Biggest project ever: constructing a temporary theatre for Farnborough Airshow 2008

Content

Table of Contents
Coverstory

Farnborough in Brief
18

Fire at TU Delft: De Boer rescues the academic year Bravo for Le Mans Barcelona fashion week sets the tone

Graduates housed in De Boer in More than just a
temporary 'pole position' fashion show
lecture halls 6 8 10

Björn Brännberg, Director of the Volvo Ocean Race: Temporary Sales Office in Dubai Mobile showrooms for Audi

"Volvo and De Boer, The art of elegant A stylish experience
a winning team" engineering
16 24 26
2

deboer.com | Coverstory 10

Around the globe
4
The World Revolves Around the Alps

Live from UEFA EURO 2008™
12
De Meerse Op Locatie

Opening night at temporary
theatre
14 COVERSTORY 10

Publisher:
De Boer
A look behind the scenes in the R&D Department
Berend-Jan Rietveld, Onno Koole,
Smart design, made to order Corporate Marketing & Communications

22 Laanenderweg 11
1812 PW Alkmaar
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Destination: Barcelona i | www.deboer.com

28 Online at
Contributors:
Irene Beatty, Isabel Benjumeda, Kai
Beste, Berber de Boer, Mical de Boer,
Business Continuity Services
www.deboer.com/cs10 Emelie von Bothmer, Cristina Cabezas,
Business as usual Niclas Nohrén, Tim Smedts (De Boer).

30 Bank Austria GolfOpen (AT)
Ron Bongers (chief editor), Rachel
Van der Werf (account manager), Elles
Ernste (magazine coordinator), Dorien
The Brewers of Europe Celebrate Fifty Years
Garage Paolini (BE) Dijkhuis, Joost Scholten (editor), Marion
Moes (corrector), Sofie Sinoo, Ronald
Nothing is impossible Filmfestival Gent (BE) Fruin (design), Francis Vos, Ron van

32 Graz-Reininghaus ATP Tennis Masters
(DE)
Dam (production & traffic).

Circulation:
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added value reproduced without the publisher's

33 HISWA te water (NL)

All Weather Hall Storage (SE)
express permission.

Concept/editing/production:
ATP Agency
A Selection of International projects for 2009
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What's ahead f | +31 346 – 55 90 99

34 Goodwood Festival of Speed (UK) i | www.atpagency.nl

3


Around the globe
An evening under the stars
An entertaining evening in the middle of inside the Alu Hall stars were shining. The
the Olympic stadium, a gala hosted under gala was hosted by TV sports presenter
a starry sky visible through a transparent Toine van Peperstraten and there was music
roof. This was the special setting that Fonds by singer/pianist Julian Thomas, cabaret by
Gehandicaptensport, a Dutch charitable entertainer Freek de Jonge and an auction,
fund, wanted for the National Gala for organised by auctioneer Job Ubbens of
disabled sports, an annual event that comes Christie's. The fully transparent structure
about thanks to sponsors and partners. not only lent itself as an ideal venue for
As De Boer's Alu Hall is available fully a special evening, but also enabled the
transparent, it was the solution that the Fund theme of the evening to be beautifully
'Traditional pink' was looking for. Not only in the sky, but also demonstrated. £

The National and Urdd Eisteddfods are
among the oldest cultural gatherings in The sky is the limit
Wales and therefore a great opportunity
to promote the language and culture At the end of May, ILA Berlin 2008 between De Boer and ILA was only
of this country to the rest of world. The welcomed more than a thousand exhibitors established in recent years, the company's
Youth Eisteddfod ran first, followed by the from forty countries and over 250,000 reputation in the world of international
National Eisteddfod in August. Pop, rock, visitors. The gathering, also known as aviation was already well established. For
hip-hop, hymns, ballads, literature, arts & the International Aerospace Exhibition & instance, for many years De Boer has been
crafts, classic plays and comedy shows Conferences, is one of the world's largest partner and supplier to the impressive
- all art forms were represented. For the aviation and aerospace exhibitions/air Farnborough International Airshow, the
National Eisteddfod, De Boer provided shows. It is also the oldest aviation event world's largest aviation event (see pages
the spectacular Pink Galaxy, measuring in the world, founded nearly one hundred 18 to 21). £
an impressive 4,600 m2. Furthermore, De years ago in 1909. Though the partnership
Boer built an additional 30 accommodation
areas that were used as theatre and large
exhibition areas, where literature was recited
and Welsh language classes were taught.
More than 250,000 visitors are able to look
back at two very successful festivals. £

Swinging music festivals
The figures are impressive: in Belgium Pukkelpop, it annually builds all the tents
alone, no fewer than 1.2 million people where performances take place and in
visited the big music festivals this year. A Werchter it provides food and drink stalls,
record, and with 152,000 and 319,000 artists' restaurant and all VIP areas. De Boer
visitors respectively, Pukkelpop and Rock also provides Pukkelpop with flooring for
Werchter made a significant contribution. the audience, to save them from wet feet
De Boer has enjoyed a good relationship on the usually swampy ground. The flooring
with both festivals for many years. For guarantees the 'dance-ability' of the site. £

4

Around the Globe

Volvo Ocean Race
Hospitality areas for
Telefonica and Volvo
Cars Spain
At the beginning of October, Alicante was
transformed into the sailing capital of the
world when a temporary village of 38,000
m2 appeared in the Spanish harbour city.
On October 11th, the starting signal of the
Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009, a sailing
race around the world that lasts nine Opening with a playful theme
months, was sounded. Several events and
activities, open to the general public, were Hosting an annual get-together for clients a special reception area; stylish with the
organised in the village around the harbour. and showcasing a new head office were perfect atmosphere for an event. From
Among various facilities, De Boer built the reason enough for international software serious panel discussions to light-hearted
hospitality area for the Volvo Ocean Race and ICT specialist Unit 4 Agresso to host cabaret, from a laser show with DJ to
Telefonica Team that participated in the a party – a really special party. The event presentations of new software solutions;
sailing race and the hospitality area for Volvo – in Sliedrecht – had to feel like a festival, the area lent itself perfectly to the diverse
Cars Spain as well. A guest column by Volvo hence the name 'Software Valley', a playful activities that took place during Software
Ocean Race director Björn Brännberg on variation on Silicon Valley and dance Valley. Spread over four days, no fewer
page 16 provides further information on the festival Dance Valley. than 2,500 people visited Unit 4 Agresso's
race and the collaboration with De Boer. £ 'festival' in Sliedrecht. £
With Software Valley, Unit 4 Agresso wanted
More on www.deboer.com/cs10 to professionally entertain their associates,
customers and employees by creating a More on www.deboer.com/cs10
unique party and festival atmosphere. De
Boer's Olympia was eminently suitable as Photography: Sander van der Torren

