SOZAWE Groningen

The new SOZAWE building in Groningen houses the Centre for Work and Income, the Groningen Credit Bank and the UWV. The building, designed by MVSA Architects, is organised around two large atria that serve as meeting places. Karres en Brands designed the courtyards in the atria and the gardens on the adjoining balconies.

In the eastern atrium are the public entrance and various reception counters. The western atrium is larger, and serves as a meeting place for employees. The garden in the large atrium, which varies in height from two to five storeys, is a green oasis within the building, through which circulation routes pass and certain spots are incorporated. Three large islands, designed to be planted with vegetation and trees, organise the pedestrian routes and the utilisation of the space. The curved lines of the seating edges, which combined offer 250 metres of sitting space, form sheltered spots for quiet seclusion, an informal consultation in the sunlight, or a break with a view of the surroundings. The white colour of the seating elements corresponds with the clear architecture of the building and, at the same time, form a contrast with the warm bamboo flooring.

At different levels, balconies, walkways, and work areas flank the open space of the atrium, making possible various perspectives from throughout the building on the greenery of the balconies, gardens, and the eight-metre-high trees. The two balconies in the atrium are also planted, between which informal spaces for discussion are situated.

The second courtyard is located on the third floor, adjacent to the eastern atrium and the glass facade of the third storey. This garden has a different use and design: five large rings with wide edges for sitting contain plants of varying types and heights. Via the garden, employees can take a shorter route through the building, and the wide seating edges provide opportunities for a peaceful dialogue, a quiet workstation, or a panoramic view of the city.