New York architectural firm HWKN Architecture, has collaborated with Landmarken, Aachen-based developer, to reinvent the modern day office building by focusing on crafting buildings that evoke emotion, and addressing the increasing demand for environments that foster human interaction and balance.
Prefabricated builds tend to be synonymous with repetitive and boring architecture, and HWKN has used the most available prefabrication system, fabricated by the company Goldbeck and turned generically exciting by cracking one the facade and turning the building into motion.
The sculptural approach to the facade turned the building into a place of anticipation, which extends into the interior, shaping the building into a post-covid new work environment that now hosts one of the premier tenants in Germany. SPIIRT Bochum is the first of a sequence of highly articulated, yet prefabricated office buildings for the SPIRIT brand by Landmarken AG.
On the interior, HWKN exposes structural columns, cuts out sections of the prefabricated box to enhance sociability. Light now floods into the seating lounges. The same reconfiguration – a cut-out turned 45 degrees – creates light-filled co-working areas. The brass finish of the sculpted exterior extends throughout, adding personality and forging an aesthetic link to the building as a whole and the city surrounding it. Amenities and thoughtfully curated spaces aim to draw people back to the office, offering an experience that merges community, productivity, and creativity.
The prefabrication process is a highly systematic and efficient approach to construction that combines off-site manufacturing with on-site assembly to create high-quality, standardized building components. This method ensures greater quality control through in-house production while balancing standardization with customization to meet specific project requirements. By conserving resources through optimized material use and efficient manufacturing processes, significant material savings are achieved, such as welded cross-sections that are up to 40% lighter than conventional options and thinner MSCP ceiling slabs.
Advanced concrete formulations enhance durability and reduce the need for additional coatings, while reusable formwork minimizes waste compared to traditional methods. Prefabricated elements include multi-storey car park slabs, system beams, and specialized welded cross-sections.
Benefits of this approach include faster construction timelines, improved quality control, cost efficiency, sustainability, and streamlined logistics. This approach not only meets the project’s objectives but exceeds expectations, showcasing HWKN’s commitment to innovative, human-centric design that sets a new benchmark for modern work environments.
HWKN Architecture is at the forefront of innovative design, fueling the evermoving need for fresh, creative ideas that set a new standard of living. Post Covid, the push for human interaction became stronger, upping the need for workspaces that are designed for the people. HWKN was able to create a dynamic and incredibly unique experience upon arrival, resulting in a place that puts the community first, offering a workplace that pulls people in, rather than pushing them away.
