabled by construction and dry connections.