Renault World Series
There were many intense racing moments allowing spectators to feast their eyes
on the circuits of Spa-Francorchamps, on the latest Renault and Renault Sports
Silverstone, Hungaroring, Nürburgring, Le models, all Renault F1 cars and sporty
Mans, Estoril and Catalunya during the Renault old-timers and purchase all kinds of
Renault World Series as dozens of Formula merchandise. Formula 1 simulators enabled
Renault 2.0 and 3.5 racing cars tore along visitors to take the wheel themselves, and
the tracks. And De Boer travelled along with provided unique memories for all types
the Renault World Series. At every circuit, of drivers. All in all, the event was an
several temporary areas were built, unforgettable experience. £

Golf from a Skybox
August was yet again a thrilling month in consisting of double-deck structures last year, countless golf magazines praised
Sweden when the annual SAS Masters golf combined with Alu Halls, providing a perfect the unique atmosphere it created, making it a
tournament took place on the Arlandastad view. When this configuration was first used certain feature for this year. £
Golf Course in Arlanda/Rosersberg. The
SAS Masters is Sweden's most prestigious
golf event and is always eagerly anticipated
by the international golf world. 2008 marked
the fifth occasion that De Boer had taken
care of building the sponsors' village and the
press, staff, starters' and players' tents. The
showpieces of the temporary accommodation
were the Skyboxes at the 18th green,

5

First Impression

Fire at TU Delft: De Boer rescues the academic year

Graduating in a
temporary lecture
theatre
It was front page news: in same nearly happened to The next morning, De Boer Senior Account
mid-May an enormous fire their graduation. Based on De Manager Pieter Rol visited the site in order
destroyed a 13-storey building Boer's extensive international to draw up plans for setting up temporary
within the architecture faculty experience and reputation accommodation at a nearby university
at the Delft University of in offering emergency site as soon as possible. Two days later,
Technology in the Netherlands. accommodation in the event of the first accommodation structures were
A huge amount of student disaster, the university got in constructed; the following two days were
work went up in flames and contact immediately after the spent on fitting out: placing two units
for some of the students, the fire. for security and data input, (emergency)

6


 Total floor area of 5 Alu Halls 3,725 m2

 Walkway of 60 m2
seemed to go up in smoke together with
 3 Pyramids of 9 m2 each the building. Luckily this was not the case!
No-one had thought we would be able to
resume our everyday life so soon. The area
is lovely and light thanks to the 'sky lights'
in the roof of the accommodations and
to hope it would be only a week after the the windows. The walkway is also brilliant.
fire. An additional benefit of the layout of You're able to walk from tent one to tent five
the temporary facilities is that I now get to without getting wet. An additional advantage
speak with colleagues who I would normally is that we 'have to have' picnics on the
never have met." grass as we've lost our canteen. All in all, the
accommodation exceeds my expectations
Merel Cornel, in all respects. The architecture faculty
service point employee was more than just a building; the people
"The Service point answers questions and who work there and study are also part of
One of the five lecture halls ensures that problems and complaints are it. The building is no longer there, but the
special architecture atmosphere remains
lighting, heating, air-conditioning, electricity, thanks to the design, decoration and division
flooring, sanitary facilities and steel ramps of the replacement areas. I hope that the
to ensure accessibility. As well as Alu Halls, atmosphere continues to grow during the
De Boer built three Pyramid structures that new academic year when more students
functioned as smoking areas. A week later, arrive, but we will probably have graduated
the entire temporary campus was ready by then. In a tent!" £
to receive more than 1,200 students and
lecturers. Of the five Alu Halls built (all
inter-connected by a walkway), four had a
surface floor area of 825 m2; the fifth had
a surface floor area of 425 m2. Dividing
walls separated the areas into lecture Merel Cornel, service point employee

theatres, open plan offices with meeting
rooms and a large reception area, with room passed on to the correct person within the
for the Service point and coffee and cold architecture faculty. It was vital that we were
drinks machines. The first impressions from able to resume this front-of-house role for
students and lecturers were very positive students and lecturers as soon as possible
and several 'architectural' remarks followed after the fire. I was mainly hoping for a new
as the temporary campus was becoming work area. I had no idea what it would look Fully furnished space

home to the Faculty of Architecture. like so I was pleasantly surprised when the
Naturally, we welcome structural criticism, temporary accommodation was set up. It's
especially from those who know about a large and light area. I had never thought The temporary accommodation
structural design, as our future designs will it would look this professional and that the for the architecture faculty was
only benefit from it. faculty and the Service point would be up ready to use in one week, another
and running a week after the fire." good example of De Boer's
Fokke Wind, university lecturer business continuity services. These
"It was impressive how swiftly problems services ensure that replacement
were dealt with after the fire and how accommodation is provided
quickly the accommodation was built. Our very shortly after a disaster or
aim was to resume lectures and research catastrophe, in order to ensure
as soon as possible. No-one had dared continuity of normal business and
activities. Project Manager Johan
Hogervorst of Delft University
says: "De Boer was the partner
who was able to deliver a suitable
solution in a very short timeframe.
Marloes Janssen, architecture student (left) They delivered accurate work and
all agreements were perfectly
Marloes Janssen, executed." More information about
architecture student De Boer's Business Continuity
"Together with a number of other students, Services is available on page 30.
I was aiming to graduate at the end of
Fokke Wind, university lecturer (left) October, beginning of November. This dream

