27/03/2013 – JWT is one of the largest advertising agencies in the United States and the fourth largest in the world. Earlier this year it moved into its new Amsterdam headquarters in the historic Hirsch&Cie building, also home to the Apple Store. The project for JWT Amsterdam is the result of a collaboration between two local designers RJW Elsinga and Alrik Koudenburg.
JWT Amsterdam, led by Ralph Wisbrun and creative director Bas Korsten, was completely redesigned before the move around a new way of working: playful yet serious and professional. The agency’s philosophy of "Seriously Surprising" can be felt from the entrance, where something unexpected waits around every corner: an upside-down castle image at reception, a greenhouse-like meeting room with large plants, architectural tree sculptures, and drawings by Dutch artists from Kamp Horst and Norwegian artist Anders Rokkum. Visitors do not simply stop; they want to explore the 1,850 square meters, which perfectly reflect the agency’s motto.
The traditional approach was rethought around three new departments: "Think", "Do", and "Make".
For "Think", Koudenburg & Elsinga created an inspirational garden where thoughts can flow. The room includes a library and a podium overlooking Leidseplein. The Think department is where ideas and projects are developed around strategy, technology, and connectivity.
The "Do" section becomes a city that works like a hive, where JWT employees organize ideas together with teams from concept, online, activation, and print production.
"Make", finally, looks like a happy factory: a toolbox of digital creativity where craftspeople bring ideas to life.
Anna Lohan
Peter Dark
Yolande A. Bow
Taus Kishiev
