For the global medical technology company Siemens Healthineers, Dittel Architekten are realising a pioneering and user-centred work environment at the new High Energy Photonics (HEP) Centre at the Forchheim site. The 57,000-square-metre building is considered one of the most modern facilities for medical technology components in Europe and brings together production, research, development and logistics under one roof. The design concept focussed on efficient spatial solutions, simplified workflows and long-term employee satisfaction.
The office landscape of the new HEP Centre that DIA created for Siemens Healthineers presents itself as innovative and dynamic. As part of an preliminary consulting service, the architecture and design firm held a workshop series that incorporated users for the development of a future-oriented work environment. The resulting needs assessment served as the basis for the development of a unique design concept, which was implemented on six floors with a total of 15,000 square metres. This is implemented within the neutral technical shell that connects the production and office sections of the building.
The design concept is essentially derived from the CI colours Healthy Orange and Siemens Petrol, as well as the portmanteau word Healthineers in the company name (a combination of Healthcare, Pioneer and Engineer). This transfers the corporate identity onto the space and makes the dynamic welcoming culture tangible for employees and visitors. The realisation of an innovative, highly efficient work environment that combines flexible spatial solutions, a healthy work culture and comfort was at the heart of the project. Another overarching objective was to link office and production in order to spatially reflect the diversity, equality and togetherness of employees that Siemens Healthineers values.
Service phase 0: Raising employee satisfaction through user-centred solutions
The zoning of the areas and the range of different functional modules is the result of the preliminary service phase 0. This essentially involved a user-centred participation process in which the requirements for the new work environment were established. The surveys, interviews and workshops conducted by DIA with various stakeholders formed the basis for the development of a spatial concept and the placement of the individual functional modules on the site. Understanding what future users expect from their work environment ensures long-term acceptance of the new premises and forge a shared identity. The participatory planning process and a joint vision for the future use of space will also bring about an improvement in productivity, information flow, concentration and well-being.
Design concept: The corporate identity in the interior
The company-related healthcare theme is realised within the design concept by DIA through the spatial translation of imaging processes. The X-ray theme is reflected throughout the office areas in the form of transparent and structured materials such as mesh and glass, along with colour contrasts. Material and surface structures evoke the tissue structures of the human body and lend the rooms a special quality through their haptics. The engineering concept is reflected in the form of a multifunctional room structure and a well thought-out use of space in flexibly adaptable modules. Workbenches placed here and there reflect the manufacturing concept and allow production and office areas to merge meaningfully. The pioneering spirit is represented by the overarching themes of digitisation and networking. This includes the integration of digital elements, as well as the distinctive, analogue signage system in CI colours. The latter extends across all units, links the areas into a whole and thereby forges a sense of identity and belonging.
World of colours and materials
The use of high-quality materials, a modern colour and design language, as well as of digital media, represents the company’s striving for quality and innovation. Light, neutral surfaces and floor coverings contrast with colour accents and create an atmospheric ambience. Green plants and wooden furniture round off the design concept and, in addition to the aesthetic aspect, contribute to a feel-good atmosphere in the interior and a positive work environment. The individual areas are presented with a harmonious colour scheme that reflects the spectrum of the colour canon of orange meets petrol and creates a visual association with the Siemens Healthineers brand.
The result is a contemporary work atmosphere as a response to the complex and diverse needs of users and a new way of working. With the intelligent linking of production and offices, the hybrid spatial concept emphasises the global orientation and corporate philosophy of Siemens Healthineers, which stands for a pioneering spirit, sustainability and inclusion.
