The ARBARO-team wanted the Van Unnik to function as and look like a forest; a healthy environment that is open to everyone and functioning through self-oranization. To achieve this, they developed several concept ideas. A tubular skylight will bring as much natural light as possible into the inner parts of the building. Artificial lighting in the building will follow the circadian clock, bringing a sense of the outside world into the building. In addition, a green facade with geometric windows allows for adaptable, optimized illumination. Movable green walls can be used to create small working areas (similar to niches found in nature) for better team work and focus.  

Thermal comfort Student team °Change pictured the Van Unnik building as a living organism. The human body inspired them in the development of a sustainable and personalized heating system. The ‘hypothalamus’ regulates temperature distribution, the ‘digestive tract’ generates heat whilst processing biomass, which will then be distributed throughout the building via the ‘heart’ and ‘capillaries’. The building facade will function like the human skin, and can regulate temperature with a temperature-responsive installation inspired by goosebumps.