Van Nellefabriek - Interior design
In 1916 the Van Nelle company, manufacturer of coffee, tea and tobacco, bought a site along the Delfshavense Schie in Rotterdam. Under direction of Cees van der Leeuw The Van Nelle Factory was built here between 1927 and 1930: the first daylight factory in Europe and thus the most modern industrial complex in the Netherlands.
The factory is now considered the most important industrial monument in the Netherlands, recognized worldwide and on the UNESCO World Heritage List since June 2014. No longer a source of coffee, tea and tobacco, The Van Nellefabriek is still characterized by activity and modernity. The complex is now used as an office complex and event location, but above all an inspiring meeting place for creative minds and entrepeneurs, event visitors and architecture enthusiasts all over the world.
Challenge
The Van Nellefabriek is an Unesco monument. Every year tens of thousands of (international) tourists visit the site to experience the beauty of the historical modern architecture. The shop functions as a supermarket for the renters on the premises and as a souvenir shop for tourists; the products offered range from memorabilia to fresh food.
The interior, consisting of store shelves and refrigerators, should both be functional and a decorative expression of the historical theme.
The shelves should not only store everyday products but also function as an appealing display of souvenirs.
Much of the light comes from the big windows that also give a beautiful view outwards. These can not be obstructed. There are also restrictions on what can be seen from the outside: it is not allowed to place signs and advertisements within a small range from the windows.
Solution
To create a functional interior that expands on the experience of the historical site, we first looked at the floorplan. The client made a list of product types and volumes. We then made a map where shelves and fridges should go, keeping in mind the aisle should be spacious enough to accommodate many tourists at once without blocking the view outside and paths of everyday shoppers.
We then researched dutch furniture from the 1920’s and ‘30’s to make sure the shapes, colors and materials fit the experience.
Because of the Unesco status of the building, we were prohibited to design constructions fixed to the walls or hanging from the ceiling. Therefore we designed shelves that reach above eyesight level but with open constructions to keep an unobstructed view.
Het Gevonden Voorwerp turned our designs into beautiful furniture.
