新闻通报
2006年9月26日 - Arnsberg
Transparency and Openness: The Architecture of Interprint’s New Engraving and Design Centre
The modern architecture of the new Engraving and Design Centre reflects the close interplay of design and technology at Interprint
Combining design, technology and communication in one building – that was the challenge facing the Arnsberg architect Johannes Schmidt from the ‘Architekten + Ingenieure’ office when Interprint’s Engraving and Design Centre entered the planning stage in 2004. The result is an architectural concept, in which the different usage areas merge harmoniously.
Johannes Schmidt designed a metal and glass structure, the strict geometry of which bears the hallmarks of modernity and clean-lines. The clear architecture is relieved by a dynamic play of building undercuts and extensive cantilevers. The metal and glass materials in harmony with black and white colours express timeless elegance. “The architectural austerity and lightness symbolise technology and design, which are clearly assigned”, explained Schmidt. The cylinder engraving department with direct connection to the production department is located on the ground floor. The Design Centre, which is supported by a solid basement, extends across both floors.“ Its centre is a courtyard covered with glass, which underlines the openness of the internationally operating company. A further architectural element is also symbolic: the staircase and the lift having the shape of a printing cylinder made of glass penetrate the various floors of the building – a visible sign of Interprint’s decor printing competence.
The same architectural pattern is consistently continued indoors. The interior designer, Bernd Elfers, created an aesthetic analogy of the structure with glass, stainless steel, slate and Interprint’s wood decors.
An eye-catching feature in the lobby is a longitudinal wall with high-gloss black glass panels. Flat-screen monitors integrated in the wall give the visitors a multimedia insight into the company. Bernd Elfers selected a company product as a sort of ‘business card’ for the immediate reception area: “The reception desk and the surrounding floor are covered with Interprint’s ‘Ghana Zebrawood’ decor. The wood decor creates a warm contrast to the dark slate surface of the remaining flooring and invites everyone to visit the Design Centre.”
On the first floor, glass panels in graded shades of blue represent the entrée into the Decor Development and Repro departments. Generous space where creativity and design are the centre of interest opens up to the visitor. The first floor also accommodates a conference room and marketing department offices, which are arranged around the light-flooded courtyard. Similar to the office scene on the second floor dedicated to Sales and Top Management, most of the interior rooms appear to be linked due to transparent partition walls. A flow of information exchange and short routes throughout the central areas of the company are recognisable in the layout. Elfers opted for Interprint’s ‘Kings Maple’ decor for the design of wall cupboards, desks and doors. Silver-grey wheeled cabinets and sideboards create a charming contrast.
The heart of the Design Centre is the showroom on the second floor. Slate, exposed concrete, untreated steel girders and display cubes in clear Bauhaus colours in the manner of Le Corbusier characterise the room. “The puristic materials and shapes were deliberately chosen in order to move the decors into centre stage”, is how Michael Bolz from IMA Messebau GmbH described the concept. Customers from all over the world should get inspiration for their decor selection from this modern ambiance.
The central element in the showroom is a rail system with mobile facing concrete walls for furniture decor presentation. Supported by state-of-the-art illumination techniques, up to 60 exhibits can be displayed both crosswise and lengthwise throughout the room. Additional cubes are available for the viewing of furniture, worktop and flooring decors. The latest design trends rotate on panels arranged like a star. It goes without saying that state-of-the-art multimedia technology is also used for the various forms of display. “We have created several discussion areas because a high importance is attached to communication,”, added Michael Bolz. “There is a separate discussion area for the concentrated dialogue, and there are a lounge and a bar for relaxation. “
Innovative technologies, modern decor presentation, international exchange: With its modern architecture, Interprint’s new Engraving and Design Centre provides an inviting ambiance for the communication about new decor ideas and technical solutions of the future.
Engraving and Design Centre in figures:
Walled-in space: approx. 15,000 square metres
Total room area: 2,800 square metres
Start of construction: December 2004
Time for construction:approx. 18 months
Investment: approx. 10 million Euros
