Beyond the badge: The people behind Schiphol Business District

Behind every badge at Schiphol is a person with a story of their own. But who are you when you're not at work? From today, the photo exhibition Beyond the Badge is on display at The Square. The exhibition portrays seven professionals from Schiphol Business District through a hobby, side job, or passion that plays an important role in their lives. By shifting the focus from job titles and companies to the people themselves, Beyond the Badge reveals a more personal side of the district.

You'll meet a firefighter who spends his free time as a clockmaker, and a Chapter Lead Robotics who is also active as a race marshal. Each portrait tells a personal story, offering a glimpse into what drives these professionals beyond their day-to-day work. Through Beyond the Badge, we shine a spotlight on the people behind the job titles, giving a face to the diversity, talents and passions that bring Schiphol Business District to life every day.

A surprising perspective by Aisha Zeijpveld

The portraits were created by Amsterdam-based photographer and artist Aisha Zeijpveld, known for her distinctive and often surreal style of photography. For Beyond the Badge, she moved beyond conventional portraiture, creating images that reveal the personality and passions behind each professional role.

The participants were first photographed and then placed within custom-built sets inspired by their hobby, passion or side pursuit. By playing with scale, perspective and carefully selected objects, each portrait becomes a striking visual story that reveals something about who that person is beyond work. In this way, the personal stories behind the seven professionals are quite literally given a stage.

Bringing The Square to life with colour

Beyond the Badge is an initiative by Schiphol Real Estate and part of the placemaking programme in Schiphol Business District. Through this exhibition, we aim to bring more colour, character and personality to The Square, while literally putting the people who bring the district to life every day in the spotlight. During the darker months of the year, the illuminated exhibition also contributes to a more vibrant and welcoming public space.

The exhibition will be on display at The Square from today until 20 November.

Take a moment to visit the exhibition and get to know your colleagues in a whole new way.