Ramboll, an international engineering, architecture, and management consulting firm, supports companies and public sector clients through transformation processes. Its areas of expertise include decarbonization, climate adaptation, and the integration of biodiversity and water conservation into operational processes. In doing so, Ramboll works with its clients to develop strategies and business models whose goals and measures are defined on a project-by-project basis.
An iron foundry becomes a hub for creatives
The new Berlin branch in the Wilhelm Hallen was to be designed with a similarly forward-looking approach—a 23,945-square-meter site that also houses the historic brick building of a former iron foundry. The industrial site has been transformed into a hub for the creative industries, fostering collaboration among various creative disciplines in northern Berlin and facilitating engagement with the public.
Within the Berlin landmark, a hub for creative collaboration for 90 employees and their guests was created across two floors totaling approximately 1,730 square meters. The design was created by PLY Atelier, an interdisciplinary studio for interior architecture, architecture, and product design based in Hamburg.
There’s an open-plan space on the second floor with flexible-to-book hot-desking options, areas for deep work and several conference rooms. The sustainably produced AT Mesh task chair in white and pale gray is a perfect fit with the ecological office concept. © PLY atelier, photos: Anne Deppe
Technology alongside nature
The previous three Berlin offices were incorporated in one central place. Alongside flexible-to-book hot-desking options, they were provided with multifunctional rooms for workshops, meetings and events that could cater for varying numbers of people.
The meeting rooms and phone booths are accommodated in four large room-in-room modules two of which are detached from the barrel-vaulted ceiling and positioned in the middle of the space. The room-in-room modules and two rooms attached to the facade divide the premises into workspaces of different sizes.
During the design process, the planning team were keen to reconcile their high-tech aspirations and natural design components with one another.
What’s more, to generate an exciting contrast between the historical building’s brick-red facades and light-flooded interiors, they wanted maximum light in the old iron foundry. A color concept of light gray flooring, white walls, and natural, untreated wood help make the interior even brighter.
The kitchen is a communicative space with an arena, counter, tables to eat at, and a lounge. The green wall underscores the natural concept. © PLY atelier, photos: Anne Deppe
Niches with low-height partitions enable deep work and structure the open-plan office without removing its light-flooded transparency. © PLY atelier, photo: Anne Deppe
Sustainability is a must
According to its own statements, Ramboll incorporates climate targets and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals into its corporate strategy.
This focus was also intended to be reflected in the choice of materials for the new office spaces.
Consequently, the office floors feature, among other things, sound-absorbing wood wool, room dividers made from recycled PET bottles, and, on the top floor, a flooring made of natural rubber.
For the workstations, the AT Mesh office chairs from Wilkhahn was chosen.
The swivel chair combines a three-dimensional seat mechanism with a backrest cover made from 80% recycled PET.
The seat and backrest cushions are replaceable. This allows worn-out cushions to be replaced without having to replace the entire chair.
With these features, the AT Mesh complements the material-focused design concept of the new Ramboll office spaces.
Used in the project
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