Earlier this year, the Amsterdam-based architects Merkx + Girod designed a new postal store for the Dutch logistic company TNT.
Employees at the new postal stores work at Corian service desks in the centre of the shop, rather than behind counters as in traditional post offices. The logistics that would normally be hidden away are now visible to customers.
The stores also incorporate self-service machines in black units around the edge where customes can weigh, stamp and post their own mail. Customers can also design their own stamps and send digital postcards.
The new shops were designed on the basis of the concept of self-service where possible and full service where needed. Here TNT employees are active inside the store, and are no longer behind large counters but operating from centrally-placed full-service desks; DIY machines are integrated in the black surroundings.
“We designed the new shops on the basis of the concept self service where possible and full service where needed,” explains Bas Berck of Merkx + Girod. “TNT employees are active inside the store, no longer behind large counters but operating from centrally placed full service desks. DIY machines are integrated in the black surroundings.”
Architects Merkx + Girod architects
Photographs by Roos Aldershoff
Via [Zavodbig]/ pictures from Merkx + Girod architects
+ other projects of Merkx and Girod on archiDE : click here – Selexzy bookstore, Maastricht
archiDE 
This is an appealing looking space. Does it work on a practical level?
Intrigued by the central work stations, removing the counter as barrier. Looks fabulous.
http://www.okathleen.wordpress.com
it is amazing design thank you very much.