a+r Architekten

The Dr. Oetker food group operates its own production facility for the Italian market under the cameo brand in Desenzano on Lake Garda. In order to meet the increased demands for communication and office space, a new building was constructed for these areas that were previously housed in the production building.
The new office building and the cameo Mall are part of the restructuring and enhancement of the overall ensemble, in connection with a future extension building at the street front of the existing factory building.

cameo-Mall
Visible and tangible from all levels, the two-storey cameo Mall provides orientation and facilitates exchange. Visitors are welcomed here and introduced to the cameo brand and products through a presentation. Various meeting, project and communication rooms enable internal and external interaction. The cameo Mall thus becomes the nucleus for product development, presentation and marketing.
Simultaneously, the cameo Mall serves as the main access point. It connects administration and production, functioning as a central distributor. The cameo Mall terminates in the atrium area of the new building, extending vertically into the floors above and thereby connecting the levels. The future expansion areas can also be accessed from the northern end of the Mall.

Office and communication building
Spanning across four levels, the floor plan of this cubic building allows for maximum functionality and flexibility. Shared utility areas and strategically positioned meeting points support an innovative company culture centred around communication and networking.
The office spaces range from open-plan layouts to enclosed areas such as individual offices and “concentration boxes”. With this flexible and customisable degree of individuality, the new building provides employees with a high-quality and productive work environment.
On the upper floors, the workspaces are organised around a central atrium, creating a bright atmosphere and enabling cross-level visual connections.

Canteen
Located on the ground floor, the canteen serves 150 employees with freshly prepared meals for lunch and coffee breaks. Outdoor seating is available in the southeast-facing garden. In addition, an espresso bar is available to employees throughout the day.

Construction and materials
In accordance with its purpose, the cameo Mall appears as a transparent structure. Enclosed rooms are set as volumes detached from the ceiling, thus allowing for the desired openness.
The office and communication building stands as a distinctive structure opposite the existing production hall. The facade features a dynamic surface where the stylised cameo “C”, made from white concrete prefabricated elements, is highlighted through an interplay of light and shadow.
The building was designed according to the requirements of the LEED sustainability certification and qualified for a Gold level rating.