Bosch Automotive Steering Customer Center l wulf architekten

Architecture, Office Buildings

Bosch Automotive Steering, nestled in the picturesque landscape at the northern end of Schwäbisch Gmünd in Baden-Württemberg, boasts its headquarters in an idyllic setting. Surrounded by lush wooded hills and crisscrossed by two streams, the factory site has undergone a comprehensive project aimed at spatial and structural reorganization. This endeavor encompasses the revitalization of the existing streambeds and transforming open spaces, all to enhance the overall appeal and functionality of the premises.

The New Bosch Automotive Steering Customer Center

The architectural vision for this revitalization involved the construction of three key components: a new customer center, a reception building, and an oversized parking garage capable of accommodating more than 800 vehicles. The customer center and reception building feature slightly convex curved façades, showcasing a brilliant blend of aesthetic appeal and cost-effectiveness. This unique design maximizes enclosed volume and surface area while creating a pleasing and efficient space.

Courtesy of wulf architekten

Stepping inside the customer center, visitors are greeted by a shared base on the ground floor, housing a welcoming lobby, a delightful cafeteria, and a versatile conference and events area. The base is the heart of the new office building, artfully dividing into a five-story section at the south and a seven-story section at the north. This architectural choice articulates the building mass and harmonizes with the surrounding topography, creating a dynamic and engaging environment.

The southern part of the customer center treats its occupants to a rooftop terrace, a perfect spot for gatherings, relaxation, or even holding meetings in a refreshing outdoor setting. Thanks to the building’s convex shape, efficient office layouts are achieved. The central consolidation of circulation cores and sanitary facilities optimizes the arrangement of individual and open-plan offices and conference areas, ensuring seamless workflow and collaboration.

The ground-level façade of the customer center is a captivating fusion of glass and transparency, connecting the indoor spaces with the surrounding outdoors. The abundant natural light and an airy atmosphere create a pleasant and inspiring work environment. Additionally, the glass façades feature perforated, rotatable vertical slats that filter the incoming light, allowing for customization of illumination and ambiance within the building.

The wayfinding system, meticulously designed by büro uebele inside and outside the buildings, adopts Bosch’s signature square shape and colors, ensuring a cohesive and recognizable brand identity. This attention to detail and consistency reflects Bosch Automotive Steering’s commitment to maintaining a harmonious corporate image.

Adjacent to the customer center, the two-story reception building stands with an organic shape that echoes the architectural expression of its neighbor. This structure houses seminar and conference rooms, catering to internal and external needs, facilitating productive gatherings, and fostering knowledge exchange.

Overall, the primary goal of Bosch Automotive Steering’s project was to create a modern and high-quality work environment that breathes new life into the entire site. The seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces elevates employees’ well-being and reflects Bosch Automotive Steering’s commitment to excellence and innovation.

The Bosch Automotive Steering’s headquarters in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany, is a testament to the power of visionary design and architectural prowess. The thoughtful reorganization of the company premises, highlighted by the customer center, reception building, and spacious parking garage, sets a new standard for efficient and aesthetically pleasing workplace environments. With its commitment to sustainability and a vibrant work atmosphere, Bosch Automotive Steering continues to lead the way in automotive steering technology while championing the importance of harmonizing human and environmental needs in all operations.