ThyssenKrupp Headquarters’ “Room of Silence”

CHALLENGES: • Seven meter tall walls • Cube focal point that is suspended from the ceiling • Seamless floor • Homogeneous floor, walls and ceiling

PROBLEM: The new ThyssenKrupp headquarters is the workplace for more than 2,000 employees in Essen and represents the new architectural centerpiece of the company. In this building, the client wanted an unusual place for employees and visitors to relax and find inner balance. The architect designed an ambitious room with seven meter tall foyer walls and an adjacent main room with a free floating cube in the center. The architect wanted a homogeneous design for all the surfaces in the room.

SOLUTION: ARDEX Germany offered PANDOMO by ARDEX as a solution. The PANDOMO System is one where the style of material can be applied on all surfaces. On the walls and ceiling installers used PANDOMO Wall in a light crème color. On floors, PANDOMO Floor and PANDOMO Loft was utilized. These products give the impression of a room cut from stone with no joints. All surfaces have a silky noble gloss which gives the room a simple, high quality elegance.

ORIGINS OF THE PROJECT Back to our roots 200 years later It is relatively unusual for an international company and especially one listed on the stock market (“DAX”) with over 180,000 employees to take the decision to build new headquarters. Five years ago, ThyssenKrupp decided to consolidate the group’s administrative activities (then based in Düsseldorf) on its historic site in Essen and at the same time renew its image with its new headquarters. The company’s various management and administrative departments, which were located on several sites in the Rhine -Ruhr region, will now all be located in a new area of the city. The choice of the site is symbolic as it was on the “Altendorferstrasse” in Essen that the fi rst Krupp steel foundry was founded nearly 200 years ago. This is therefore the historic foundation on which our project is based. To do this, ThyssenKrupp launched an international competition in 2006 - 105 teams participated. Our project is the result of a collaboration between Chaix & Morel et Associés and JSWD Architekten, who unanimously won the competition.

TOWN PLANNING AND LANDSCAPING INTENTIONS A simple urban design for a green campus The aim of the ThyssenKrupp Quarter project in Essen was to develop a large campus and showcase the exceptional building which will be used to house the company’s headquarters. The planning concept is both simple and effi cient: its highly geometric design creates a living ensemble consisting of several buildings, green spaces and a large central water basin. The “free-standing” buildings and open spaces are located around this central space creating a coherent ensemble of interacting architectural and natural elements. The perspective and the water basin with the headquarters to the rear is the striking image of this new quarter.

This landscape scheme places great importance on the quality of work spaces and gives the entire area an open and welcoming feel. At the heart of the ensemble, with its large well-defi ned central water basin, the Headquarters building punctuates the perspective - a signal in the landscape. The space has been designed to encourage communication and will be an attraction for the entire quarter. A network of alleys, paths and squares link all the different areas of the campus. The green spaces between the buildings create a strong link between the architecture and nature as well as providing pleasant outdoor spaces that encourage dialogue and relaxation. With the exception of the « Avenue of Worlds » (a line of trees planted alongside the water basin), all the green spaces have been planted in a non-linear fashion creating a dynamic landscape in contrast to the geometric nature of the buildings.

Access to different companies is organised around the central water basin. Pontoons and footbridges cross over the water basin giving access to waterfront buildings located on the different banks. The human scale of the public spaces and footpaths has been designed so that the site can be fully enjoyed by all its users.

A few landscaping fi gures : - 7.5 hectares of green space on a 17-hectare site - 700 trees planted - A water basin measuring over 7,000 m² (235m x 30m) - « Avenue of the Worlds » - 68 trees (planted in a line) of 15 different species.

A quarter of the city to be developed Even at the competition stage, the proposed project integrated the possibility of being able to develop the ThyssenKrupp campus in several phases. From the outset, the construction of the headquarters was key to the project being realised and integrated into the city. Furthermore, it is possible to sub-divide these phases thanks to the «free-standing» concept. In this way, we can easily adapt the project to take into account any unforeseen events: this fl exibility extends to the construction of buildings as well as the ability to modify their dimensions. All the structures function independently and can be constructed whatever changes are made to the ground plan and other entities at a later date.

