The design for the extension of Sedus in Dogern, Germany was more than just another office development.
The permeation of inside and outside, and the resulting integration of natural phenomena rendered a more visual, acoustic and tactile design. Nature is integrated in the building concept - a hybridisation of different structures generated natural spaces as identity-supporting elements in the daily work environment.
The floor plans were developed according to research conducted at the Fraunhofer Institute’s Office 21 project. The development of a “Place 2.5” concept was crucial in the overall design. Where “Place 2” was about normal office space characterised by a regular, Cartesian grid, ”Place 3” was all about recreational, off-time functions.
This organisational concept was translated into a regular grid structure with five green courtyards acting as mini green-houses. Each courtyard had its own identity in colour and vegetation, letting multiple views and visual connections emerge throughout the building. These courtyards were built on a natural tessellation; a ‘voronoi’ pattern, which offers an optical counterpart to the rationally structured office space.
The design exemplified the values of Sedus as an open, socially engaged, and responsible company.
