JSWD Architekten GmbH & Co. KG

Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen

Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
© Christian Richters

Q2, THYSSENKRUPP QUARTER ESSEN

Chaix & Morel et Associés, JSWD Architekten

ARCHITECTS
Chaix & Morel et Associés, JSWD Architekten

LOCATION
Essen, Germany

CATEGORY
Institutional Buildings

YEAR
2010

PHOTOGRAPHS
Christian Richters, Ardex

PROJECT MANAGEMENT
ECE Projektmanagement GmbH & Co. KG

EXTERIOR FACILITIES
Kipar Landschaftsarchitekten

FACADE CONSULTANTS
Ingenieurbüro Franke

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
IDN Ingenieurbüro

CLIENT
ThyssenKrupp AG

Text description provided by architect.

The ThyssenKrupp Quarter consists of a cluster of individual buildings embedded in a green, tree- studded carpet. Linked by short paths and small squares, the buildings line a central ordering axis comprising a large water basin and the “Avenue of the Worlds”.

Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
© Christian Richters
Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
© Christian Richters

In addition to this general development plan, the TKQ architect consortium JSWD Architekten and Chaix & Morel paid particular attention to the architectural consistency of the individual buildings.

The aim was to create a quarter with a compact and homogeneous architectural appearance conveying a strong sense of unity. The campus is dominated by intricate facade structures of metal and glass.

The floor-to-ceiling glazing reinforces the impression of openness and transparency. The overriding design motif applied to all the new buildings on the campus is the “shell – core” principle.

Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
© Christian Richters
Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
© Christian Richters

All buildings in the quarter are composed of L-shaped elements enclosing a shared central space. This gives a clear alignment not only to the headquarters (Q1) but also the forum building (Q2) and the neighboring office buildings Q5 and Q7.

There are two types of facade: One faces the central space, the other faces the exterior and is therefore responsible for the impact the buildings create in the surrounding area. The three-storey Q2 building is the communications centre of the Quarter.

This is where the company receives its guests. A large meeting and event hall accommodating up to 1,000 people, additional conference rooms as well as an employee cafeteria and a public cafe make up the general infrastructure.

The below-ground logistics serving the entire area are cantered in the basement. The three main storeys are interconnected at multiple locations by shared empty spaces of variable height.

Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
© Ardex
Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
© Christian Richters

As with other buildings, in case of Q2 the outer stainless steel sun protection also plays a key role in terms of the overall appearance of the campus architecture. Vertical rotation axes are combined with bevelled perforated plates of varying width.

With perforation covering 25% of the surface good visibility is ensured even in the closed position. The “Room of Tranquillity” in Q2 is a place of peace and reflection. It offers employees and guests a chance to reflect and is meant to encourage intercultural,

Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
© Christian Richters
Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
© Christian Richters

interdenominational communication on the border between the private sphere and the working world. The main room, where a cube opens on the bottom appears to float in space, is located at the end of an elongated access with exceptionally high ceilings.

Natural light enters the interior through the skylight along the perimeter. The interior walls of the floating cube are clad with finger-shaped spliced titanium shingles. The ceiling illuminated with LEDs makes the cube appear to have no top end.

Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
© Christian Richters
Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
© Christian Richters

The materiality of the titanium shingles dissolves with elevation, which further intensifies the levitating appearance of the cube. Homogenous surfaces project calm and strengthen spatial sensation. Mobile stools are the only furniture in the room.

Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
© Ardex
Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
© Christian Richters


Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
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Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
Plan

Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
Plan


Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
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Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
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Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
Detail
Q2, ThysQsenKrupp Quarter Essen
Site Plan

JSWD Architekten GmbH & Co. KG
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JSWD Architekten GmbH & Co. KG
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