Promote new ideas and creative work: that is the goal of Audi’s new “Areal Süd” office complex. Following construction that took just less than two years, the first 1,000 employees are now moving in. The new H6 building at the Ingolstadt site features a distinctive, open and innovative office structure. In addition, the new company cafeteria has been open since October 10.
Building H6 offers a unique architecture with the focus on transparency. Light-flooded rooms, architectural refinements, flexible office spaces, fresh colours, high tables for standing at and modern communication areas provide a constructive atmosphere for work. The building structure is designed to enable various configurations, such as individual offices or open spaces. Large atriums will be landscaped starting in spring 2017, and will round out the complex.
Covering a total area of 24,500 square meters – equal to four soccer fields – Audi is making room for a total 2,500 employees, primarily from the Sales and Marketing division. The first 1,000 employees will move into their new offices by Christmas; the second wave of 1,500 employees will finish moving in by the end of 2017. By then the second part of the office complex will be finished.
The prestigious Behnisch architecture firm from Munich designed the entire building, and the Rohling planning agency based in Osnabrück was responsible for the detailed plans. Thanks to a phased construction process, the three- to five-story office environment blends seamlessly into Ingolstadt’s cityscape. Consequently, the building functions as a transition between the plant premises and the residential area. The outer dimensions are 190 meters by 145 meters.
A total mass of 230,000 metric tons was moved for the construction. 35 km of cable was laid for important functions such as electricity supply, alarm systems, communication and IT. The façade covers an area of 25,000 square meters, making it more than twice as large as the façade of the Allianz Arena in Munich.
The modern design of the new cafeteria has been well received by employees. Together with the Work Lounge, the restaurant makes up the focal point of the new office complex. The cafeteria currently has room for 800 diners; in the final phase of construction there will be seating for a maximum of 1,500 people. Innumerable noise-dampening cylinders on the ceiling ensure good acoustics. Employees can select from a diverse range of regional and international dishes at five counters. The cooks prepare many dishes fresh, right before the eyes of the employees. The rear section of the restaurant can be converted into a large event venue with a stage for up to 1,200 guests. And the Work Lounge with integrated coffee bar is located on the gallery level.
