FUSION

Henning Larsen & Ramboll Open Munich Office

It all began with a Danish merger: Henning Larsen Architects, an internationally renowned firm specializing in architecture, landscape, and urban planning, became part of the engineering, architecture, and management consulting company Ramboll in 2019. This design-driven synergy required its own offices, and so, alongside 13 other locations in Germany, Munich was chosen. The new Ramboll & Henning Larsen office occupies two floors on the 4th and 5th levels, offering 2,590 square meters of office space, where 264 employees work. The building’s layout, which combines an E and a U shape, allows for long window lines on both the street and courtyard sides, ensuring an abundance of natural daylight and impressive views. In line with the legacy of Henning Larsen, the renowned Scandinavian architect who passed away in 2013, the goal was to create a bright, stylistically warm, and mentally healthy working environment with a strong focus on community.

Sustainable, Flexible Workspace Designed for Collaboration and Creativity

Thoughtfully placed greenery and the use of natural, healthy materials contribute to this vision, with every element of the office design selected under strict sustainability criteria, focusing on reuse and durability. Designed for success in a hybrid world, the planners described it as an “open platform for interdisciplinary synergies and exciting exchanges.” The interior was designed to foster a working mode that feels “natural and intuitive.” The office concept follows the idea of a flexible and lively workspace that offers ample freedom for creativity, spontaneous meetings, and workshops, while also providing areas for focused work and socializing during breaks. The atmosphere combines a professional work environment with the comfort of home. The work climate is further enhanced by acoustics, lighting, and a balanced color scheme, all in harmony with the natural and sustainable finishes of the building materials. A key aspect in the development of this large workspace was the establishment of a transparent design process for the collaboration between the planning teams from Henning Larsen and Ramboll, where workshops documented the individual needs of the users, addressing aspects such as functionality, aesthetics, and spatial organization.

What can architecture do for a good workplace?

Angelika Donhauser: Architecture or spatial design can play a significant role in enhancing well-being in the workplace. Every space, consciously or unconsciously, impacts us, influencing our health and our actions. As designers, we should always keep this in mind. Every volume, every shape, and every color has an effect.

How much should the design of a workspace cater to individual needs?

The workspace should be tailored to the needs and requirements of the users and be adaptable to different situations. Today’s work demands a high level of flexibility, which should be reflected in the built environment and the workplace, and the space should be able to respond accordingly. Allowing and addressing individual needs always has an identity-shaping and validating effect on the user, which leads to greater acceptance. The workplace is increasingly becoming a “home.”

What functions and/or spaces are most important to you in a work environment?

Places for interaction. For me, one of the most important “functions” of a workplace is creating spaces that allow for exchange. I see the built office as a type of knowledge platform, ready to accommodate various formats and respond accordingly.