A tip from Rik: Broeinest

For today's tip we head to Strijp-S, a district packed with creative institutions and cultural hotspots. With Rik we walk to the Glasgebouw (literally translated as glass building), where one of his favorite creative meeting places in the city is located: Broeinest.

From materials database to workspace

Broeinest is a materials database, founded in 2015 by Baars & Bloemhoff, Eindhoven wholesaler of interior materials. With a library full of 4000 unique materials, architects and designers can stop by for advice and project guidance, become inspired by all the colours and textures and get to work in the open workspace. Broeinest also offers an extensive programme of workshops, lectures, experiments and events, such as the annual Dutch Design Week (DDW). Every year during this week, Broeinest organises its own exhibition and is part of the DDW Trend Tour, in which it focuses on topics such as sustainability and circularity.

Glasgebouw

With Rik’s background in architecture, it is inevitable that he tells us something about the characteristic Glasgebouw, in which Broeinest is located. This building was built in 1948 and served as the Philips headquarters for international glass production. Today, the Glasgebouw is a monument, and if you look closely you can see the hierarchy of Philips in it. On the three lower floors there were large machines and staff working day and night. Above that you see five floors where offices were located, and the very top floor (note the balcony and large windows) was for management. Today, a mixture of companies are located inside the building, including lawyers, landscape designers, media parties and more.

Visit Broeinest

Nowadays you can also find this concept in Rotterdam, Amsterdam and soon also in Utrecht. Stop by while visiting Strijp-S, look around and have a cup of coffee in the Broeinest Café. Also pay attention to the ping pong table, which, according to Rik, nobody can stay away from. Maybe even give it your best shot. And for those interested in materials, visit one of the regular organised readings, such as their special veneer nights.