7


Grand bravo for Le Mans

De Boer in
'pole position'
Le Mans, June 2008. For the Dozens of fast cars, driven by the best drivers than 5,000 kilometres; a distance similar to
76th time since the start of the in the world, tear around the 13.65 kilometre the total distance driven by a single driver
event, the 24 Hours of Le Mans long Circuit de la Sarthe, named after the during an entire Formula 1 season. Talking
is taking place. People come river that runs through the town of Le Mans. or writing about the race can only be done
to see and enjoy the race and Whoever drives the greatest distance in in superlatives and large numbers: the 24
- thanks to De Boer - they are 24 hours, wins the race. The winning team Hours of Le Mans is the oldest and largest
also able to sleep soundly... of drivers sit behind the wheel for more car race in the world. More than 200,000

8

Event report

For Peugeot, ACO and Michelin, De Boer built:

 An Olympia of 30 by 36 metres
called in De Boer to provide temporary
 Several Alu Halls
accommodation. For example, Michelin
 2 Double Deckers entertained its VIPs in a number of Alu
Halls with interior designs supplied by De
 9 Chalets of 5 by 5 metres Boer, and the organiser ACO (Automobile
Club de l'Ouest) was provided with spacious
 An All Weather Hall of 14 by 20 metres merchandising areas and dozens of stands,
each measuring around 200 m2. Audi used
two large hospitality areas supplied by De
Boer whilst Aston Martin enjoyed a Delta
Double Decker of 400 m2; a turn-key
spectators, 2,500 journalists and 200 delivered pavilion for guests of the luxury
million TV viewers keep a close eye on the sports car brand. Aside from arranging the
developments in the league table. This makes actual structure and decoration, De Boer
the 24 Hours of Le Mans the biggest annual also sourced the desired furniture and
sports event in Europe. organised water and electricity supplies.

Temporary hotel Grand bravo
As in many previous years, De Boer has It was an exciting race. Peugeot was in pole
provided a wide variety of temporary position for a long time and Audi seemed to
accommodation along the circuit. This year be lagging behind. Eventually, Audi won the
most structures have been built for Peugeot. race for the eighth time in the last nine years.
The combination of a large Olympia with The 24 Hours of Le Mans was also a test of
several Alu Halls served as a public area, organisation, concentration and co-ordination
the so-called Garage Vert. A Double Decker Hospitality areas for Audi for the employees of De Boer. Luckily, they

Full terrace bordering on the race track An All Weather Hall in use as a working paddock

was erected trackside which housed nine to exacting specifications for the team's had more than 24 hours to prove themselves
chalets on the first floor, providing Peugeot's management to be able to enjoy the race in and to show that good organisation is
guests with a perfect view of the race. An complete comfort. On the top floor, there everything. All accommodation was built and
All Weather Hall in the pit lane served as a were facilities for the drivers to rest, sleep, delivered on time and De Boer came through
'working paddock' for Peugeot. In addition, shower and relax. Le Mans with flying colours. Recently, De
De Boer built a temporary hotel with 600 Boer received a 'grand bravo' from the
beds for Peugeot employees complete with Top accommodation for top organiser ACO, in a letter full of praise to
shower and toilet facilities. The interior of brands thank De Boer once again for excellent
the Double Decker's ground floor was built Various other well-known brands service and co-operation. £

9

Event report

Barcelona Fashion Week sets the trend

More than
a fashion show
The first Barcelona Fashion spectacular venue in one of De Boer's team designed a stylish stage,
Week took place from March 5 Barcelona's most beautiful set against a magnificent backdrop, which
to 7 this year. Its goals were to parks. formed the ideal showcase for the fashion
attract worldwide attention to After a trial run in 2007, this year marked designers' work. In the evenings especially,
Catalonian and international the first full-scale Barcelona Fashion Week. the stage was a breathtaking sight as
talent, to bring together creative The Ciutadella Park, in the heart of the it showcased exquisite works by young
spirits and the city's fashion 'City of Wonders', was the unusual location designers. While the location could hardly
industry and to support budding chosen for the event by its organisers, who have been more exciting aesthetically, it
talent. To do this, showroom envisioned a catwalk over a pond leading to also presented a number of potential risks.
presentations and fashion a fountain designed by Catalonia's famous A stage above a pond will inevitably lead to
shows were organised at a native architect and artist Antoni Gaudí. moisture on the catwalk, which can become

10


 The first Fashion Week attracted over 4,000 visitors
as well as international media attention, boding well
for years to come
 The 12 local and international young designers that
took part in the first Barcelona Fashion Week were
selected by an international jury and are at the
forefront of a new generation of designers
 De Boer built three structures for Barcelona
Fashion Week: an Alu Hall for dressing rooms, an
Alu Party for catering services and a Delta, which
was used as a showroom for the designers' new
winter collections

very slippery. Happily, the models' steadiness
of foot equalled their poise and beauty.

Tailor-made for our client
In addition to catwalks, De Boer provided
showrooms in which designs could
be presented to the media and other
audiences. The Delta proved the perfect
structure for this, with its high ceiling and
an abundance of natural light. De Boer also
built dressing rooms and spaces for catering
operations. Because of the company's close
involvement in the four-month preparation
period, every aspect of the accommodation
could be tailored to meet the client's needs.
De Boer's contribution helped greatly to
ensure that Barcelona Fashion Week was a
great deal more than simply another fashion
show. £

The perfect showroom for Spanish fashion talent

11

deboer.com | Coverstory Hospitality tent accommodations | Dagboek
Event Solutions | Events &10

The Alps at the centre of the world

Live from UEFA EURO 2008 ™

Show, excitement and one big sports feast without a have regularly popped up as winners in the
sensation characterise single glitch and with a worthy history of the UEFA Cup. Countries such as
the European Football winner. The Netherlands ('88), Denmark ('92) and
Championship. The 13th UEFA In some respects, the European Football Greece ('04) are traditionally not favourites
EURO 2008™, which took place Championship can be more enjoyable than to win large tournaments. In 1992, the
in Austria and Switzerland, the World Cup. Whereas Brazil, Germany Danes did not even qualify and were only
maintained that tradition. The and Argentina are the usual suspects to win called back from holiday after the former
event will be remembered as the World Cup, more surprising countries Yugoslavia dramatically ceased to exist!