PHASE 1 The fi rst phase of the campus was completed in the summer of 2010 and was constructed on around 62,300 m² (NFA). The total future surface area is 95,000 m². The fi rst completed buildings are : - Q1 : the « Headquarter » surface area : 25,200 m² (NFA)

- Q2 : the « Forum » housing a conference centre and restaurants; located to the right of the Headquarter surface area : 17,000 m² (NFA)

- Q5 and Q7 : two offi ce buildings located to its left surface area : 11,000 m² and 9,000 m² respectively (NFA)

- Underground car park with 900 spaces (mainly under Q1 and Q7) surface area : 27,900 m² (NFA)

- Silo car park with 800 spaces surface area : 26,200 m² (NFA)

PHASE 2 The ThyssenKrupp campus will be developed rapidly. Phase 2 will see the construction of the following buildings:

- Q3 : the ThyssenKrupp Academy training centre surface area : 5,300 m² (NFA)

- Q6 and Q8 : two offi ce buildings surface area : 2 x 13,000 m² (NFA)

- a childcare centre able to care for many group employees’ children

THE CAMPUS AND THE CITY In the future, other buildings could be added to those already constructed in order to extend the campus. The water basin could be extended beyond the access road to the north of the new Headquarters building to provide new, attractive waterfront address on the site. The northern extremity of this central axis could be the location of a « ThyssenKrupp Science Centre » - a place to highlight our corporate culture, our technological progress and major ThyssenKrupp productions. Parallel to this, the ThyssenKrupp group wants the campus to become an area that is welcoming and that is fully integrated into the city. At the end of phase 1, the site is already linked to the rest of the city thanks to the integration of a pre-existing cross-shaped building located to the west of the water basin. This offi ce building has been naturally integrated into the project and acts as an initial connection between the city and the new constructions. The redeveloped « Krupp Park » to the west of the boulevard is partially completed and provides a very attractive extension to the campus’ green spaces. In the future, it will form a very attractive urban and green ensemble.

In order to link the campus to the town and to its inhabitants, the group wants it to become a welcoming leisure area that is open to everyone. The site is completely open to the public. The restaurants (initially reserved for the company) will also be open to the public in the near future, providing terraces and relaxation areas in the middle of this new quarter.

ARCHITECTURAL INTENTIONS A coherent geometric ensemble The composition of the ensemble is the alliance of functionality and the subtle variation of shapes. The ensemble refl ects a strong architectural coherence thanks to its use of simple and complimentary geometric shapes. All the buildings are composed of L-shaped elements enclosing a central area. The aim was to create a quarter with a compact and harmonious architectural appearance conveying a strong sense of unity

External shell /interior shell The campus buildings were designed using the “core shell” principle to highlight the contrast between the exterior and the interior. Two types of façades were used: one facing the central space and one facing the exterior to create maximum visitor impact. The outside of the buildings are clad in steel sheets with an unfi nished texture. The façades have a vertical cadence; this is present in different form depending on the buildings and the chosen sunshade systems. Unlike the sculpted, metallic external shells, those used within the buildings are smooth and golden resembling the colours of fruit pulp. These smooth sheets used internally or externally depending on the building are made of lacquer coated steel sheets. It goes without saying that all the steel used in the project was produced by ThyssenKrupp – showcasing their industrial know-how. The architecture and the main building materials used in the project (steel and glass) symbolise modernity and innovation.

Internal layout All the campus buildings echo the urban concept of orthogonality and centrality in the scale of their internal layout. The way in which all the buildings are grouped around the water basin and central axis is echoed in the interior – the offi ce areas always look out onto a central area.

In collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute, an offi ce concept was developed for the ThyssenKrupp Quarter that meets the diverse requirements of a modern workplace. Today, offi ces need to encourage innovation and improve the quality of social interaction. They must enable both focused individual work as well as team work. Communication is facilitated by a wide variety of meeting rooms and areas. The offi ces comply with all the health and safety standards and optimise the use of fl oor space Thanks to maximum transparency and fl exibility, the offi ces in the ThyssenKrupp Quarter make it easier for colleagues to communicate making a major contribution to implementing the Company’s corporate culture. Key components of the offi ce concept in the ThyssenKrupp Quarter include :

- Modular design with partition systems - Flexible workplace design to allow for different uses - Ergonomic offi ce equipment to allow employees to work either seated or standing - Modern ambience as an expression of an innovation-based corporate culture - Innovative lighting, temperature control and sound insulation solutions for a high-quality working environment

THE HEADQUARTER A flagship building A few key fi gures about the Headquarters : - 25,200m² (NFA) - 13 levels + 2 basement levels - 50m high (50 x 50 x 53 m) - Over 500 employees - Two panoramic windows (28.1m x 25.6m) each composed of 96 glazed panels - An atrium (21m x 21m) - 8,000 m² of sun protection

The Headquarter (Q1) is at the heart of the new ThyssenKrupp Quarter. More than 500 people will work in the cube-shaped building. At a height of 50 meters it towers over all the other buildings on the campus without being over-dominant Its striking and expressive shape distinguishes it. The assembly of two L-shaped geometric modules around a central space gives the building its atypical image from the outside but also creates interesting spaces within the buildings’ interior. The glazed atrium forms the central part of the building. It extends over ten fl oors and comprises a number of mezzanines and platforms. The north and south sides looking out onto the water basin and faces feature two panoramic windows. The roof is also glazed to allow natural light to pass into the central lobby. The building mainly houses offi ces and meeting rooms on the upper fl oors, a large lobby on the ground fl oor, and a car park and plant rooms in the basement. Beyond the overall architectural impact of the building and its spatial qualities, the use of materials and special techniques in its facades plays a key role. In particular, the sunshade system uses ThyssenKrupp stainless steel products.

Its panoramic windows Like its neighbouring building, the Headquarters is composed of several L-shaped elements surrounding a central atrium. On the northern and southern sides, the L-shapes frame two panoramic windows: measuring 25.60m (wide) and 28.10m (high), which use neither frames nor mounting bars. They appear to be made entirely of glass. Transparency was a key element in the design concept for producing these exceptional glass structures. The lightest possible load bearing structure was used to guarantee maximum transparency: the panoramic windows are supported by a network of pre-stressed vertical and horizontal cables which appear almost invisible due to the scale of the building. Like the panoramic windows, the opening in the atrium roof is supported by a network of cables and has a double-arched surface measuring around 21m x 21m. All the technical features give the overall structure an apparent lightness. Another key factor was the choice of glass: on one hand it must be able to protect employees from the sun and on the other be as transparent as possible i.e. use the least amount of tinting. To achieve the aim of maximum-possible transparency, a custom solution featuring insulated clear glass panes was selected.

THE FORUM A few key fi gures for the Forum : - 17,000 m² NFA - 3 levels + 1 basement level - 129m long (129.2m x 49.4 x 18.6m) - A conference hall seating 1,000 people

The Forum (Q2) notably contains offi ces, a conference centre and company restaurants. It is located to the east of the Headquarters. It is seen as a key communication centre in which to share ideas and ThyssenKrupp know-how. It is in the Forum that the various group departments hold conferences and meetings. The Forum also allows the group to be able to welcome clients and important guests in a high quality environment. The internal layout of the Forum is very dynamic: volumes and galleries of varying shapes and heights open out and close highlighting the dynamic nature of the space. The three main levels are linked by shared atriums or differing heights. In addition to the spacious lobby, the Forum also houses offi ces, archiving areas, a company restaurant (420 places) and a cafeteria on the ground fl oor. On the fi rst fl oor next to the conference and meeting rooms is the “Room of Tranquillity” (a silent space), which has been set aside for relaxation and mediation. The main conference hall can seat up to 600 people in conference layout, and up to 1,000 people in cinema layout. On the second fl oor, you can fi nd the VIP restaurant and the Supervisory Board’s meeting room. In the basement, the Forum houses the logistics hub of the ThyssenKrupp Headquarters (archives, etc.). The Forum opens out onto the concourse to the west and the water basin ; this is also where the main entrance, restaurants and terraces are located. It is the key focus of the campus.

