Fraunhofer forum for electro-mobility

The brief required creation of a facility devoted to the currently much-discussed topic within the public environmental debate of electro-mobility. It should function equally well as a place for events and different types of work environments. Development of the 370 m² space and design of the courtyard with a recharging station took place in the Spreepalais am Dom building, close to the museum island in Berlin's Mitte district. The previously undeveloped space was transformed into a representative event space with new work areas.

The objective was creation of a uniformly colored body of space that connected the courtyard to the grounds. Space and surfaces would be subordinate to the content of different uses. The basic rectangular form was perspectively skewed to visually widen the space. The complex technology was integrated into the ceiling by means of an orthogonal, three-dimensional material graphic.

All surfaces are executed in the same color and differentiated by means of the materials used, their different surface textures and level of sheen, from dull matte to high gloss. Through occasional, background use of a single midnight blue color, an interplay of interior and exterior, shell and core, light and dark emerged. This effect is particularly noticeable in the completely midnight blue ancillary rooms. Flat, full height mirrors created a spatial illusion that picks up on the expansiveness of the main space. The surfaces of built-in furniture, wall panels and ceiling elements are painted or covered in fabric and illuminated individually. The simple glass cube of the back office assigned to the reception area brings structure to the otherwise open space.

The project was recognized with the "Office Application Award 2012" in the "Best Workplace" category.