12

November 2008 | CoverStory #10Event report
| Jaargang 7

 In Innsbruck, Vienna and Salzburg the press areas
of De Boer were located next to the stadia
 n
I
total, De Boer created a floor space of more than
7,000 m2 for more than 1,500 reporters from all over
the world
The Emperor rules in Vienna

restaurants and pubs which, aside from
being perfect 'editorial offices', provided
buzzing meeting points for the gathered
international sports press. This came in more
than handy as all the games combined were
watched by a record eight billion viewers in
living rooms and pubs all over the world.
The UEFA Cup would not be the UEFA
Cup were it not for a surprising winner.
Spain, one of the favourites with first class
footballers, often failed to deliver during
the final matches. However, for the first
time in 44 years, the Spanish fulfilled their
role as one of the favourites. The genuine
happiness of the players and audience was
a feast for the eye. Football was the winner
A beautiful setting for a beautiful tournament of this tournament, but so too were the
organisers who staged the event so greatly
From the beach to the championship; it is Living rooms and pubs enjoyed by fans across Europe and the rest
only possible in a European competition. The perfectly organised UEFA EURO of the world. £
2008™ burst with show, excitement and
Emotions sensation. The gathered press couldn't
"Expect Emotions" was the slogan of the praise the organisation and games enough.
championship. And there were plenty of De Boer was asked to provide press
emotions. From the Dutch fans, delirious centres in Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna
with joy after the surprising victory over to house hundreds of reporters from all
over the world. Through a combination of
the Emperor double-decker and Jumbo
and Alu Halls, De Boer created excellent
media centres. Naturally, the areas provided
professional work space, well equipped
with all the amenities for radio, TV and print
journalists. The structures also housed small Salzburg

Trix and Flix in Vienna

Italy and France in the group stages, to the
tears of disappointment from the defending
champion Greece when it was knocked out
of the tournament without any points. Who
can forget the tears of the Spanish and
Germans who met in the final, or the joy of
the Russians who, once again, had reason to
be proud of their impressive team? The fan
areas in the centre of the cities hosting the
games were flooded by fans from different
countries who enjoyed the games on large
screens. Innsbruck, a suitable work environment for hundreds of international reporters

13

Diary

De Meerse Op Locatie

The first temporary
theatre
Due to the forthcoming heavy pieces of scenery. This all adds to
renovation works of the the challenge. Thanks to the thorough
existing Theatre De Meerse
in Hoofddorp, the theatre
management and town
council were challenged to
find temporary housing. This
search resulted in De Meerse
Op Locatie (De Meerse On
Location), a pioneering and Start of the building works

ingenious building to house
and maintain the atmosphere there are still matters that need to be
and cosiness of De Meerse for discussed. I'm regularly on site to check Impressive construction

a two year period. if everything is running smoothly and also
In close co-operation with Theatre because I'm curious to see the result of preparations and agreements, we were
De Meerse and the town council of all meetings and consultations!" able to, once again, provide custom-made
Hoofddorp, De Boer built a special "It is always impressive when the work as promised."
temporary structure on the industrial skeleton of a construction is raised.
estate 'De President', at the edge of "Ten metres in the air! One of the reasons
town. Senior Project Manager Anke why Theatre De Meerse opted out of
Reiz of De Boer was closely involved in using an existing building was due to the
all preparatory work. When the process requirement that the interior height of
moved from consultation and drawing the theatre had to be ten metres. There
board to the actual build, she recorded are not many temporary constructions
this unique project in a photo and film that match the height of our All Weather
diary.

As the construction is rather heavy
and the ground swampy, the building is
constructed on concrete foundations."

"Some of the largest challenges
"Finally! After long meetings and of De Meerse Op Locatie are the
preparations, we are now digging and extremely stringent requirements for the
laying the foundations for De Meerse Op construction. Firstly, no outside noise is
Locatie. It is hard to imagine that soon allowed to penetrate the area. Therefore,
a temporary theatre will be built in this the insulation has to be perfect.
field. It's a special moment when the idea Furthermore, the interior acoustics have
of a building finally becomes reality." to be good and the roof construction will
"Now the building works have started, be used to hang theatre technology and Fully insulated theatre hall

14


 With 250 performances per year and new
exhibitions each month, Theatre De Meerse attracts
approximately 100,000 visitors a year
 De Meerse Op Locatie is located in two linked De
Boer structures: an All Weather Hall of
20 x 40 metres houses the theatre and the Emperor
containing two floors, with a total floor space of
600 m2 houses the entrance, foyer and restaurant
 Just as the 'real' theatre, De Meerse Op Locatie
seats 500 people

Hall, making this the perfect structure to with the result. As a thank you, they
achieve our aim." will organise a special performance for
everyone involved with the construction."
"Blue skies above the All Weather Hall. "The result of several months of
It will, without doubt, regularly rain in The preparation and only 45 days of building!
Netherlands in the coming two years. As The two floors of the Emperor and the
with any other building, the structure is combination of two structures: in all
therefore fitted with a drainpipe system. aspects, De Meerse Op Locatie proves to
be a real eye-catcher. Not only has the
town of Hoofddorp a beautiful temporary
The Emperor arrives theatre but De Boer has created a
front piece at a central location; an
they expected a tent. However, they feel achievement we're really proud of." £
like they're walking in a real building.
Theatre De Meerse is also pleased More on www.deboer.com/cs10

Blue skies above the All Weather Hall

"The Emperor arrives on the building site.
An exciting moment as this is the first
time we are combining this model with
the All Weather Hall. Luckily, it looks even
better than we'd hoped when sitting at
our drawing tables, and everyone is really
pleased. Many 'oohs' and 'aahs' from the
council people during the guided tour as Anke Reiz in front of the temporary Theatre De Meerse

15


Björn Brännberg, Director of the Volvo Ocean Race:

"Volvo and De Boer,
a winning team"
He's been employed What is the background on the Whitbread turned out to be perfect. As a
by Volvo for 30 years Volvo Ocean Race? result, Volvo bought the race in 1998. The
in Advertising, Sales & "The race started in 1973 as the Whitbread first re-named Volvo Ocean Race took place
Promotion, and Marketing Around the World Race. Volvo was looking in 2001/2002 and is now the largest sailing
Communication roles. Indeed for a large sailing event to sponsor and the event in the world. Over the course of nine
he has contributed to most months, the sailors call at 11 harbours all
departments. Now Björn over the world. For the crews it's a battle
Brännberg is Head of Corporate with the elements."
Events and Director of the
Volvo Ocean Race - known What connects Volvo to
by participants as the Mount sailing?
Everest of sailing. Especially for "Transport is everything for Volvo. Transport
this race, De Boer developed plays an important role in the development
two identical, demountable VIP of society and the economy. At the same
pavilions, which travel ahead of time, Volvo is aware of its responsibilities
the sailors and are built at every with regard to the environment. For decades,
stop-over port for Volvo. Björn Brännberg, Director of the Volvo Ocean Race we have been developing cleaner cars and

16

November 2008 | CoverStory #10 | Jaargang 7 Interview

The Volvo pavilion consists of:
 An Emperor of 20 by 25 metres, with a 20 by 20
metre indoor floor area and a 5 metre deep balcony
over the entire length
 An atrium of 10 by 10 metres in the middle
 Specially made blinds and white panelling all around
 solid oak floor and stairs
A
 Air-conditioning
 Kitchen containers that are connected to the
pavilion via a specially-made steel frame
The pavilion's atrium measures ten by ten metres
 An interior in the Volvo house style with lights,
music, video screens and furniture
new markets are not all aware yet of the
magnitude of sailing and the opportunity this
event offers as a platform. Therefore the
challenge is to invite the right key customers
new ports which represent new markets for to the pavilion."
us, such as Singapore, India and China."
What do you personally look
What is the biggest challenge? forward to the most?
"The new course brings different challenges, "Alicante, the start of the race. I look forward
especially for the crew. Due to the new to seeing the pavilion in action after months
course, they have to anticipate different of hard work and preparation. All kinds
weather conditions. In any case, the race of activities will take place here; dinners,
is an enormous challenge for the sailing seminars, shows, demonstrations and VIP
teams. Every sailboat has 11 crew members; meetings. Earlier this year, we ran a trial in
10 sailors and one person who keeps in Gotenburg but the pavilion was not entirely
contact with the media and takes care of ready. We will see the finished pavilion for
documentation. Life on board is rigorous; the first time in Alicante. I can hardly wait to
see all these fantastic ideas become reality!"
more environmentally-friendly production
methods. There is a reason why Volvo's Why did you choose to engage
three core values are Quality, Safety and De Boer?
Environmental Care. These three values are "De Boer is a solid and reliable company
inextricably bound to each other; the quality with substantial international experience and
of the air we breathe, the safety of our good references. Both their material and
society, the protection of the environment... their service are top quality. As the course
this is one of the reasons why Volvo loves takes us through extremely hot and cold
sailing." locations, we were looking for a construction
that could stand up to all weather conditions
What does the Volvo Ocean and simultaneously keep a pleasant climate
Race mean to Volvo? inside the pavilion. And we did it! Anything
"The Volvo Ocean Race is a worldwide can happen during a project of this size;
event and reflects Volvo as an international people become ill, things break or stop
company. The race calls in at 11 different working. It is therefore crucial to work with
international ports that all represent markets hard and wet. The longest stretch takes us the right partners; flexible and loyal people
which are important to Volvo. The race is from China, around the tip of Chile, to Rio and companies. I have a very good feeling
therefore a perfect platform for sponsor de Janeiro. This will take approximately 34 about our co-operation; Volvo and De Boer
activities. We are able to invite our key days." form a winning team. I rest assured that all
customers to experience the race and its problems coming our way will be resolved
festivities together with us in the pavilion. And what is the biggest by this team, which is a pleasant feeling.
Furthermore, the Volvo Ocean Race challenge for Volvo? This is also why we enjoy working with De
represents cutting edge technology; exactly "This challenge lies in the new markets. The Boer." £
what Volvo represents in the car market." logistics have to run smoothly. Not only does
the pavilion need to be built, taken down More information:
What is different this year from and transported every time, it also needs www.deboer.com/cs10
previous Volvo Ocean Races? to look as perfect in Cochin or Qingdao as www.volvooceanrace.org
"This year, the race calls in to a number of it did in Stockholm or Boston. In addition, www.sailing.org

17


 100,000 m2 floor area
 More than a kilometre of hospitality chalets
 Alu Halls, Jumbo Halls, Emperor, Deltas and
Panorama
 Also smaller accommodations such as Chalets,
Pyramids, Acropolis and Sunstar

Largest project ever for De Boer

Farnborough in a
nutshell
The largest air show in the town. For one week, Farnborough became passenger planes took off. High above the
world has celebrated its 60th the centre of the aviation world. ground, pilots performed their magnificent
anniversary this year, which was tricks in their flying machines.
all the more reason to organise Old friends
an unforgettable event that The airfield was swamped with spectacular Air ballet
outdid all the previous ones. aircraft of all shapes and sizes. Old friends, One of the most spectacular shows was
The show was bigger and better such as the classic biplanes and triplanes that of the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force
with regard to the number of from World War I, but also the very latest demonstration team. The audience watched
visitors, spectacle, aircraft, and experimental models from the aviation with bated breath as the nine bright red
contracts and accommodation. world, such as the LH-10 Ellipse, a small jets performed half an hour of acrobatic
The Farnborough International two-person aircraft, were on show. The stunts - a faultless routine of air ballet.
Airshow 2008 was De Boer's enormous gathering of aircraft pulled in the The jets produce trails and figures in the
largest ever project! crowds, but there was more. The airspace air with red, white and blue smoke. Still, it
Farnborough is home to the UK's biggest above the airfield hosted dozens of air was not this spectacle that stole the show
business airport - situated 38 miles outside shows. A stand, providing hundreds of seats, at Farnborough, but the Airbus A380,
London. However, in mid-July 2008, was separated from the runway by a large the largest passenger plane in the world,
thousands of aviation fanatics and airplane fence. The entire afternoon, helicopters, which was clearly the public's favourite.
fans from all over the world flooded the stunt planes, fighter aircraft, biplanes and Toys, jigsaws and inflatable versions of �

19


Business is a pleasure in the stylish ambiance of the Emperor

the A380 could be found everywhere. After audience was watching, it became airborne. Farnborough International Airshow must
seeing all these mini versions, it was rather The engines were hardly audible. The plane also have been rather spectacular too. As
overwhelming to see the real thing. The went straight up in the air and banked it was the 60th anniversary of the Airshow,
main tyres alone measure one and a half sharply to the right. It then power dived past the temporary exhibition halls were larger
metres across. the stand three times, demonstrating its and more extensive than ever. The airfield
manoeuvrability and showing the enormous was transformed into an enormous
Take-off ease with which this giant aircraft can be temporary 'village', showing more aircraft
The packed audience held its breath when piloted. and receiving more visitors than ever before.
the large Airbus began to move and prepare To see all this from the air was sadly only a
for take-off. It only took a few seconds for From the air privilege for the pilots and occasional lucky
the plane to reach 250 kilometres per hour Not only was there plenty to look at from passenger.
and just after the main stand from where the the ground, the views from the air over the
88 billion Euro
Farnborough is not just a public attraction. It
is also an extremely important exhibition for
the professional aviation world. All famous
aircraft and engine manufacturers are
present with their new products, as well as
all airlines, which place orders for their new
aircraft here. During this event, no less than
GBP 70 billion worth of orders were placed,
an absolute record and twice the previous
record set in 2006! The order books of
manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing and
Rolls-Royce are rather full for the
foreseeable future.

Largest project ever
For De Boer, which has been a partner of
the Airshow since 1996, the event this
year was a massive logistical achievement:
None of the big engine builders would dream of missing Farnborough supplying more than 3,600 tons of material

20

November 2008 | CoverStory #10 | Coverstory
Jaargang 7

Nearly 100,000 m2 of temporary
accommodation was erected at
Farnborough this year, including
Impressive: De Boer's biggest project ever four enormous exhibition halls, a
special Centennial Pavilion, and
for the construction of nearly 100,000 m2 of hangars to house historic aircraft.
temporary accommodation. After months of Aside from the 60th birthday of the
preparation, the result was spectacular and Farnborough Airshow, the 100th
everyone agrees: this year, the Airshow was anniversary of the Royal Air Force
a true spectacle both from the air and the was also celebrated. Furthermore,
ground. More visitors than ever attended and De Boer provided the event with
never before were that many orders placed more than a kilometre of hospitality
or was the event praised so highly. All in all chalets housing business meeting
the 2008 show was a perfect foundation rooms, marketing facilities, bars
for continuing the successful co-operation and restaurants.
between the organisers at Farnborough and
De Boer. £ A record number of orders were placed

21

At De Boer

Technical Manager Paul van Leeuwen

A look behind the scenes of the R&D department

'Smart designs,
made to order'
Behind all of De Boer's wide development. From its leading position on come with additional specific requirements
ranging and multifaceted the international event market, over the past for use. Still, whatever the product, De
products is an extremely busy few years De Boer expanded more and Boer's own product development guidelines
development team. Impressive more to answer the commercial demand are stringently adhered to, ensuring that
designs such as the Millennium for longer-term rental of its temporary structures are of the highest quality and that
Dome, Panorama and Emperor structures by producing storage and they are attractive, functional and innovative,
are brilliant examples of this baggage areas, shops, restaurants, sports while assembly time is kept to a minimum.
key department's work. Here is facilities, emergency housing space for
a look behind the scenes of a use in crisis situations and even temporary Our customers' priorities are
department that never stops. prisons, to name just a few examples. This our priorities
In the Research & Development department innovative process adds an extra dimension From a hospitality area at a 3 day sports
(R&D), eleven people are spread over to the R&D department's work, as these event to a temporary shop for a period
three locations, working continuously new structures tend to be strictly regulated of three years: R&D does not simply
on operational and strategic product by building and safety codes, and often produce temporary accommodation, it

22


to these regulations, which are becoming
steadily more stringent. Because of this
additional demand, the R&D department
has not only grown in size but with regard
to expertise in solving specific problems and
using special, complex software to do so.

Variations in regulations
Every structure is provided with a
Construction Book, a technical building file
providing proof that it is sufficiently solid for
the specific conditions of its construction.
There are series of European norms
governing the construction of temporary
structures; in the Netherlands, for example,
Innovative: virtual flights over projects durable structures are subject to national
construction guidelines, and construction
creates complete space solutions. In both more and more complex. It is essential permits are mandatory. For commercial
new developments as well as further that parts from different structures are structures, which are often let for longer
developments to existing accommodation, interchangeable and that structures offer a periods, laws and regulations can vary
our customer's needs are our main interest. flexible range of possibilities. We could not enormously from country to country and
"Product development is a continuous do this without specific 3-D software. With even from region to region, with different
process. The foundation for what we do this, De Boer has the tools it needs and demands placed on strength, security
is what our customers want and need, which are essential in modern engineering," and safety. And there can be different
developments in the market and input from notes van Leeuwen. He adds: "Structural regulations as well for urban structures and
all of the other departments at De Boer," accuracy is extremely important because those in coastal areas.
says Paul van Leeuwen, De Boer's Technical of our modular building systems. If you're
Manager. "We have to constantly Unlimited possibilities
make sure that we meet all the One clear trend is that long-term
requirements of international construction is becoming increasingly
laws and regulations, not only for Special 3-D design software modular, while, in response to market
our commercial customers but demand, the production methods and
increasingly for the events market makes it possible to produce flexibility of our temporary structures are
as well." shifting towards those of more permanent
complete images of structures constructions. In broad terms, there is more
Ready to face the future and more demand for temporary, relocatable
The R&D department at De in which every aspect is and modular structures that can be put in
Boer's head office in Alkmaar is place relatively quickly. £
charged with developing hardware, accurate to the millimetre
which includes frames and joint
constructions but also tools
such as lifting and loading equipment for setting up twenty components next to each
construction operations. The commercial other, every single one has to be exactly the
CAD department transforms preliminary same size. This means that measurements
plans and sketches from Sales into have to be accurate down to a half or even a
attractive visual presentations for customers. tenth of a millimetre."
Now we are even able to position our
structures on Google Earth, which allows Laws and regulations
customers to 'fly' over and around them – Each European country has its own system
albeit virtually – and thus get an amazingly of laws and regulations for various types of
realistic impression of what a finished buildings, and care must be taken to adhere
project will look like. But to be completely to all of them. Structures need to meet as
prepared for the future, R&D has recently many of these requirements as possible,
switched to special 3-D design software which generally means finding common
that makes it possible to produce complete denominators and compromising where
designs of structures in which every aspect regulations conflict with each other. Over
is accurate to the millimetre. the years, De Boer's work on large, complex
projects and our cooperation with national
The right tools regulatory bodies and governments has
"Temporary structures are becoming provided plenty of experience in responding 3-D software is necessary