THE TWO OTHER BUILDINGS A few key fi gures for Q5 and Q7 buildings : - 11,000 m² NFA / 9,100 m² NFA - 5/7 levels respectively + 2 basement levels

Like the Headquarter and the Forum, the sculpted volumes in Q5 and Q7 are a central design feature. Two L-shaped elements are linked and defi ned by a recess on the ground fl oor. Deep incisions in the upper fl oors enable the inclusion of mezzanines and conservatories and attractive meetings rooms giving the buildings (5 and 7 fl oors respectively) unexpected accents. On the ground fl oor, the two L-shaped buildings provide a bright concourse. This lobby provides the buildings with an entrance next to the water basin and another to the west of the campus. The two L-shaped sections are connected by bridges, which also create deep recesses in the buildings’ volumes. Around 220 employees will work in the Q5 building and 300 in the Q7 building.

A QUALITY ENVIRONMENTAL APPROACH A certified project The ThyssenKrupp Headquarters is setting the standard in terms of reducing its energy consumption and its ecological impact by using renewable resources and creating a modern working environment. For these reasons, the ThyssenKrupp Headquarters have been awarded the most prestigious German environmental certifi cate by the DGNB (German sustainable building council). This « Gold Pre-Certifi cate » was awarded during the Expo Real trade fair in Munich in 2009. It is a new German certifi cate for industrial and commercial buildings.

A few key fi gures : - Primary energy needs 20 to 30 % less than that required by German law - 1,000 m² of geothermal collectors - 400 000 automatic slats providing protection from the sun for the headquarters - 450,000 m³ of earth reused for a green building site - 700 trees planted

An overall ecological approach « The ThyssenKrupp campus must become a symbol for the forward-looking, sustainable development of the Group. » This ambitious aim, set out by ThyssenKrupp in the guidelines for the architectural competition, has now been successfully completed after a three-year construction period. Demands for the sustainable use of raw material resources were met in the design and construction of the buildings and grounds – e.g. the effi cient energy supply design, the predominant use of locally available or produced materials, the buildings’ energy-effi cient heating and cooling system. To achieve this, we required both innovative architecture and a responsible approach in terms of the environment and natural resources. Sustainable development must meet ecological, economical and social objectives - ecological in terms of protecting health and the environment; economical in terms of using resources sparingly; and social in terms of egalitarian and pleasant living conditions. The expected primary energy demand for the offi ce buildings is 20 to 30 percent lower than statutory requirements. To date, few such energy-effi cient buildings have been built in Germany and in particular those integrating large glazed areas.

Innovative sunshade systems All the buildings have been designed to use as little energy as possible. These results have been achieved, in part, thanks to highly effective external sunshade systems, which were specially developed by Werner Sobek Ingenieure and Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. Solutions which track the direction of the sun and take into account how spaces are used were implemented. The technical and environmental solutions are also integral part of the buildings’ architectural signature.

Environmental responsibility Before construction work started, the entire site was examined for any legacies (obstructions or contamination) from its almost 200 years of industrial history. With the assistance of experts, minor contamination was professionally disposed of off-site. In total, around 450,000 m³ of earth had to be moved. To avoid the need to move several thousand truckloads of earth on public roads, it was temporarily stored on-site and some of it was used in the construction of the Krupp Park. The creation of green spaces on the site is exemplary and more than 700 trees will be planted. Together with the generously proportioned water basin, they will signifi cantly enhance the micro-climate of the entire site. Particularly impressive is the “Avenue of the Worlds”, which runs parallel to the water basin over a length of 235 meters. A total of 68 trees have been planted, including 15 different species. One-third of the site will be paved and two-thirds will remain unpaved allowing most of the rainwater to drain away and be returned to the water cycle. Throughout the Quarter, rainwater falling on the roofs of the buildings (around 25,000 m²) will be collected and fed into the lake in the Krupp Park via a separate drainage system. This rainwater drainage system is roughly 1,300 meters long and can feed up to 520 litres of water per second into the lake. The overfl ow from the lake fl ows into the Borbecker Mühlenbach, which is a tributary of the Emscher river system. The clean rainwater will help improve the water quality of the Emscher River. For the innovative rainwater separation system used in the ThyssenKrupp Quarter, the Emschergenossenschaft water management association presented ThyssenKrupp with its “Watermark” award. This symbolises an intact natural water cycle and is awarded to projects that make sustainable use of rainwater.

