Urban Mapping

Design Drees & Sommer
Location Koeln, Germany
Site Renovation Drees & Sommer Koeln

Telling Stories Through Space

“We love telling stories that can be experienced spatially.” Designing for yourself can be a joy. Of course, requirements such as spatial efficiency, financial viability, and sustainability still apply. But when you have full control – as was the case for Drees & Sommer in the redesign of their own office in Cologne – the possibilities expand. The project involved 2,200 square meters of office space with 130 stationary workstations, arranged on a centrally located, horseshoe-shaped floor around an inner courtyard. This gave rise to the concept: Cologne’s urban topography became the guiding principle for the floor plan. People work in zones named “Dom,” “Südstadt,” “Ehrenfeld,” or “Altstadt.” Even the nearby “Stadtgarten” was included and defines a public area for employees and clients. Positioned around the main entrance, it features numerous, diverse meeting rooms and generous areas for communication and exchange.

A City Translated into Workplace Design

Just steps away lies the “Marktplatz,” finished in vibrant coral red, offering a place for breaks and informal gatherings. Materials, samples, and product binders are stored on open shelves in so-called “Büdchen,” cleverly combined with large communal worktables that support collaborative and creative work. Spread across the floor plan – most often arranged in groups of four – are numerous base workstations in neutral tones, complemented by additional meeting and focus rooms located along the window façades, both inward and outward. These spaces are grouped and named after well-known locations in Cologne. You might meet at “Heumarkt” and move on to the “Römertor” conference room. This structure provides orientation and makes a part of the corporate culture physically tangible. “Dom” refers to the most secluded zone of the floor, designed for quiet and focused work. More vibrant, centrally located areas reflect their liveliness – born of collaboration and exchange – with humorous nods to Cologne’s entertainment culture, such as “Millowitsch.” The new workspace follows a consistent design language that brings unity to a previously fragmented layout. Dark circulation areas were opened up through new lines of sight, the floor plan made more fluid, and the building’s atrium integrated into the overall experience.

"Here to stay."
— Daniela Schulze

What can architecture contribute to a good workplace?

Daniela Schulze: Taking individual needs into account has a very positive impact on employee satisfaction. However, in our projects we often have to balance individual requirements, standardization, and holistic design.

To what extent should workspace design respond to individual needs?

A well-balanced mix of different spaces for various activities is essential. A wide range of collaborative spaces for personal exchange is particularly important to me.

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

Wood offers many positive qualities – it is aesthetic, pleasant to the touch, promotes well-being, and creates an inviting atmosphere. In general, I recommend healthy, non-toxic materials.

Details
ClientDrees & Sommer SE
CityKoeln
CountryGermany
ArchitectsDrees & Sommer SE
CompletionNovember 2023
SectorFinance
Project typeModification/Conversion
Gross floor area m22,700
Number of employees260
Solutions
Lighting-
FlooringTarkett, Desso Recharge EcoBase; Forbo, marmoleum, walton
Acoustics-
Workspace Furniture-
Conference Furniture-
Lounge FurnitureMutina, Mater by Patricia Urquiola
Greenery-
Technology-
Gastronomy-

Floor Plans

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