23


Sales office in Dubai fit for an Emperor

The art of elegant
engineering

November 2008 | CoverStory #10 | Jaargang 7
Interview

Project developer Nakheel was captivated by the Emperor

It has been called the eighth we had specific requirements for the look fantastic to see how much dedication and
wonder of the world: Palm and layout of the building. We wanted two precision De Boer brings to this project. It is
Jumeirah, the first of three storeys and a balcony overlooking the sea: also unbelievable how quickly they put up a
artificially created fully functioning structure." The constructive
islands just off the and friendly collaboration between De
coast of Dubai. Now Boer and Nakheel has produced a solid
that the palm-shaped basis for further impressive projects in the
island itself is nearly region, one of which is the temporary cruise
completed, sales of terminal planned for Port Rashid. "De Boer
the many spectacular understands engineering like no one else.
houses and apartments "The Emperor is the perfect They have the knowledge and experience
can begin. Interest in to come up with elegant and appropriate
homes here is intense, solution for us and it is really accommodation solutions, even in the face
so Nakheel, one of the of technical challenges. This is exactly the
region's largest real- striking" type of company that this region so badly
estate developers, asked needed," concludes Jacob Joby. £
De Boer to design a
temporary sales office in the just try finding a supplier of temporary
stem of the palm frond, offering accommodation who can provide that. Dubai is one of the seven states
a splendid view of the island. But it was no problem at all for De Boer. that make up the United Arab
Palm Jumeirah is shaped like a palm frond. The Emperor, with its unique design and Emirates. Aside from its oil
With the creation of the long 'stem' and 16 construction combining wood, glass and reserves, Dubai's economy is
'leaves', 72 kilometres of coastline were aluminium, is the perfect solution for us, and based on trade and tourism. It is
formed around 'The Palm', as it is popularly it is really striking." Inside the Emperor, full- a paradise for luxury shopping
known. Nakheel, its developer, needed a scale mock-up rooms have been fitted with and holidays, with more five-star
smart-looking sales office for its private examples of furnishings for the prestigious hotels than anywhere else in the
and commercial real-estate activities on grand houses and apartments. world, and shopping opportunities
the island. "We found De Boer, and then that are virtually endless. Visitors'
we were captivated by the Emperor," Dedication and precision gastronomic desires are equally
says Jacob Joby, Nakheel's Development The temporary sales office is De Boer's first satisfied: all world cuisines are
Manager. "The sales centre will be used project under the extremely strict regulations amply represented, and quality is
for two to three years, until all of the of JAFZA (the Jebel Ali Free Zone superb while prices are relatively
houses and apartments have been sold. We Authority), which runs a free economic zone low.
needed accommodation that could be set in the Jebel Ali, Dubai region of the United
up quickly and removed later. Additionally, Arab Emirates. Jacob Joby continues: "It is

25

Event report

Mobile showrooms for Audi

A stylish experience


 1,500 m2 floor area
 Separate accommodation for the catering and crew
would a roadshow be if there was nothing
 Delta with presentation area to take for a spin? The A4 Avant and the
A3 convertible were not only on display in
the 'showrooms'. Outside, 50 of the newest
Audi models were present, providing visitors
with the opportunity to test drive them and
A real caravan travelled with glass walls, the Delta is able to create to really familiarise themselves with their
through five German cities in the impressive effect of a real showroom. attributes. Furthermore, the two models
May. A modern one, that is, Furthermore, a floor area of 1,500 m2
with cars instead of camels, offered sufficient space to design the
and the Delta by De Boer as showrooms entirely according to the Audi
a modern variation on the showroom concept. Aside from the Delta,
travelling accommodation. De Boer also provided other accommodation
A perfect environment for the for the catering and crew, including a
'nomads' to present their goods beechwood-style terrace offering visitors
in, with justifiable pride to a and guests the opportunity to relax after all
large audience: the newest the activity.
Audi models A4 Avant and
A3 convertible. Efficient planning
A modern caravan should have a modern A showroom that comes to you, rather
name and therefore, the event was than the other way around, is an innovative
named 'Audi Roadshow 2008',
with stopovers in the cities of
Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt am
Main, Munich and Berlin. It was were presented in a daily visual show,
an enormous challenge for De lasting three hours, in a purpose-designed
Boer, as the event's organiser had presentation area of the Delta.
asked for the accommodation to It is crucial for a roadshow to have the
be designed in accordance with accommodation up and ready in a flash. This
Audi's new showroom concept. requires efficient planning. Although time
With constructions that function as Entirely in keeping with the new was limited, the temporary accommodation
mobile showrooms, the audience was always completed on schedule,
is able to feast their eyes on the Audi showroom concept resulting in praise for the team's fast work
new models. In other words the and the product's flexibility, charm and style.
accommodation had to be in line Despite the time pressure before and after
with the stylish design for which Audi is concept and typical of Audi. The roadshow the roadshow, De Boer managed to create
renowned. attracted many visitors in all cities. What an event worthy of Audi. £

