Headquarters for the Continentale Insurance Association Dortmund

The new build is a cluster of three office buildings with a common ground floor and adjoining multi-storey car park located on a slightly raised plot with an existing stock of trees. The ground floor zone is embedded in the natural topography of the site and appears as a further terrace in the landscape due to its planted roof. The three meandering blocks set upon the landscaped base form a varied urban profile. The scheme responds to the urban situation and the internal requirements by using different alignments and building heights (5, 7 and 16 storeys). The design aspects taken into consideration include visual appearance, the respectful distance to the surrounding structures, the incorporation of the parkland to the south, the noise protection effect of the structural elements, the perfect orientation of all workplaces and the creation of a prominent and distinct entrance with a driveway. The main entrance for employees and visitors is on the boulevard level, which accommodates all general-purpose areas, such as the lobby with a reception desk, dining facilities, training and meeting rooms. For the employees, who used to work at three different locations, the boulevard level with its fully glazed facades and planted patios is a place to meet and communicate in a light and friendly atmosphere. The top floor of the high-rise, incorporating the cafeteria, which can also be used for a variety of other events, forms the symbolic highlight of the new headquarters in Dortmund.