Central axis at Unilever Office with illuminated signage marking different destinations.

Across the Uni-verse

At Unilever’s new corporate offices in the AIR building, Silo developed a spatial identity that brings the company’s diverse brand family together in a single, cohesive workplace. The strategy translates shared values and ambitions into tangible experiences: subtle in branding, strong in identity.

This concept extends the spatial branding direction Silo established at Unilever’s other Rotterdam location.

Client

Unilever

Partners

Architect: Fokkema & Partners
Illustration developed in collaboration Megan de Vos
Project management: CBRE
Realisation: McArt, Smeulders interieurgroep, Verwol
Photos: Eva Bloem, Silo

Illuminated signage in the windows marks Unilever's presence at the island offices on the fifth floor of AIR in Rotterdam.

Connecting to the bigger story

The design focuses on what unites Unilever rather than individual brands. The workspace tells a multi-layered story of the company, with interconnected narratives that highlight its impact, brands, and connection to everyday life. It invites employees to feel part of a bigger story, reinforcing shared values and long-term aspirations.

Scheme explaining the layers of the spatial narrative at Unilever Office.

Central axis at Unilever Office with illuminated signage marking different destinations, such as the restaurant counter.

Narrative wall at Unilever office with signage to mark the entrance to the Earth meeting room.

Illuminated signage marks restaurant buffet at Unilever.

Inspiring, expressive and enduring

Considering Unilever’s always-changing brand portfolio, we reduced logos and icons to their core, implementing them in a timeless manner. Key divisions are identified through their ethos rather than their products. This solution gives presence without being overt, ensuring lasting relevance.

The approach aligns with Fokkema’s interior design, with materials chosen for quality and longevity. The layout balances open collaborative areas with quiet spaces, supporting diverse work modes while reinforcing a sense of community.

A custom light feature floats above the long reading table at Unilever Office.

Illuminated signage "Turn ordinary chores into extraordinary moments", mounted behind glass at Unilever Office.

Detail of the custom light feature that floats above the long reading table at Unilever Office.

Illuminated signage marks the entrance to the in-office salon at Unilever.

Brightening everyday life

Across the office, layers of storytelling and visual identity enhance the architecture. A central narrative wall provides a curated canvas for Unilever’s stories – from heritage and innovation to current themes – through flexible infills. Complementing this, a subtle heritage route weaves through the building, revealing artefacts and anecdotes that celebrate Unilever’s history in everyday encounters.

Light objects, wall cladding, and other graphic interventions elevate the interior without overwhelming it, offering moments of recognition and pride. The result is an inspiring workplace that reflects the company’s collective spirit: clear, engaging and grounded in a belief to brighten everyday life for all.