Glass showroom
It was no problem for De Boer. It
immediately became apparent that the
Delta structure was most suitable for this
job. Thanks to its large open space and
inner height, and the option of delivering it Innovative Audi: a showroom that comes to you

27


Instant space for the aviation industry

Destination Barcelona
De Boer has further extended With the summer months approaching, All Weather Hall. Miguel Nombela said: "We
its portfolio of work within the Barcelona's airport authority AENA realised chose this structure for its large, free span
aviation industry by building that the existing baggage handling area and its substantial interior height, which
a temporary baggage hall was no longer adequate, says Miguel provided us with plenty of storage capacity."
at Barcelona International Nombela, Head of the Flight and Planning The hall, with a floor area of 825 m2 and an
Airport. But when it comes Maintenance Department. "The stream of interior height of more than seven metres,
to airport projects, this was people flooding through the airport over the was built within one week by a special De
not De Boer's maiden flight: summer increases every year, and all those Boer team flown in from Sweden.
before Barcelona, previous suitcases and bags have to be processed."
projects have included As of May this year, baggage handlers at 193 million passengers
accommodation at London the airport have had more space, thanks to AENA is a nationalised company which
Heathrow, Cardiff International an extra baggage hall built by De Boer. The operates all Spanish airports and is also
Airport, Amsterdam's Schiphol additional space is mainly needed during the responsible for air traffic control. In addition
Airport and Doha International four month high season, and in consultation to Spain it operates a number of airports in
in Qatar. with De Boer, AENA opted for the versatile Mexico, the US, Cuba, Colombia, Sweden

28

November 2008 | CoverStory #10 | Jaargang 7
Interview

 Temporary baggage storage hall at Barcelona
airport
 Accommodation: the All Weather Hall, measuring
25 by 33 metres and 7 metres high

air traffic. The existing airport was not
designed to handle this expansion, so a
new, much larger airport was being built
off the coast of Doha, the capital of Qatar.
The accommodation solution at Schiphol
served as a model for a temporary baggage
handling facility at Doha's existing airport,
and allowed the growth to continue while
the new airport was being constructed. The
temporary facility was specifically designed Rapidly growing reputation
to withstand the extreme conditions in These are only a few examples of De
Qatar, where temperatures regularly exceed Boer's temporary solutions for the aviation
50 degrees Celsius. The construction, industry. Other equally impressive projects
measuring 35 by 100 metres, was fully have included a food production unit at
insulated and fitted with air conditioning Cardiff airport, a 1,000 seat restaurant at
and high-speed automatic doors, preventing Heathrow and a baggage hall at Bulgaria's
the heat from entering while keeping the Varna airport. With projects such as these,
and the UK. In 2006 alone, 193 million building cool. it is no wonder that De Boer's reputation
passengers used AENA's airports. in the sector is growing. Mical de Boer,
"The All Weather Hall was exactly Business Continuity Director of De Boer
what we needed: a hall of a high UK, explained: "Increasingly, airports are
quality that is also extremely realising the advantages of temporary
strong. It can withstand heavy load structures in meeting short and medium to
on the roof as well as wind speeds long term needs for extra space. Whether
of up to 90 miles per hour," says for public areas, baggage handling halls,
Miguel Nombela staff accommodations, exhibition areas
or hangars, all facilities can be built and
Optimum flexibility dismantled quickly. Furthermore, clients can
Structural alterations and The All Weather Hall is a very design them entirely as they wish. Clearly,
renovations are constantly De Boer's temporary structures provide
necessary at airports so that they cost-effective solution exactly the multi-purpose solutions today's
can comply with increasingly aviation industry is looking for." £
strict security requirements and
cope with growing numbers of passengers
and cargo. These are enormous logistical
challenges for airport authorities, and this
is where De Boer's versatile solutions are
most useful. A good example of this has
been at Schiphol Airport, where a temporary
baggage handling hall of nearly 4,000 m2
was constructed for use over a four year
period. Thanks to the extra space provided
by the temporary structure, alterations to the
existing baggage handling area could be
carried out with no loss of capacity to the
airport.

Room for development
De Boer's project at Schiphol was noted
by airport authorities in Qatar, where the
exponential growth of Qatar Airways had
brought about a significant increase in Plenty of storage space for a mountain of luggage

29

Portfolio

Business Continuity Services

Business as usual
In situations where timing is ensure a fast resumption of essential realised the importance of being able to
essential, De Boer has the services. De Boer can help guarantee the continue their activities when unexpected
experience, knowledge and continuity of a business and in doing so incidents or accidents occur. With the
product portfolio to immediately reflect a client's state of preparation and aftermath of large international disasters
provide replacement decisiveness which may protect or even such as the bomb attacks in London, the
accommodation. The selection enhance their reputation in the months Tsunami in Asia and Hurricane Katrina, De
of solutions and services that following a disaster. Boer has also proven to play a significant
De Boer offers in the event of role.
calamities and disasters is called Steady expansion
Business Continuity Services. The basis of the Business Continuity Proactive approach
The accommodation from De Boer can be Services is an extensive risk analysis that Mical de Boer, Business Continuity Director
constructed quickly and efficiently - the first records potential emergency measures for De Boer UK, explains: "Until a few years
team of builders is able to be on site within for companies, organisations and ago, organisations only thought about what
a few hours. The accommodation solutions governments. In the past few years, De to do next in case of calamities after the
from De Boer form an important part of the Boer's Business Continuity Services have disaster had already struck. Research shows
'Business Continuity Plan' for companies, undergone a steady expansion and growth that companies that weren't able to respond
organisations and governments as they as organisations and governments have quickly, were often declared bankrupt in the

30

Biggest project ever: constructing a temporary theatre for Farnborough Airshow 2008

Biggest project ever: constructing a temporary theatre for Farnborough Airshow 2008

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