Pilotfläche Stadtverwaltung Duisburg

Design bkp GmbH
Location Duisburg , Germany
Sitting at the front and steering — that is the task of pilots in an aircraft, captains on a ship, or a bus driver. But at the controls, it is not only decisions about direction and speed that are made; new routes are explored, unforeseen challenges are met with flexibility, and even economic considerations come into play. After all, the goal is to move forward safely and efficiently with foresight. This is precisely the role of so-called “pilot spaces.” Such a concept has now been implemented at the Duisburg housing company GEBAG, designed by the interior architecture firm bkp. A fourth-floor office level was redesigned, with the stairwell and restrooms located at the rear. The total area comprises 440 square meters, of which 174 are allocated to office use.

And what exactly was the goal? The city administration describes it enthusiastically: “Our model space gives us the opportunity to make new working environments tangible for our employees. It has become a true ‘home port’ for us.” The floor plan functions as a real testing and learning environment, enabling mobile work, exchange, and retreat alike. Functional agility is supported by 14 ergonomically equipped workstations compliant with ASR standards, complemented by twelve flexible spaces for project-based and temporary work. The area is modularly organized, openly zoned, and used by different municipal departments on a rotating six-month cycle. This allows each department, within a defined timeframe, to test and evaluate new working modes — including fresh impulses and shifts in perspective. To support this, the space offers clearly defined usage zones: an open space for communication, teamwork, and focused work; a project area with mobile furniture for group work and presentations; and writable walls to foster creative processes and agile collaboration. These are complemented by phone booths and a meeting room equipped with media technology. At the center, the “coffee point” encourages exchange and a sense of community. Informal conversations, shared lunches, or spontaneous meetings can take place here. Integrated office management areas with lockers, a printer pool, and organizational infrastructure complete the setup. “Full speed ahead!” — one might say — for a new working culture.

Details
ClientGEBAG Duisburger Baugesellschaft mbH
CityDuisburg
CountryGermany
Architectsbkp GmbH
CompletionApril 2025
SectorAdministration
Project typeModification/ conversion
Gross floor area m2174
Number of employees30
Solutions
Lighting-
Flooring-
Acoustics-
Workspace Furniture-
Conference Furniture-
Lounge Furniture-
Greenery-
Technology-
Gastronomy-
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