In “Quartier 205” in Berlin-Mitte, the urban location and the idea of accommodation come together in this sense. This is the name of a renowned building designed by Oswald Mathias Ungers, on whose sixth floor the German Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (vfa) has now established a new headquarters. The project involved redesigning a large portion of the floor — structured in Ungers’ characteristic grid — as well as two wings adjoining the inner courtyards with views over the rooftops of Friedrichstadt. In a combination of cross-shaped and angled layouts, 750 square meters of office space are distributed across two floor plan axes, accommodating 60 employees and 30 permanent workstations. An open, functionally zoned spatial layout now replaces the former cellular office structure, with the aim of fostering exchange, enabling flexible modes of work and interaction, and creating a new identification with the location. A light-filled and clearly designed reception area opens into a generous zone dedicated to informal communication among users and guests. The so-called “Pharmasalon” is conceived as the heart of the new premises, where arrival, orientation, and waiting are combined with a co-working zone and a barista kitchen. A large communal table naturally encourages people to sit down, meet, exchange ideas, and build a sense of community. The overall organization follows a rhythm of open, collaborative areas and enclosed retreat spaces. “Labs” enable focused work, while conference and meeting rooms are also part of the spatial program. Carefully selected furniture and materials were curated together with the client, with participatory workshops helping to define key aspects of functionality, aesthetics, and the desired style. The result was summarized by the association’s president as follows: “We wanted to create a place where we could engage in meaningful dialogue with policymakers, our member companies, and all relevant stakeholders. That goal has been achieved.”
