Working in the 21st Century
12-1-2007 | Other news
On Tuesday the 9th of January 2007, a 3D presentation was the virtual start to building the new Rabobank administrative offices in Utrecht, set to be completed and in use by July 2010.
'Virtual start' for Rabobank’s new administrative centre in Utrecht.
Following a presentation by Bert Heemskerk, Chairman of the Board of Directors Rabobank Group, in the presence of architect Rob Ligtvoet, contractors Heijmans/JP van Eesteren and the Utrecht city council, the Mayor of Utrecht pressed a button on a large screen, setting a virtual boring machine into motion.
The actual building of the offices will commence in spring this year. The building will be one of the most sustainable office complexes in the Netherlands, through the use of sustainable materials, low energy use, good temperature control and applying flexible working conditions.
Not only a new building, but a new way of working
Following Interpolis working methods
In 2004, when the Board of Directors was planning a new building in Utrecht, Piet van Schijndel, one of Heemskerk’s colleagues on the Rabobank Board of Directors, was in charge at Interpolis. During the planning of the new Interpolis head office in the Netherlands, van Schijndel realised, with the huge possibilities offered by ICT and the demands of the modern client, a new working methodology and architecture to match was called for; an entirely new concept for Interpolis’ way of working, demanding a new sort of architecture. The result was that only one of the two office towers planned for Interpolis was built, and staff gave up their fixed workplaces. With great success, a new entrepreneurial culture and working method were quickly introduced. Now a paragon of this new way of working, Interpolis is one of the top 3 Dutch insurers and has a crystal clear image underpinned by a result-oriented and entrepreneurial culture.
Rabobank Nederland is now also taking the opportunity of introducing a new working style that takes into account new customer demands, ICT and a new mentality development amongst staff. Individuals increasingly want to determine how they can best approach their work. It is no longer essential to be in the office to do your job. You can do it at home, or at the client’s premises; it’s about the results achieved to do the job and the way in which you work with your colleagues.
Originally under the banner of Het Nieuwe Werken (New Work) the project group created to develop the new working style have recently started using the term Rabo Unplugged for their activities; inspired by the series of unplugged concerts started by the American music channel MTV in 1989: (semi) acoustic performances by pop musicians that normally only performed with electric amplification. Rabo Unplugged stands for Rabobank Nederland’s no-nonsense approach: Genuine. Personal. A stage for talent. Close to home. Involved. Trend setting.
Rabo Unplugged will be shaping the Rabo work style over the coming years. The building complex in Utrecht will be an important factor in this development; however, the project includes all other Rabobank Nederland buildings. Their layout will change and the role of ICT will increase. All staff will be stimulated to work more independently. According to the Rabo Unplugged spirit.
Bert Heemskerk, Chairman of the Board of Directors Rabobank Group writes:
When a cooperative bank decides to build a new administrative centre, it is setting itself a challenge. The building must avoid being an arrogant head office that makes you feel small when you enter. For us, this building has to be inviting. When representatives from member banks enter, they should feel at home and understand that the people working there are there for them.What applies to our member banks also holds true for our clients and our staff. In a time when speedball ICT developments are making it possible for everyone to have permanent and full access to all information, we aim to offer an inspiring environment in which people will gladly and effectively work together.
Our new administrative centre will be a living community with facilities for work, sport, shopping and relaxation. We are building a sustainable building with inspiring architecture. We have chosen materials that will last and we are being frugal in the way we handle energy. We will use space efficiently and create flexible workspaces. The space we are creating will allow everyone who enters to work together in the modern way. Independent of time and place. With more entrepreneurship. Working in the 21st century.
Click on this link to view a 1.5 minute virtual tour of the new Rabobank administrative centre.
