The ambition has been to create a strong identity for the entire Spiegel Group based on the key words communication, flexibility and transparency. The design of Spiegel Headquarters aims to create a strong sense of community for everyone in the organisation. All employees should feel part of a very special work place, and the interior layout provides the setting for informal meetings between the employees – and thus the decisive synergy and cross-pollination between the various platforms of the Spiegel Group. When entering the building through the main entrance, recessed in the gap below the floating tile volume of the base, you pass the reception and the building opens up in a large atrium rising up through all 14 floors.
building – allowing the staff to take their meal outside in summer. A large stone-clad staircase in the atrium leads to the first floor, which – in addition to sound studios and a staff fitness centre – comprises a large meeting and conference facility. This section faces the square and opens up towards the view by means of large windows and a loggia where you can step out to enjoy the view. Interior cube
The design of the atrium space links the various divisions across floors and encourages for communication and informal meetings between the employees. Glass lifts are available in both ends of the atrium and a varied sequence of stairs and footbridges rise across the atrium from floors 3 to 12.
If you move further up through the part of the building whose exterior appears as a white glass cube, you arrive in the office section – characterised by open balconies along the walking lines around the atrium. It is possible to establish offices along the entire exterior facade. A flexible wall system allows for the distribution of closed offices of various sizes and open-plan offices to be changed as needed in the future.
The special functions of the building are situated in the base whose central atrium is clad in natural stone. The ground floor comprises a television studio and staff cafeteria with direct access to the public square in front of the
The walls towards the corridor consist of a combination of oak doors and panels of glass and wood, respectively, which makes it possible to meet the specific requirements of the users – whether they need transparency or privacy.
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HENNING LARSEN ARCHITECTS | SPIEGEL HQ