Eco-friendly construction materials Besides glass and steel, wood has been used on the campus inside the buildings. However, only indigenous, fast-growing tree species were used and whose production conditions were known. In the interiors, only eco-certifi ed wood was used for the wooden fl ooring. The materials used in the external areas were deliberately selected on the basis of sustainability. In the majority of cases, locally or nationally produced materials from renewable sources were used.

Optimised lighting energy consumption To limit energy requirements, the ThyssenKrupp Quarter will use a fully automated system with daylight- dependent brightness control and presence detection. This means that light will only be provided where and to the extent it is actually required.

Specificities of the Headquarter This project is the synergy between architecture, the thermal shell and the technical design of a modern administrative building. The building is compact; it is laid out around a glazed atrium which uses fi ltering and insulating glass as well as having an external, mobile sunshade system. The use of ultra-transparent glazing on three sides of the atrium provides pleasant working conditions – natural light and ventilation on all levels of the building. In winter, air pre-heated by the offi ces will be used to heat the atrium. In summer, cool ground air (produced from water evaporation from the lake) will cool the atrium and the offi ces. Making use of the inertia of concrete fl oors via a system of active capillary pipes located in the fi ller provides basic heating and cooling to reduce consumption linked to mechanical ventilation. The CMV (controlled mechanical ventilation) and the fl oor have been minimised and are linked to a heat recuperation system to manage climatic peaks. Thanks to the use of geothermal technology (earth tubes linked to heat pump and to Essen’s municipal heating system) primary energy consumption is considerably reduced.

The ThyssenKrupp Headquarter will use the heat and cold stored in the ground for geothermal heating and cooling. To do this, collectors were installed at depths of up to 100 meters in the 1,000 m² «geothermal fi eld». The geothermal system not only heats and cools the buildings but can also be used to store surplus heat or cold in the ground. Thanks to this technology, room temperature is kept at between 21° and 26°C. Heat will be recovered from the waste air from the offi ces via the central ventilation system. The system has a high heat recovery factor, key to the sustainability of the building.

Sun protection is optimised: the automatic adjustment of the system tracks the movement of the sun throughout the day without blocking the view. The tracking, shape and angle of the horizontal slats enable light to be refl ected indirectly providing constant natural lighting to the offi ces (and avoiding the need for additional electric lighting). Around 400,000 centrally controlled slats provide protection from the sun; this is comparable to traditional external sun protection systems. However, these slats have the advantage of not blocking the view and are entirely functional even in the event of very high winds. As in the case of the panoramic windows, transparency was one of the key objectives. Thanks to this system, the view from the Headquarters is always pleasing: total transparency when the slats are open – partial transparency when the slats are unfolded.

The Headquarter required an individual sun solution to ensure optimal comfort and the system for this building had to be specially designed. Its façades have metallic sun shades which are comparable to vertical moveable feathers. These feathers consist of an axis with two series of horizontal slats on either side; the « barbs » enable the amount of sunlight entering the building to be regulated. The hollow axes of these feathers are installed every 67.5 cm to fi t in with the design of the offi ces. The illusion of a wheat fi eld waving in the wind is created by the three shapes of the slats that cover the building: a triangle, a trapezium and a rectangle. It is the way in which they are assembled that gives the impression of movement. When open the barbs of the two neighbouring feathers can crisscross each other and superimpose themselves to allow a maximum amount of sunlight to enter the building. The triangular and trapezoidal panels measure from 0 to 67.5 cm in width and the rectangular panels measure 33.75 cm. The panels are the height of a fl oor to be adapted to the users.