Software at the lake

New location for the future

Let’s start with a few figures: A new domicile was to be designed for at least 200 employees, possibly later up to 320. 3,800 square meters were to be worked on for this purpose, more than 120 plants were to be accommodated in the premises in order to positively influence the climate and atmosphere there, and in December 2021 the new working world could finally be put into operation. The client was the software developer and IT service provider doubleSlash Net-Business GmbH, and the location was the Software Innovation Center (SIZ) in Friedrichshafen. For many companies, such as doubleSlash here, a new location that is designed with the commitment of professionals not only offers the advantage of modern and adequately efficient accommodation, but is also seen as part of the brand identity and, in the best case, develops into a corporate ambassador.

Experienced interior designers are needed to manage this mix of spatial requirements and communication-affine design. DREES & SOMMER approached the challenge in the first step with a clear internal organization, which responded to the square contour of the three floors.

The marketplace unites

The multiple offices and meeting rooms were arranged all around: On the two upper floors, circularly around the gallery with visual reference to the open atrium; on the first floor, laterally. The conference and meeting rooms were also accommodated here. In the core of the building, flanking the light-giving atrium, the supply functions, storage and hygiene rooms were placed, as well as all other zones that tolerate a somewhat more introverted location: meetings, mother-child or rest room. The tea kitchens of the floors are opposite each other, communicatively connected by the bridges running across. The mental relaxation and physical training aspect of sports or gymnastics – wellbeing, fitness or gaming – finds an almost natural integration, combined with the possibility of eating on the roof terrace and even preparing the meal in an outdoor kitchen, watching movies or having creative discussions.

Everything is finally united by the marketplace, which occupies the central area of the first floor – the place of reception, for recreational offers, cafeteria and event facilities. Incidentally: The overall program is opened up by a wayfinding system – for easy working in the Best Workspace.

As a designer, how would you define the term “new work” briefly and succinctly?

Luisa Feistle: New work takes employees and all their needs seriously. They have a say in the development of their working environment. The desire for balance is given space in the truest sense of the word, as is the compatibility of work and family.

There is a lot of talk about sustainability at the moment: Do you have a basic approach to this?

There must be no way around sustainability. At the same time, we know: True sustainability goes to the substance, is extra effort in the research, needs courage in trying out new materials. But the recyclable and pollutant-free products are available and are in no way inferior to the classic ones.

Is it possible to respond to the home office trend in office design, or should there be a clear distinction between private and office interiors?

Flexible working needs clear boundaries – otherwise the advantages of freedom of choice turn into the burden of permanent availability. That’s why it’s good to keep a physical distance and emphasize the difference in design: with quality as a sign of appreciation.