Photo: BMW 
BMW
Mimar: Zaha HadidAt its new site in Leipzig, the global automobile leader BMW produces the BMW 3 Series at a capacity of up to 650 cars a day. For the first time in automotive history, body shell construction, paint shop, assembly and administrative offices are located under one single roof.
UNDER ONE ROOF.
BMW Leipzig defines a new benchmark in structural design: with chassis construction, paint shop and end assembly coming together under one roof, wrapped around a central building. The contract for designing the central building was awarded to star architect Zaha Hadid. Under a clear and very specific building brief, the three core operations were to be closely linked for the first time in the history of automotive production. As a result, the structure forms a hub of communication for the entire automobile plant and gives it an architectural identity of its own.
HUB OF COMMUNICATION.
Zaha Hadid made a deliberate effort to design the central building as an "active nervous centre" of the entire plant site - aware of the fact that after all, the vehicle manufacturer intends to generate productivity. But productivity today no longer derives from the fabrication process alone, nor is it simply a result of employing state-of-the-art technology. It is much rather an intricate interactive process between all staff from completely different areas such as the assembly hall and back office - which lends a completely new dimension to traditional furnishing concepts.
Zaha Hadid converted the interior of her spectacular building into generously cascading floors of different levels which accommodate the open-space office areas.
Suspended conveyor belts move car bodies at different stages of completion across the open office space, passing by the staff. Staff and visitors thus become live spectators in a sophisticated scenic display of the assembling environment. As production becomes visible and transparent to all, the back offices are integrated into the production cycle.
A NEW TYPE OF WORKPLACE.
A strong brand like BMW aims at customized, CI-specific solutions, even for its offices. Together with Objektform, Bene developed a new type of workstation. Existing furniture elements were used, enhanced by new features. The Caddy is the only serial product – all other measurements, colours and furniture finishes were produced in collaboration with BMW.
Didi Lenz, responsible for the BMW-concept at Bene, adds that "some clients wish to create products which do not yet exist because they are interested in tomorrow’s state of the art".
The standard workplaces can be fitted with an electrical lifting mechanism, while a sideboard accommodates all of the audiovisual and multi-media equipment. A specially developed modesty screen ensures privacy and serves as a pin board for DIN-A0 drawings.
The screen, a perforated modesty panel, is considered the showpiece within the design programme: While it facilitates eye-toeye contact with peers, it also serves as a personal touch-down to take bearings in space. Indeed, the screen creates a kind of window of your own, a personal workplace façade amidst
the open space.
Supplementary elements are isolated "think tanks" or "pods", complete with special noise protection, either assigned to management for important meetings, or for use by all the staff as informal meeting zones; they are equipped with meeting tables and chairs or stand-up tables.
The cubicles form a key design element in the open space office – to ensure extra privacy or allow staff to withdraw for undisturbed working. At the same time, a place with a strong identity that fosters communication and interaction.
CUSTOMIZED OFFICE FOR CUSTOMIZED CARS.
We are witnessing a phenomenon today whereby an increasing number of companies attempt to establish an office corporate identity of their own to express their identity. The office – the "place where it all happens" – has been discovered and very visibly employed as a powerful tool to ensure staff engagement and to project the image and values of the company both internally and to the outside world.
The Customized Office exploits the whole range of serial product components as a basis for client-specific enhancements.
To achieve a consistent design concept, BMW wished to award a turnkey contract to one single manufacturer. For this reason, the cubicles placed within the open space – the "think tanks" or "pods" – were also included in the contract. In designing the think tanks under the Customized Office concept, Bene has proved its particular ability to internalise its clients’ visions. This concept results in speedy communication and open interaction. The personal "think tanks" for executives provide room for important meetings. All other think tanks serve as spontaneous places to meet or to withdraw for moments of extra privacy. Not least, the think tanks are effective eye-catchers and contribute a great deal by giving the space an identity of its own.
OPEN SPACE.
While BMW Leipzig has materialised the open space concept by staging a visual spatial experience, this concept has unleashed an unexpected potential in terms of staff performance, motivation and identity. The open space concept is thus not only a tool for optimum utilisation of office space but also a means to use this space in a variety of ways matching the vibrancy of urban spaces.
The open space concept has evolved from the need to provide public, interactive zones on the one hand, and options for staff to withdraw for some extra privacy and undisturbed work on the other. An effective solution for office environments harmonises these conflicting poles by providing the utmost in design
flexibility and freedom, regardless of the given structural constraints.
