Working in an atmosphere in which interaction and collaboration is not only allowed but encouraged is probably one of the main determinants of productivity. Through a constant knowledge-sharing process and progress communication it is in fact possible to enhance creativity and inventiveness, fundamental aspects for operations of firms in any industry. The importance attributed to an experimental approach to work has also been recognized by one of the leading research institutes in the world, the Fraunhofer Institute of Stuttgart, which has required a building not only able to accommodate its space and technology requirements, but also to reflect the highly innovative nature of the operations it conducts.
UNStudio was able to deliver the perfect response to such needs, through the completion of the 6,000 square meters project area of the Center for Virtual Engineering, in which every feature is aimed at achieving simplicity, sustainability and creativity stimulus. Architecture plays a fundamental part in the working environment: the several departments of the institute have no clear separation and instead merge into one another, basing the distribution of the spaces only on the needs of the employees.
Coherently with the open, communicative building concept, the laboratory and research functions are combined with the public exhibition and scenographic routing of the visitors. The numerous stair-sets present in the atrium cross the vast room diagonally, and contrast the dominant white scene of the walls and ceilings through their brightly colored steps, an element ingeniously used also for the outside of the construction as a guiding line for visitors. Adding to its extremely functional and aesthetically pleasant design, the Center was also projected in the respect of the environment, with energy saving installations, recyclable materials and overall low-maintenance requirements, establishing its prototype role in what will presumably be the future architectural trend for office constructions.
June 27, 2012
Parsons
Central Saint Martins
Strate College
Design Academy Eindhoven
LOFT 42
World Architecture Festival
