Springer Conversion

Berlin, Germany

Springer executive floor

Photo © Axel Hartmann

Springer executive floor

Photo © Axel Hartmann

Springer executive floor

Photo © Axel Hartmann

Springer executive floor

Photo © Axel Hartmann

Springer executive floor

Photo © Axel Hartmann

Architects: Martin Schmitt Architektur

Location: Berlin, Germany
Year: 2014
Client: Axel Springer SE
Team: Kai Nikolaus Grüne, Caspar Teichgräber, Anna-Lena Kortmann, Jeong-Hoon Kim

The conversion of the Springer executive floor is the Iconic Awards Winner 2015 in the category of interior. Shorter communication channels, collaborative work: these are the central ideas for the redesign of the Axel Springer executive floor, which we completed in April 2014. The redesign of the boardroom is also an expression of Axel Springer’s transformation process to ‘leading digital publisher’. The essential elements of the task were the spatial organisation in its transparency and informality, the flexible usage concept, and the choice of robust materials.

Co-working space has found its way into the executive floor. For that reason, we have broken with the classically rigid corridor-with-offices situation.

The new centre is a large work area and a lounge, and the four small executive offices are grouped in the corners around it. Through the use of curtains and sliding doors, different room situations and perspectives are made possible. All four members of the Board now sit on the same floor. Their individual offices have become smaller – but the common area larger.

A space typology prevalent among start-up companies was implemented in a leading publishing company: one can now communicate directly, appointments are no longer necessary, and spontaneous meetings can take place without a great deal of preparation.