DS HUB: ALL PLACES ARE TEMPORARY PLACES

FROM OLD BOOK BINDERY TO POP-UP OFFICE

Innovative building technology, future-oriented working environments and sustainable conversion – the Innovation Hub in Stuttgart, DS HUB for short, sets entirely new standards in many regards. What it offers, above all, is plenty of space and opportunities for people to create something new together.

The preservation of the building’s character served as a starting point. The fact that the building was to be converted into an interim solution became an essential component of our concept. The idea was to ensure that the industrial look and the original purpose of the building remained both recognisable and perceptible, and to provide a nurturing environment for lateral thinkers and innovative concepts. At the same time, a completely new story emerged with the insertion of a new layer. It was essential for us to take a very close look, identify what qualities and opportunities the building was offering us, and see where we would need to introduce a contrast by adding new elements.

These considerations formed the conceptual baseline for the new, experimental mix. Colour is an essential theme that flows through the entire building, providing warmth and atmosphere as a counterbalance to the exposed raw surfaces and the technical equipment on show.

In terms of content, the concept emphasises communication and cross-functional exchange. At the same time, it provides places where people can fully concentrate and still be completely visible.

With sustainability in mind, we used furniture and fabrics out of recycled materials in a number of different places. The specific positioning of plants also has a positive effect on the indoor climate and acoustics and provides a peaceful place to work, where community and spatial quality can be experienced in equal measure.

SPACE FOR INNOVATION

The Innovation Hub cannot read minds, but it isn’t far off. It recognises its users’ needs, adapts to them and shows them the way, if necessary, with a digital facial guidance system. This is made possible by a whole series of technical innovations for which the building serves as a pilot area. Inside the Innovation Hub, numerous beacons and Raspberry Pis placed throughout the building can connect to a customised app and transform any smartphone into a Swiss army knife.

AND THE WINNER IS

Whether visionary architecture, innovative products or sustainable communication - with the "Iconic Awards: Innovative Architecture", the German Design Council has established a neutral, international architecture and design competition that for the first time takes into account the disciplines in their interaction. The DS Hub was the 2019 winner in the category "Innovative Architecture". Shortly afterwards, the project was awarded another winner title by the German Design Council - we are delighted to receive our "German Design Award Winner 2020" in the category "Excellent Architecture - Interior Architecture". Last but not least and because all good things come in threes! – another award for the DS HUB. This time it’s the iF Design Award 2020 in the category "Interior Architecture". 78 members of the international jury of experts were convinced that this project was a highlight amongst the 7,298 entries from 56 countries.