Alberts & Van Huut, 1988-1994
Concourslaan
Groningen

The headquarters of Gasunie in Groningen has been designed with 'organic' architecture in mind. Alberts & Van Huut created a building, which they see as a ?third skin?; their philosophy being that in addition to skin and clothing, buildings provide man with a further layer of protection against the elements from outside.

The organic theme can be found back in the entire building, thus giving it a human touch and therefore its soul. Even the furniture has been designed with this in mind. The building offers maximum flexibility and optimum communications. People can find each other easily, with central meeting places. The building has a heart, but at the same time takes full account of flexibility and security.

There are the high-rise office wings with their short hallways leading off the elevator shafts and stairs and the low-rise structures containing the required meeting places and all central services. The central foyer with its lofty, glazed stairwell gives the building the desired focal point.