C. Rob. Hammerstein
Architect: Meinrad Ladleif, Kassel, Bernd Friedmann, CRHOffice Planning: Uta Ortwein, Regina Reinberger
Sales Office: Objektform Essen
Project Description:
The headquarters of the C. Rob. Hammerstein company in Solingen is an industrial building that was constructed in 1849.
For many years the hall survived the company`s changing fortunes by being used as a warehouse.
Today the building has once again become a symbol for the future of the company, since at the new headquarters the way is being paved for successful developments.
The one-time umbrella manufacturers have become specialists for adjustable systems of seats, steering columns and interior modules and are one of the leading automobile suppliers in the world.
Like a window onto the future, the generously glazed entrance area draws the visitor`s gaze into the interior of the building.
Here, the transparency and consistency of the furnishings provide clear orientation.
Through sensitive restoration of the structure of the building, this new seat of the company administration reveals the roots of industrial history, yet at the same time builds bridges into the future with the help of Bene`s innovative office space concept.
Compact Office Implementation:
An intelligent arrangement of space through the spatial allocation of work activities constitutes the main planning aspect of the Bene office space concept, entitled Compact Office.
The focus is on mobility, compactness and the transparency of office events, with an optimised utilisation of space.
The layout of the offices derives from the analysis of primary and individual functions.
That is why the spatial design of the group offices changes in accordance with the kind of activity performed by the employees.
In those offices where team-oriented work is being done, the tables are arranged in the middle of the room and the employees sit opposite one another.
In those places where concentrated individual work or telephoning determine everyday office life, the workplaces are arranged along the side walls.
Yet regardless of how the office is furnished, the transparency that typifies the building is everywhere to be found.
The configuration of the workstations corresponds to the personal working style of the user.
At the centre are B3 tables, the height of which is adjustable, or else the Lift Desk, the top of which can be raised to the level of a lectern.
The walls themselves become part of the furniture in those places where the tables are arranged along the side walls.
Horizontal organisational tracks within arm`s reach can be fitted with individually appropriate elements and cupboards.
On the floor, this function is taken over by Bene AL-K cabinets with shutters.
The AL-K cabinets are on rollers and can therefore be moved around the room, as can the Skaters, which are mobile pieces of auxiliary furniture for additional storage space or for use as small desks.
Brief discussions may be held sitting or standing at the Lift Table, the height of which is adjustable. Within the wide-ranging circulation zones of the office storey, independent areas for reception and islands for technical equipment are created by the Bene R3 adjustable walls, which can also be used as storage space. In this way the amount of functionally harmonised space in the office is enlarged, while free space is created for creativity, communication and concentration.
