With the new building for De Kooi awaiting execution, we spoke to helicopter pilot Jan Parleviet. He is the project lead for the new facility on behalf of Squadron 860, which will share the building with Squadron 990 at the naval air base in Den Helder. With offices, hangars, a wash bay, storage and logistics all coming together in one design, the programme is extensive.
At cepezed, we found you remarkably accessible for a project lead. It felt like we could call you with any question at any time.
“I think it is a matter of priorities. I consider this project an important one. Even though I am not the client, I represent the end user and for them it is essential that the result is good.”
The final design is now in place and the contractor selection procedure is underway. Will it indeed become a good workplace?
“The unit I work with consists of several departments, with different entities and specific activities. As a helicopter pilot I belong to Operations, although I have been mostly office-based recently. The requirements for those offices also vary; for instance, there is a dedicated space for classified information. In the building, maintenance takes place in a hangar, the logistics staff need multiple counters, storage space and an area where equipment can be prepared for lending, and then there is, for example, a room where flight gear is maintained.”
At the same time, a shared identity also had to take shape.
“We indeed share an identity and also several spaces, such as recreational areas and briefing rooms.”
Did you feel users had sufficient input?
“I feel we found the right partner in cepezed. Because I cannot decide for someone else what their workplace should look like, we organised a series of workshops that cepezed always prepared and facilitated well. The basis for the design was the programme of requirements, and within the room it allowed, we made adjustments. I experienced the collaboration as very positive, we made good use of the available space.”
What did the user sessions look like?
“We would gather around the table with tracing paper, sketch ideas and exchange thoughts. I found it an effective way of working.”