Ippolito Fleitz Group - Identity Architects: Der SPIEGEL Kantine - best architects 13

Ippolito Fleitz Group - Identity Architects

Der SPIEGEL Kantine

best architects 13

interior work

Place

Stuttgart

Photos

Zooey Braun

Description

In October 2011 the SPIEGEL publishing group moved into new premises in Hamburg’s HafenCity. The architects were commis-sioned with the design of a new canteen to replace the existing one, designed by Verner Panton in 1969, which was by then a listed monument. The new room fulfils all the desired functions, while its strong visual impact endows it with a signature identity. As an in-house facility, it supports the publisher’s culture of communication, but its high visibility simultaneously conveys these values to the outside world in a grand gesture. The ceiling design is a significant distinguishing feature. It is constructed from 4,203 circles of satin-polished aluminium set at slight angles. This lets the natural light ambience in the canteen react to its surroundings. The matt shimmering “plates” form a softly reflective, scintillating counterpart to the water surfaces of the Ericusgraben outside. Large yellow light dishes zone the room with their intense vibrancy.