Offices at Neuer Kanzlerplatz
Working at a historic location in the south of Bonn
How do we design workplaces today so that they offer more than just desks and meeting rooms? How do we build spaces that can adapt to all the ways we work today – that encourage exchange or allow for concentration while at the same time remaining aesthetically pleasing and functional? With the Neuer Kanzlerplatz project in Bonn, we have created an office district that comprehensively addresses these questions through urban planning, architecture and interior design.
The district
The new building ensemble is located at the historic Bundeskanzlerplatz, situated between Bonn’s Südstadt neighborhood, its “Museum Mile,” and the UN campus. The project makes a strong statement: Instead of a large, closed-off structure, the new ensemble of buildings offers interesting sightlines, open paths and attractive public spaces. A central square between the buildings opens up towards the Rhine river and connects the district with the surrounding neighborhoods. The delicate facade design made of white architectural concrete creates a sense of lightness despite the height of the central high-rise – a feeling that continues in the interiors as well.
Where the massive Bonn Center once acted as a barrier, dominating the urban space, we have built an open, permeable structure: three buildings with a clear architectural language, including a slender high-rise with 28 floors and a height of just over 100 meters. The urban planning concept is complemented by a design concept that shines a spotlight on the quality of the working environment. Our client was Art-Invest Real Estate; Union Investment has been the owner since 2022.
Connecting the exterior and interior
Our goal was to make the architectural language tangible inside the buildings as well. The foyers reflect the geometries of the facades: The ceilings and rear walls are comprised of triangular fiberglass-reinforced concrete elements. The lofty ceiling heights, restrained material selection and clear lines create a stately yet calm atmosphere. The ceilings in the three-story foyer of the high-rise are up to 11 meters in height. Here, four slender hinged supports bear the load of the upper stories that project up over the foyer, thereby seeming to float above it.
The offices
In close coordination with the client, we determined early on how we would translate requirements such as flexibility, identification and an inviting atmosphere into the spatial structures. The result is workspaces that are functionally resilient – and simultaneously promote a sense of well-being. A portion of the offices in the high-rise will be used as a coworking space and offer not only reservable individual desks but also event spaces and conference rooms of various sizes.
On the office floors, the focus is on adaptability. Mobile partition walls and open-space concepts allow for a variety of use scenarios – from individual workstations to team zones or hybrid meeting areas. Light-colored surfaces, effective noise protection and zoned lighting concepts reduce the ambient noise and promote concentration.
In addition to functional workspaces, targeted collaborative zones and quiet spaces for focused working have also been planned. Lounges, kitchenettes and small break areas encourage informal communication and strengthen the social fabric in the office – vital components of a pleasant working environment.
Sustainability
The ensemble of buildings was planned in accordance with the LEED Gold Standard. The roofs are extensively greened and are equipped with solar panels. Our commitment to sustainable planning is also evident in the interior: durable, resilient materials, a high degree of flexibility in terms of use, and a design concept that facilitates identification make the building future-proof.
Conclusion
At Neuer Kanzlerplatz in Bonn, urban planning, architecture and interior architecture come together to achieve the goal of creating workspaces that offer functionality and well-being in equal measure. This is a place where the urban context, spatial quality, and clarity of design mesh seamlessly in terms of both planning and furnishing the workspaces in a way that provides maximum benefits to the user.
Project Architect : JSWD
Image courtesy of : HGEsch @hgeschphotography