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New Axel Springer building

With its spectacular geometry, 45-metre-high atrium and sophisticated digital design, the new Axel Springer building epitomises a forward-looking working environment – brought to life through the TEAMCONCEPT®-process with Zentrale Technik as a reliable partner right from the start.
  • The picture shows a frontal view of the unique glass façade of the new Axel Springer building. © Axel Springer SE
    The picture shows a frontal view of the unique glass façade of the new Axel Springer building. © Axel Springer SE
Client
Axel Springer SE
Contractor
Ed. Züblin AG Directorate North & Directorate Stuttgart
Location
Berlin
Participation ZT
April 2016 - March 2020
Type of building
Publishing house
Construction method
Solid construction
A lot of light falls into the atrium, which has not yet been completed. © Nils Koenning/Axel Springer SE
The atrium shortly before completion.

A sign of openness and change

The new building for the transatlantic media company Axel Springer has created a unique space for work and communication which sets new standards with its striking geometry, 45-metre-high atrium and open-plan workspaces – co-designed by Zentralen Technik as part of the integrative TEAMCONCEPT® approach.

The picture shows the editorial team in the atrium. © Axel Springer SE
The open working environment in the atrium.

Right in the heart of Berlin – and situated precisely on the historic line of the former inner-German border – the new Axel Springer building now symbolises dialogue, transparency and innovation, both architecturally and symbolically. The building’s unusual shape, featuring different types of facades, the spacious, glass-covered atrium extending up to the 10th floor, and event spaces on the ground floor create an environment that intelligently combines workplace culture with public spaces.

Facade construction: The result of state-of-the-art methods

Der Axel-Springer-Neubau vor dem Fassadenbau. Die fertig gestellte Fassade des Axel-Springer-Neubaus. © Marcus Bischoff/ZÜBLIN © Dominik Tryba/Axel Springer SE

  • The centrepiece of the new Axel Springer building is the atrium, flanked by the office floors. It serves as an informal stage and a place to exchange ideas. In a relaxed atmosphere, the space is designed to accommodate both individual and collaborative work.

    Anna-Maria Schröter
    Project Manager Facade, Ed. Züblin AG

Charisma and architectural appeal for Axel Springer

The picture shows the facade of the new Axel Springer building with the Axel Springer high-rise in the background. © Axel Springer SE
The new building is adjacent to the Axel Springer high-rise in the background.

Complexity meets precision

The building’s construction is the result of a masterful feat of engineering. The 45-metre-high steel-and-glass façade of the atrium placed the highest demands on design and construction. Added to this was a complex steel transfer structure and structurally challenging atrium columns, which had to be precisely coordinated with the installation phases.
The greatest challenge: the construction stages and execution steps did not align in the original plans. It was only through close coordination and optimization of the design, detailing and installation concept that the project could be realised safely and precisely.

Digital design as the key

A key factor in the project’s success was the consistent use of 3D models for integrative design. The geometric relationships – particularly between the structural framework, the facade and the MEP systems – could only be understood and adapted through the coordination of the specialist models within the digital environment. Without this digital coordination, it would not have been possible to realise the complex geometries and interfaces.

The picture shows Mathias Döpfner, Friede Springer, Rem Koolhaas (architect) and Jörn Beckmann (ZÜBLIN) at the symbolic handover of the keys to the new Axel Springer building. © Dominik Tryba/Axel Springer SE
From left to right: Dr. Mathias Döpfner (CEO Axel Springer SE), Friede Springer, Rem Koolhaas (OMA, architect) and Jörn Beckmann (former ZÜBLIN) at the symbolic handover of the keys in December 2019.

Reliable partnership as the foundation for project success

Zentrale Technik took on a coordinating role right from the tender stage and played a decisive part in shaping the new Axel Springer building through its technical expertise, decisive leadership and forward-thinking approach to processes and resources. Through close, solution-oriented collaboration with all parties involved, design and construction issues were resolved quickly and thoroughly. ZT acted as a link between specialist designers, trades and the client – always with the aim of streamlining processes, identifying risks at an early stage and reliably meeting cost and schedule targets.

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New Axel Springer building - Gallery