Art That Moves With the Light: Helix One, Amsterdam for AstraZeneca

Robert Buchanan
Jan 5
2 min read

Our First International Project

As 2025 came to a close, we found ourselves packing our bags for Amsterdam to complete something truly special, our final project of the year and our very first international commission.

Working alongside Ekho Design Studio on The Hive project at Helix One, this brief felt exciting from the very beginning. The building itself is bold, contemporary and full of energy, and the vision was clear: to commission artwork that felt deeply connected to place. Championing a local Amsterdam-based artist wasn’t just a preference, it was essential and it led us to an artist who felt like the perfect fit in every sense.

A Studio Visit to Remember

We began our trip with a visit to the studio of Amsterdam-based artist Lisette Schumacher. Spending time with Lisette in her creative space gave us invaluable insight into how her work comes to life. Surrounded by pieces shaped by architecture, light and movement, we were able to fully understand her process and the thinking behind these beautifully complex works.

Lisette’s practice is rooted in observing how light behaves within architectural spaces, how it shifts, reflects and transforms throughout the day. Seeing these works in progress, and hearing Lisette speak so passionately about her relationship with buildings and atmosphere, made it clear just how naturally her work would sit within Helix One.

Installation at Helix One

The installation marked a real highlight for us. The completed artworks now hang proudly in the boardroom at Helix One, acting as striking statement pieces the moment you enter the space. Large, bright and unapologetically bold, they immediately command attention but it’s their interaction with light that truly brings them to life.

As daylight moves through the building, the artworks subtly shift in colour, almost magically responding to their surroundings. No two moments feel the same. The pieces evolve throughout the day, offering a constantly changing visual experience that feels both calm and energising.

Art in the Workplace

Projects like this reaffirm why we believe so strongly in the importance of art within workspaces. Thoughtfully curated artwork has the power to influence how a space feels, how people interact within it, and even how we think and work. From supporting mental wellbeing to boosting energy and creativity, art plays a vital role in shaping healthier, more inspiring environments.

It’s been a pleasure working with AstraZeneca, who truly champion the value of art in the workplace and embrace creative thinking within their spaces. Their commitment to integrating meaningful artwork allowed this project to reach its full potential.

A Perfect Match

Helix One is a striking, modern building and Lisette’s dynamic artworks feel entirely at home within it. The scale, colour and movement of the pieces reflect the architecture beautifully, creating a real sense of harmony between art and space. The result is a genuine ‘wow’ moment as you step inside.

We’re incredibly grateful for the creative freedom to collaborate so closely with the design team and push boundaries within the workspace. Seeing this project through from initial studio visits to final installation has been hugely rewarding.