Firda

Multifunctional and flexible

Firda offers a wide range of training courses at different levels for young people and adults in Friesland and North Flevoland. The latest calling card of this trainer is the school location in the stadium of SC Cambuur. On weekdays, 1,000 students and 150 employees work and study here.
In addition to the Economics & Entrepreneurship and Grooming programmes and the apprenticeship company for Security, Firda also houses support services and the Executive Board here. Thanks to the multifunctional layout and flexible furniture, the football club takes over the stadium silently at the weekend.

Change of position

The new school in Leeuwarden has 8,000 square meters spread over three floors. During the design process, a conscious effort was made to see how the spaces can easily and quickly switch from educational to sports club function. Of course, this also requires flexibility and versatility from the furniture, says Marco Teeuwen, account manager at Ahrend. 'For example, for the skyboxes and open-plan areas, we used from the Ahrend collection the 314, Cross and Aero tables with the Ahrend chairs Revolt, Prime and Well. There are multifunctional picnic and standing tables in the walkway of the station.'

Sustainable UNESCO school

Marco did not only find the design of a 'school slash stadium' unique. The involvement of all cooperating parties and the high sustainability ambition of both clients are also special. 'Firda is a Unesco school where 'Sustainable development' is one of the Global Goals. Partly for this reason, Firda has reused good and beautifully used furniture. Ahrend has been able to supplement this with sustainable furniture. Because Ahrend has taken circularity so far, we can easily meet those sustainability ambitions with our collection.'

Firda about Ahrend

'The cooperation with all partners was good: from the start, everyone was focused on the content. And that went in all directions: Cambuur wants the most sustainable stadium in the Netherlands and Firda wants to offer students real practical experiences. For example, security students work in the control room during matches and as stewards and reception staff. The hairdresser and beauty salon are easily accessible to customers and the nearby presence of WTC Expo proves to be inspiring for economics students.
The opening was exciting, because in the end, users determine success. Especially the changes between sports location on weekends and school during the week. Is the skybox good enough for VIP guests and can be quickly converted into an open learning center? Does the furniture fit teachers, students but also supporters? We were positive from the start, but now that everything is working, this location exceeds everyone's expectations.'

Jaap van Bruggen, facility manager at Firda

Film and photography: Stijn Poelstra