Wolfsburg Connect
Henning Larsen Architects
Copenhagen, Denmark
ABOUT
The new masterplan on the southern bank of the Mittelandkanal in Wolfsburg is a connector that bridges former barriers and the phase 1 quarter is integrated in a vibrant and lively city fabric that is open to everyone 24/7. The buildings creates a new destination in the city with a clear identity and with visual connections into and through the spaces.
Work at the Innovation (V)Alley, play at the Valley, and live at the Valley - We wanted to create a sense of place through the choice of spaces and variety of atmospheres to become the model of future workplace in Wolfsburg.
At the Valley the whole ground floor acts as a public street, with retail organized around the Innovation Alley from the central Plaza, the Campo, connecting to the underpass at Gate 17. This is a place with a diverse program that supports the office functions, and stays active in the evenings and weekends to maintain a vibrant city life.
ROLE
Lead Designer
CLIENT
Volkswagen
PROGRAM
Urban Planning, Commercial, Retail
LOCATION
Wolfsburg, Germany
STATUS
Commission - In Progress
YEAR
2020
Exterior View
The terrace opens up the facades towards the north and provides impressive views over the Canal towards the VW factory. The design is green, yet urban to allow for fast movement like running and cycling. The linear space is structured by defined building entrances and viewing platforms.
Site Section
The first floor of the Valley has a more open, semi-public configuration with lobby areas, informal meeting areas, meeting centre, co-work and flex-offices. The upper floors of the Volkswagen offices has maximized and radically flexible floorplates, optimized for great daylight conditions on the full floor, organized around interlocking double height areas.
Ground Floor Plan
The office areas are multispace work environments that combine different office forms and offer employees varied options for performing their tasks.
Interior Render
Our design is focused on the intersection between the Public and the Commercial space, so we carefully analysed the actors at all scales: the society, the organisation and the individual. We suggest a user-centric spaceplanning strategy, where the individual needs and demands of the tenant determine the plan configuration.
Cross Section
Longitudinal Section
The new workplace experience is an exciting sequence of multi- lanar interior vistas and interlocking double or triple-height spaces. The clarity and interconectivity of the layout is important in assuring the impression of openness and transparency. The concept of modularity is realised in the flexible interior layout and expressed further in semi-permanent division of spaces.
Interior Render
We have designed a workplace that best fosters individuals’ cognitive process and working preferences; where one can be creative at different times during the day and where environmental stimuli amplifies collaboration.
Access to Outdoor Areas
Wellbeing of the users is key to the design principles. In the new Volkswagen office each community of employees with have an access to a green terrace. Constant physical and visual relation to the indoors and outdoors vegetation will enhance employees productivity, will have a good effect on their mental health and assure optimal air quality in the building.
Exterior Render
