New Siemens campus: New work in practice

Since 1965, Siemens has been inseparably linked to Erlangen: The global company opened a vast research campus in the southern part of the city, driving numerous innovations. Now, the entire area is being transformed into an open meeting place in line with the principles of New Work.

A new district for Erlangen

The individual is at the center: a core concept of modern work. Siemens embraced this principle in 2013 when announcing the redevelopment of the old research campus. The goal was to create a new office and living structure, transforming the area into an attractive, open district in Erlangen. Previously accessible only to “Siemensians”, the old site is now slated to become a campus by 2030, uniting quality of life with productive work.

The architectural competition at that time, forming the basis for the project, was won by the Frankfurt-based architectural firm KSP Jürgen Engel Architekten. The Siemens Campus was divided into eight modules in the planning phase, to be completed sequentially. The groundbreaking took place in December 2016, and employees have already moved into Module 1.

Working amidst gastronomy and green spaces

The campus concept is groundbreaking and sets new standards: The site follows a block structure with extensive greenery and preserved old pine trees as a connecting element. Ground floor levels of the buildings are designated for restaurants, cafes, services, and retail, while office complexes begin from the first floor. This idea has a significant impact: Not only does the campus have the potential to become a popular district for all residents of Erlangen, but Siemens employees also find themselves in a workplace located in an area with high quality of life.

The architectural design also seizes this opportunity and opts for glass: Employees enjoy views either into a green courtyard or a boulevard. The spaces themselves are a prime example of New Work design with versatile zoning (including Think Tanks), a clean desk policy, comfortable lounges, and state-of-the-art acoustics that effectively dampen noise, promoting quiet focused work.

Building sustainably for the jobs of tomorrow

Resource-efficient construction is a top priority for Siemens. Even during the conceptualization, emphasis was placed on acting sustainably and designing buildings that enable carbon-neutral operations. Thus, the Siemens Campus takes a pioneering role when it comes to future-oriented architecture and its implementation.

The ongoing construction process of the Siemens Campus in Erlangen is therefore an intriguing New Work topic, proving that smart ideas in the building sector shape the future of work.

Source: Siemens

Image source: Siemens AG, Munich/Berlin