The impact of art in the office

● 3 January 2026

Art in the office strengthens identity, fosters pride, enhances atmosphere and makes workplaces more human

● 3 January 2026

During PAN 2025, we were proud to be a partner of the fair and to host a substantive discussion on a topic that often remains underexposed in real estate strategies: the value of art in the office. At a time when workplaces increasingly revolve around identity, wellbeing and connection, we explored how art can genuinely contribute to these themes.

The panel discussion was moderated by Kai van Hasselt, real estate developer and member of the art committee at Ymere. Together with Sharon Oldenkotte Vrolijk, Director of Marketing & Communications at BPD Europe, and Mark Grol, affiliated with PAN Amsterdam and a specialist in corporate art collections, we discussed how art can be more than decoration: a strategic asset that enriches organisations.

The discussion made clear that art in the workplace only works when it is rooted in people, context and identity. What happens when employees are involved in the selection process? How do you prevent resistance or misinterpretation? And what does it ultimately deliver for the organisation as a whole? The insights, anecdotes and lessons shared during PAN 2025 are highlighted below.

A PAINTING THAT CONNECTS, OR A SOCK ON THE WALL

Olivier van Gool opened with an anecdote. He once purchased a piece of art that he believed perfectly matched the organisation. His colleagues disagreed. The artwork quickly earned the nickname “the sock” and eventually ended up in storage. Since then, he has advised companies to always involve employees when selecting art.

In another project, he showed what happens when it is done right. A photography company with a grey, uninspiring office regained its identity through photography and art. Employees felt more at home. The workplace came back to life.

ART IN THE OFFICE STARTS WITH PEOPLE

Sharon Oldenkotte Vrolijk (BPD Europe) explained how art has had a place within her organisation for nearly a century. The corporate collection is managed through a foundation and continues to grow through new office projects. Art forms one integrated story together with the building and the interior.

At the same time, she emphasised the importance of context. A piece displaying the text “This office is not open” once caused unrest among employees. By involving staff early and clearly explaining the meaning of artworks, organisations can prevent unintended friction. Support from leadership is also essential.

FROM SCEPTICISM TO PRIDE

Mark Grol (PAN Amsterdam) shared how art was once introduced at the Turmac factory, later BAT. Initially it was met with cynicism. Employees would say, “I could make that myself.” But over time, this changed into pride. It became their collection.

Years later, when the artworks were auctioned, they generated not only publicity but also financial returns. His message was clear: art must add value to the environment and align with the identity of the organisation.

WHEN ART WORKS FOR EVERYONE

Organisations that want to introduce art into the workplace should involve employees in the selection process. This builds support and makes art part of the daily experience.

Choose art that connects to the organisation’s story. This can be done literally, for example by selecting local artists or themes that reinforce the company’s mission. Always provide context by sharing the story behind the artwork. Engage an advisor who understands both the content of art and the dynamics of the workplace. And most importantly, position art within the broader strategy around real estate and organisational identity.

Curious about the full story and the atmosphere of the discussion?

Download the full PAN 2025 recap, including photography from the session, speaker quotes and additional insights on art in the workplace.

Olivier van Gool

Partner & Strategic Advisor

[email protected]

+31 (0)6 534 709 09

Check how we do this with

Design & Build

You might also be interested in…

To all news items

Hier werken jassen!

28 April 2026

The guiding principle of the housing concept

3 November 2025

― We often see photos of fantastic, luxurious offices and we love to showcase them too. But this time, we’re going back to basics. Inspired by the work of our client, Laurens Thuiszorg in Rotterdam. Two years ago, we delivered the workplace concept: a spatial program of requirements and a conceptual floor plan that could be applied across the entire portfolio. As always, these calculations, drawings, and stories were captured visually, all within just three pages.

Boosting social health with smart office design

4 September 2025

― A modern office design is much more than just a collection of desks and chairs. In an era where hybrid working has become the norm, the office plays an increasingly important role as a meeting place. Social health—the extent to which employees feel connected, safe, and engaged—is essential. Yet, this aspect is often overlooked when designing the workplace. It’s high time to strategically prioritize your office design.

Successful expansion? How to approach international office housing

9 March 2026

― As soon as you open an office in Germany, France or the United States, you will encounter local rules that differ significantly from what you are used to. This certainly applies to office accommodation. On paper, the criteria seem the same everywhere. Accessibility, square footage, appearance, sustainability and flexibility. The negotiation topics are also familiar. Rent levels, indexation, renewal options, subletting and handover obligations come up in every country. However, the real differences lie in the details, the legal context, market practices and, above all, in the question of who is actually advising you. Especially in international office accommodation, these differences can have major financial and strategic consequences.

To what extent does the renovation of an office contribute to climate change?

17 August 2025

― In our latest whitepaper, we explore the relationship between CO₂ emissions and workplace accommodation in the broadest sense. We take a closer look at CO₂ emissions resulting from: the energy consumption of the office commuting the office fit-out In this blog, we zoom in on the impact of renovation and interior design on CO₂ emissions.

From Living Room to Office

16 August 2025

― The line between home and work is fading. Where the office once stood for efficiency and structure, a more homely, living-room feel is now taking center stage in workplace design. People want environments that feel welcoming, comfortable and inspiring. This shift is not merely a response to hybrid working; it reflects a broader trend: the office as a place of connection and well-being.

Why One Office Works and Another Doesn’t, Even When They’re the Same Size

28 July 2025

― Parella had to temporarily relocate the entire office because the building owner was adjusting our indoor climate system. Luckily, a client around the corner had an empty upper floor available, so we moved in. The number of square metres was identical to our own office, so it seemed like it would work out fine.

More than a B Corp™ certification

16 September 2026

― Over the past year, during a number of tenders, we noticed something striking. Clients were increasingly asking about certifications in the field of sustainability and responsible business practices. We were convinced that sustainability had already been woven into our independent workplace advisory services for years, into the way we design work environments, and into our company culture. The only problem was, we couldn’t actually substantiate that. That question became the starting point of our search for a certification that truly fits Parella. We weren’t looking for a system built mainly around procedures and checkboxes. We wanted an independent standard that aligns with how we, as a workplace advisor, want to work, and one that would help us keep growing. That search led us to Certified B Corporation™.

Subleasing: always in our client’s best interest

26 January 2026

― In a tight office market or when workplace strategies are changing, subleasing can be a smart solution. But whose interests are really being represented? At Parella Netherlands, we are completely transparent: when we are involved in a sublease, it is always exclusively on behalf of the tenant. Never for landlords or real estate investors. We are an independent real estate advisor dedicated solely to representing the interests of tenants and end users.

New ROZ amendment saves non-VAT-liable tenants thousands of euros

28 October 2025

― Recently, the model lease agreement for office space issued by the Dutch Real Estate Council (ROZ) was amended, with significant financial implications for a specific group of tenants: organizations that are not subject to VAT. These include healthcare institutions, educational organizations, non-profit organizations, and certain cultural institutions. For this group, the amendment presents a unique opportunity to structurally reduce rental costs—provided they act in a timely and strategic manner.