Intelligent Rooms

Architecture Meets Innovation

From the outside, the building resembles many other carefully planned office structures—but its interior reveals something truly special. As the project’s planners describe it:
“With the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI), a flagship project for applied artificial intelligence is being created in Heilbronn.”

The new, rectangular four-story building is home to IPAI Management GmbH and offers a total of 6,000 square meters, including 4,000 square meters of office space.
Süd-Com was commissioned to design the interior of this innovative co-working office, which accommodates 212 fixed workstations.
At the same time, a visitor center was to be created—one that makes artificial intelligence tangible and conveys the fascination of this technology. The concept includes a welcoming café, generous lounge areas, multifunctional event and workshop rooms, an exhibition space, and even a real-life laboratory.

Through interactive exhibits, engaging demonstrations, and diverse event formats, the goal is to ignite enthusiasm for AI.

Design That Inspires Dialogue

The IPAI corporate design and the future, circular campus layout are echoed throughout the interior design, where functionality and aesthetics seamlessly merge.
The aim is to create the perfect atmosphere for creative work—one that fosters the development of forward-looking AI solutions and encourages interdisciplinary dialogue.

The inviting ambiance is shaped by curved forms and a color palette of soft, homely pastel tones. The choice of materials reflects a clear commitment to sustainability and future viability.
Natural rubber flooring in varying shades is used to zone the spaces, its rounded forms adding distinctive design accents.
Offices and meeting rooms are fitted with recyclable carpet tiles. In select areas, exposed concrete ceilings with visible installations lend an industrial character to the space, which is elegantly offset by round acoustic cylinders, linear lighting, and flexible curtain systems.

The furnishings reflect the building’s architectural language with a modular layout that enables flexible spatial arrangements and individual usage scenarios. Soft elements, such as area rugs, are thoughtfully integrated.
Phone booths and think tanks positioned between meeting and lounge areas provide secluded spaces for focused work.

What can architecture contribute to a good workplace?

Maike Mahlmann: If the communication concept is in harmony with the architecture, only then does the design of working environments become truly successful. This creates the necessary identification with a new mindset.

To what extent should the design of the workspace respond to individual needs?

The design should offer a balance between flexibility and structure.
It is important to support different working styles, for example through a combination of open areas and retreat spaces, so that employees can develop individually.

Which materials do you always recommend to your clients in structural or interior architecture?

Sustainable materials such as wood, recycled metals, and ecological insulation
are essential. They not only promote a positive spatial effect, but also
durability and environmental awareness, which are central to modern building projects.