NEW WORK IN THE DB GASOMETER IN BERLIN

The new DB Gasometer of Deutsche Bahn AG on the EUREF Campus in Berlin-Schöneberg covers an impressive 28,000 square meters spread over twelve floors. Where once the lifting and lowering of the telescopic gas tank indicated the filling level, there is now a modern new building. In order to preserve the historical charm of this special place, the steel frame of the former gas holder has been retained and now stylishly frames the new circular building. However, it is not only the building itself that is a well-rounded affair, but also the innovative office concept inside it. A forward-looking working environment with a campus feel has been created here. It is the result of a well-coordinated collaboration between the DB project team under the overall project management of DB Immobilien, the experts from ASSMANN and the specialist retail partner Gohs.

An open space has been created in the new round building that is designed for working together on projects. The focus is on activity-oriented work: Deutsche Bahn's digital units, among others, are pooling their strengths here, having previously been spread across various locations in Berlin. More than 2,000 employees will find plenty of space for cross-departmental collaboration as well as research and development in the Gasometer. In order to create a working environment in which both the framework conditions are right and an inspiring working atmosphere is promoted, employees were actively involved in numerous workshops. This allowed them to contribute their ideas and requirements directly and play a key role in shaping their working environment. The result is a well thought-out office concept that not only offers functional workstations, but also creates space for creativity, collaboration and well-being.

The modern working environment combines flexible spaces with an innovative space concept that supports networked working in an inspiring atmosphere. Co-working areas and communal spaces invite people to exchange ideas, while retreats offer space for concentrated work and breaks. The top floor offers modern event and conference rooms with a breathtaking view of Berlin - ideal for workshops, meetings and creative brainstorming sessions.

The DB Gasometer was designed with the clear aim of creating an inspiring place of community. In times of working from home and remote working, the office has taken on a new role as a central meeting place. The circular building offers a variety of options for joint brainstorming, concentrated work or confidential one-on-one meetings - there is a suitable area for every activity.

The modular room design supports activity-oriented work that meets the different needs of the users. The zoning plan is divided into four areas:

• Networking: inviting spaces for arriving, orienting and exchanging ideas.
• VDU work: Flexible workstations for concentrated work - both alone and in a team.
• Exchange: Areas for formal and informal discussions and creative processes.
• Concentration: retreats to promote focus and relaxation.

This diversity not only creates functional possibilities, it also gives the office a special appeal. Each floor offers these zones so that you can always find exactly the space you need. The clear structure ensures that everything has its place, while the open design encourages interaction between employees. By creating places for every way of working, the New Work concept is actively practiced at Deutsche Bahn. The flexibility of the workplace allows every employee to change their location every day - but nobody has to! This freedom not only supports creativity, but also increases individual productivity.

A key aspect of the new location was developed in collaboration with the Kinzo architecture firm: the well thought-out color and material concept, which helps all employees to feel comfortable and develop their potential. Light wood combined with soft, cozy materials created a natural environment and pleasant atmosphere that invites relaxation. Earthy tones are spiced up with targeted color accents. The choice of colours not only reflects the surroundings, it also harmonizes perfectly with the exterior of the building. A light blue brings the sky back into the office and is reminiscent of the vastness of Berlin, while rust-orange accents are reminiscent of the historic scaffolding before its renovation. Free-standing furniture is kept uniform in color so that it can be moved effortlessly between rooms and floors and blends harmoniously into the color concept everywhere. Participation was also a key factor in the choice of furniture and materials. ASSMANN and its specialist retail partner Gohs were on hand to answer any questions the Deutsche Bahn representatives had about the wide range of furnishing solutions. In addition, the ASSMANN showroom in Berlin offered the opportunity to experience the look and feel of the products up close - functions, shapes, colors and fabrics to touch and try out made decisions much easier.

In the DB Gasometer, the furnishings are an integral part of an inspiring and flexible working environment that gives employees a real sense of well-being. In the so-called home zones, they can arrive relaxed and safely store their personal belongings. Allvia Locker and modules from the Cubas storage system are used here, offering enough space for everything needed in the office.

The seating furniture in vibrant colors such as bold blue, bright orange or a pastel cream shade lends the communal areas and relaxation zones an inviting atmosphere. The soft seating range includes the comfortable Consento Livorno armchairs, Como loungers - perfect for a productive power nap - and stylish Cremona sofas that invite you to linger. Design classics such as the Pesaro coffee tables provide an ideal surface for a laptop, coffee cup or documents and fit seamlessly into the overall concept.

The height-adjustable and foldable writing, seminar and bistro tables in the Pontis Hypa range also offer a wide range of possible uses. They can be brought in for workshops or meetings in no time at all, while the battery operation ensures maximum flexibility in the use of space. Flexible Syneo Part movable walls, which can also be used as a flipchart or whiteboard, provide structure in the rooms.

Flexible seating options such as Syneo Part stools and Consento seating modules are available for spontaneous meetings or to enlarge the group. This furniture is quickly to hand and encourages informal discussions between employees.

The setup in the meeting rooms is equipped with high Solos meeting tables and Torino bar stools - ideal for dynamic meetings while sitting or standing. Attention was also paid to ergonomics at the computer workstations: The decision was made to use Sympas desks with electric height adjustment, which allow employees to adjust their working position as required.

This well thought-out selection of furnishing solutions not only promotes the well-being of employees, but also supports their productivity and creativity. All in all, the new Deutsche Bahn site is more than just an office - it is a vibrant place of exchange and innovation in the heart of Berlin, where modern design meets human needs.

Around 60% of the 28,000 square meter space in the DB Gasometer consists of communication zones and 30% of workstations, while the rest is used for network and service areas. The question of the number of workstations has changed fundamentally for Alexander Walter, Project Manager DB. Immobilien project manager, has changed fundamentally. It's no longer just about fixed desks, but about a variety of work options consisting of different opportunities. In principle, every seat can serve as a temporary workstation - that's the new approach! The sharing concept goes beyond simply occupying desks. Space and resources such as media technology are shared, which promotes exchange and collaboration. The open structure ensures that people can meet and exchange ideas - without any departmental thinking. An important reason for the success of this project was the high level of involvement of everyone in the planning process. The concept has proven its worth and the team agrees that the DB Gasometer is a vibrant new working environment where everyone can work together and be creative!