Production Technology
The composition of the internal landscape follows the principles of architecture, offering a continued reduction of scale of the main volumes and the allowing for the reading of the surrounding environment through the choice of furniture, materials, colours, lighting and green elements. For example, the finish on the hardwood timber flooring emulates the chromaticity of the ground outside. The 120 interior plants and the small potted plants spread about the work spaces and stations, further reduce the scale of the green landscape, bringing it right it in close to the hands of the employees; a continuation of the lush valley of the Rhine right onto their desks.
The suspended ceiling required a long planning process and considerable effort by those specialists involved. The technological elements- the ventilation, audio, sound absorption, lighting, motion and smoke detection systems- were condensed with great precision within one sculptural element that runs through the spaces and accompanies users about the building. These ceilings, along with their decorative function, emphasise the meaning of the space. Two versions were designed, depending on the height of the space in which they are located. Compared to a traditional fully suspended ceiling covering the entire roof area, this solution meets the same functions yet it is more economical. In addition, the materiality of the ceilings, through the interlaced layers of mesh and light has an increased effect on the perception of the space and its three-dimensionality.
The white RAL 9016 used as a base colour throughout the building was chosen for its neutral characteristics and to accommodate the designers’ wishes to create a colourful, warm internal landscape without creating an emotional tension for the users. This may seem contradictory however through the expedient and daring use of colour on concealed surfaces, the Campus offers a welcoming and warm atmosphere. The building is alive with hidden colour; coloured elements peek out from behind the perforated metal of the office furniture, from the acoustic panels of the walls and ceilings, behind sand blasted glass, from brightly painted niches reflections and shadows of colour emerge indirectly. At the same time, other areas of the building were deliberately coloured and provide an ulterior reading of the internal landscape. These three dimensional abstract surfaces are not simply physical walls but serve as mnemonic reminders that accompany users throughout the building, creating a sense of belonging in this internal composition.
