Third Office

Date: 
First semester 2022/2023
Expertise Areas: 
Business & Entrepreneurship, Technology & Realization, Design & Research Processes

Third Office is a concept by studio Van Eijk & Van der Lubbe, where employees can work for one or a few days a week in a location other than the office or at home. Ideally within a 15-minute walk or cycle from the home address. Use would be free for the employee, and Third Office is part of employers’ mobility policy.

To make this possible, the concept consists of a platform on which suitable workplaces can be found and booked. In addition, the platform also offers the opportunity to get in touch with colleagues, friends or family and work together at a location. Furthermore, Third Office also provides insight into the savings on CO2, for example.

The Third Office locations are diverse and form a close-knit network throughout the country. They offer high-quality workplaces and a recognizable interface. Third Offices together form a range of locations with a wide range of facilities and different types of workplaces.

By reducing long journeys to the office, Third Office aims to reduce the CO2 footprint of our commuting traffic and also ensure fewer delays and crowds along the way. Furthermore, Third Office aims to make employees happier with a focus on more flexibility, inspiration, working comfort and connection with others. The smart use of space is also important for the concept, whereby space and energy are shared and growth and shrinkage of companies can be facilitated.

The concept was developed during a What If lab challenge by design studio Van Eijk & Van der Lubbe. I came into contact with it during the Dutch Design Week and subsequently became involved in further research into the feasibility of this concept.

I was actively involved in designing and visualizing the features of the Third Office platform and the locations. I also contributed to the project by developing, among other things, a value proposition, roadmap, and pitch slides. In addition, I learned a lot during interviews with various discussion partners and I presented the concept several times at the Dutch Design Week, on the inspiration days at Rijkswaterstaat and in discussions with clients from RWS.