Versicherungskammer - Campus Giesing

Building heights integrate seamlessly into the existing skyline. A redesigned open space introduces a thoroughfare that extends into a small urban plaza, providing access from both the north and the south. The landscape design invites local residents to make active use of the green space, while enhancing the site’s atmospheric quality. The natural changes in elevation help shape a variety of spaces, including a secluded courtyard, a communal meeting place, and a sports field.

An auditorium effortlessly bridges a height difference between one of these levels and connects the existing sunken courtyard with the new central plaza, creating a place for events that can be connected to indoor and outdoor areas. A public café, sports facilities with a climbing wall, and a garden for activities further activate the site.

The green space enriches the surrounding neighborhood, subtly integrating the company into its context while granting additional space to local citizens. The new and existing structures are connected at the third-floor level by a series of bridges which, together with interior spaces offering open work areas and informal meeting zones, form a continuous communication spine. Short routes, varied perspectives, and ample meeting spaces characterize an architecture honed for interaction.

The standalone buildings create a healthy microclimate by allowing air to circulate freely across campus. Unsealed surfaces around the new buildings and generously sized tree pits support full growth and implement the sponge city principle. Biodiversity roofs include photovoltaic panels to power the campus, while facades are energy optimized in accordance with their solar orientation, with fixed external louvers providing shade where sun exposure is greatest. The design also realizes circular construction principles by assessing facade components from the existing building for potential reuse in the replacement structure.