Office conversion Drees & Sommer Cologne

Drees & Sommer’s Cologne office, located in the city’s Westgate building, was refurbished with one goal in mind: to achieve maximum reuse of the existing space but with minimum demolition. The result? A larger and future-proof workplace created at surprising speed and using as few resources as possible. The holistic design concept incorporates a distinct local flavour and provides ample space for collaboration and community. Cologne, we’re here to stay.

Transforming old into new

Having already designed the Drees & Sommer offices in Stuttgart, Munich and Frankfurt among others, we then applied our design approach to Cologne – and created a showcase for innovative workplaces. The principle guiding this approach is simple: retain and refurbish. Staying in the Westgate building at Rudolfplatz meant not only practical advantages, such as remaining in a central location with public transport conveniently nearby; it also presented the opportunity to expand. The office could continue to be on the same floor of the building and increase its floorspace by 370 m². The decision to stay was based primarily on sustainability: a resource-friendly approach that makes use of existing assets. 

The existing furniture has been reused and even supplemented by redundant furniture from other offices. We designed new, bespoke elements only on the premise that they would be long-lasting and were flexible and in line with our sustainability strategy.

Everything’s for everyone

Users’ needs are central to what we do. Our maxim “everything’s for everyone” is embodied in our new spatial concept: a variety of shared spaces that provide a high-quality interior ambience. Whenever they want, staff are free to work in whichever space best suits their task. There are four different areas, each with a distinctive character reflecting their designated purpose. They encourage a sense of place by telling a story with strong links to Cologne’s culture and lifestyle. 

Op dem Maat is the lively marketplace and centrepiece of the new office. It features bespoke furniture such as a zoning bench element for sitting on either side, along with other seating that can be flexibly rearranged. The welcoming space is perfect for informal conversations, networking, or taking a short break. This communal area is flooded with natural light; it accommodates the main kitchen, provides impressive views of the famous Cologne cathedral, and plays host to all kinds of events, making it a significant point of attraction. 

The Stadtgarten is a neighbouring, public zone for clients and staff to meet, strategically located around the main entrance. A variety of conference rooms is located here as well as other spacious areas for conversation and information exchange. 

The Büdchen and space adjacent to it have a distinctive workshop character. Materials, samples and product catalogues are arranged here, ready to be transferred to the planning tables for creative teamwork. 

In the Dom there is a completely different atmosphere. Situated at the far end of the office, away from the hustle and bustle, it is a haven of peace and deep concentration. 

Between these bespoke spaces are numerous standard workstations with additional conference rooms and focus areas. They are divided into clusters, each named after one of Cologne’s different quarters. Again, this aids orientation and lends tangibility to this aspect of company culture.

Diversity in design

Clear and precise design principles are now evident throughout the new workplace, transforming the office into one with a harmonious and holistic look and feel. Removal of the dark corridors has enhanced the visual connection across the atrium. There is a new sense of transparency and spaciousness due to the increase in natural light and the more fluid, open floor plan. 

The interior now boasts a lively mix of contrasting materials and finishes and a more defined structure throughout. The marketplace, for example, is dominated by a radiant shade of coral, which is offset by the neutral colours of the standard workstations. The office’s monolithic cores, identical in shape and volume, are differentiated by their individual colour schemes. Each with its own adjoining kitchen, they also provide orientation within the workplace. 

Built in record time

All in all, it took only eleven months for the idea to become reality. The physical conversion took place in three stages, each of a month’s duration, while business continued as usual. There was a period of only three weeks when staff had to work remotely, either from home or other offices in the region.

We’re future-ready

Our shared beliefs and our philosophy are based on attention to detail, ecological and tactile materials, and the human experience that our workplaces create. Our redesigned offices are all connected by common features and are instantly recognisable. And yet no two are the same. Because every design evolves out of the needs of the users, takes local characteristics into consideration, and provides bespoke solutions. 

Flexibility is key and with every new staff member who joins the team, the new workplace in Cologne grows. It can be enhanced and added to, and the flexible, mobile furniture can be rearranged to fulfil different purposes. Because one thing is certain: change will come. And we’re ready for it.