Alster View

Historic Building Transformation

The seven-storey existing building with cellular offices and corridors from the 1930s is located in a prime location on the Hamburg Outer Alster, at the corner of Alsterufer and Alsterterrasse. Rooms in the east wing offer direct views of the water through a row of trees. The client is BAT Germany, part of the international British American Tobacco Group.

The ambitious task for the also Hamburg-based architectural firm Ratschko was a comprehensive renovation with the concept of a new architectural appearance during ongoing operations with 350 employees—covering 5,000 square meters of office space and 3,000 square meters of communal areas. More than just something new was required. The company’s cultural transformation was to be aesthetically promoted and designed. A contemporary design language was expected, harmoniously interacting with the individually varying expectations and habits of the staff.

Modernization and Activity-Based Working

Through the dismantling of the floors to nearly their raw state—sustainability and longevity were central planning principles—fire compartments and airlocks were reorganized, and building services were completely renewed. Spacious, interconnected areas with sightlines across all axes of the building were created. This made it possible to implement the intended “Activity-Based Working” principle, with flexible office spaces, team workspaces, phone booths, concentration workstations, seating areas, and cozy alcoves—all easily accessible via short walking distances.

Each office floor also features a communal kitchen with a representative “family table” as its conceptual center. However, the upper termination of the company headquarters was also reconsidered: The seventh floor now houses a club restaurant with views over the city and the Outer Alster. For access to the building, and especially for contact with clients and guests, a design overhaul of the ground floor was also necessary. The reception area on the ground floor had to be renewed and newly furnished. The lobby here is now the centerpiece of a versatile conference floor, complemented by a lushly green inner courtyard and a so-called “Black Box.” It was created from the former data center and now supplements the functional offerings of BAT Germany’s new large working world with a multimedia auditorium.

What can architecture do for a good workplace?

Kai Ratschko: We always see architecture as the environment for people. It plays a decisive role in how we experience our work. Architecture affects many levels. It concerns physical aspects like ergonomics. But less obvious sensory experiences also play a role. These include seeing, feeling, hearing, and even smelling, which is often neglected. Depending on how the workplace is designed, it can either support or hinder work: A space that engages the senses and meets human needs promotes well-being and good work results. However, if the environment doesn’t fit, even the most interesting task can suffer.

Which functions and/or spaces are most important to you in a workplace?

This cannot be answered universally, as priorities vary. In the past, everything was concentrated around the individual desk. Today, it’s more about sensibly distributing various functions throughout the office. Spaces like the entrance, lounge, or coffee kitchen also serve specific purposes, all of which are justified. What’s important is that functions frequently and spontaneously needed, such as phone booths or retreat areas for brief conversations, are located nearby. Others, less frequently used spaces, like large meeting or training rooms, can be farther away since they are used less often. Overall, it’s about a good mix and smart prioritization of functions.

Which materials do you recommend to your clients in construction or interior design?

There’s no universal recipe for material selection, as each project is unique. A central point for me is always the question of whether the space is allowed to naturally change over time and thereby gain character. Then, materials that develop a patina are suitable. Wood and linoleum are good examples here, as they age “with dignity” naturally. A pragmatic approach could be to equip vertical surfaces with more affordable materials since they are less stressed, and choose high-quality, patina-prone materials for horizontal, heavily used surfaces. This creates a connection between durability, budget, and aesthetics.