Royal Ahrend office project interior view of ABB in Diegem M0218

ABB

With The Wings, the international office district of Brussels Airport has gained an impressive complex, with office spaces, co-working facilities, a hotel and restaurants. The prestigious building with the BREEAM Excellent, WELL Gold and DGNB Gold certificates is a first for Belgium. ABB has moved into the first floor. This international technology company operates at the intersection of electrification and automation, developing innovative solutions that make industrial processes more efficient, smarter and more sustainable. Meliopus developed the interior design for ABB's new office and took care of the total furnishings. Ahrend supplied new, circular furniture. 'I am super positive about Ahrend.'

Machelen, Belgium

Energy-neutral office environment

ABB contributes to a more sustainable world through automation and digitization. It is not surprising that the international company chose to establish itself in the first certified CO2 and energy-neutral office environment in Belgium. Also not surprising: ABB reuses desks and office chairs and opted for new circular furniture from Ahrend, says Ilse Franssen, Business Development Manager at Ahrend. 'We used room-in-room solutions (Ahrend Qabin Call), tables (Ahrend Kolm), poufs (Ahrend Assist), and sustainable armchairs and conference chairs from Ahrend, Deberenn and other brands. In this choice, we worked together with interior designer Isolde Devalckeneer, from Meliopus.'

Royal Ahrend office project interior view of ABB in Diegem M0336

Design & build

This project is characterized by the so-called design & build. This means that Meliopus, as a full-service facility expert , has done everything for ABB: from locks on the door to carpeting and from interior design to furniture. Isolde: 'ABB came to us with a clear, but broad question: they wanted to be completely unburdened in the design of their new office space. We were given the floor shell. That meant that we could literally start from scratch: a unique opportunity to design a fully customized working environment."

‘As a program manager, I can blindly rely on this partner’

Kristian Tudik program manager on behalf of ABB at Meliopus

Furniture reinforced concept

The assignment was to create an environment with meeting rooms, workplaces and various work zones that reflects ABB's identity, supports the working method and is ready for the future. Isolde: 'The design process started with a building analysis. From here, I strategically positioned the various functions, for example by assigning light-filled zones to collective or dynamic workplaces.'

After the spatial analysis, colour and atmosphere were determined. 'I was looking for furniture that reinforces the concept, fits aesthetically, is functional and comfortable and of good, sustainable quality.'

Royal Ahrend office project interior view of ABB in Diegem M0100

Co-creation

What makes this project special, according to Isolde, is the strong bond of trust with ABB and their involvement throughout the process. 'That also applies to the partners we worked with. This creates co-creation. For example, in the Ahrend showroom, we really made choices together within the framework of the designs. This ensured that ABB carries the end result and shows a strong cohesion. I am proud of the whole process and the end result.'

Meliopus about Ahrend

'I have worked with Ahrend before to my full satisfaction. Because of that experience and the modern, trendy and circular range, I suggested to ABB that they also consider Ahrend for their new office furniture. They are very satisfied with the result. The director of ABB NV has praised the total interior design several times.
As a program manager, I not only look at the look and feel, but also at the overall process. I am very positive about Ahrend. Fast response time, clear agreements that are kept, immediate answers to additional questions, timely follow-up of delivery and installation, correct installation and quick action, for example because the Ahrend Qabins had to be moved...
As a program manager, I can blindly rely on this partner. Together we have realized a very nice and functional project within time and budget.'

Kristian Tudik, program manager on behalf of ABB at Meliopus

Photography: Yann Deschepper \ Meliopus