New Axel Springer Building, Berlin
Media change in the form of a building – OBO Bettermann systems provide reliability
New Axel Springer Building, Berlin
Media change in the form of a building – OBO Bettermann systems provide reliability
A symbol of changing media and collaboration: a cubic building awash with light is being built right next to the adjacent high-rises and the Axel Springer Passage in Berlin.
The official construction starting date of the new Axel Springer Building was 6 October 2016 – exactly 50 years after the opening of the golden publishing building. A new building is being erected for Axel Springer SE to accommodate up to 3,500 staff on a 10,000 square metre plot between Schützenstrasse, Zimmerstrasse and Jerusalemer Strasse. Thirteen floors extending to 52,000 square metres will accommodate editorial departments as well as central facilities and digital operations in the business. The unusual architecture of this special building embodies the future of work and stands for the digital transformation of Axel Springer. The opening is scheduled for spring 2020.
General building information
The new Axel Springer building was designed by the Dutch architects Rem Koolhaas, who won a competition against 17 architectural offices.
Interconnected terraces on the inside, lots of glass and a 45 metre high atrium are features of a structure which opens up towards the existing publisher’s buildings and the city itself.
Why did the customer choose OBO products?
Cable support systems for electrical and data infrastructure in the building are from the OBO Bettermann Group. OBO is proud to have been allowed to be a part of this futuristic project.
Cable support systems from the Magic series were used; they can be slotted together without tools and screw connections, saving time and energy. That saves time and energy.
Round GES R2 floor sockets from the underfloor systems area were used everywhere.
Cable trays with a black surface were required for the TV studios, so that they could fit in perfectly with the visual environment. For this, the cable trays were powder-coated at the factory.
Were special solutions used?
Special solutions were created for routing systems for the maintenance of electrical function. Because of the size of the building, a large number of cables had to be routed into the upper floors at rising points. A special survey was required for a three-layer rising section for the safety power supply.
What type of challenges occurred during construction?
Special challenges for the routing of the cable sections were produced by the amount of technology in the area of the storey ceilings. Here, effective coordination with other units and some special solutions were necessary. In some areas, as the insertion depth for the anchors was limited to 40 mm, special knock-in ties were used.
OBO was able to shine through its competence and reliability from the planning stage through to the implementation of the project. This meant that, on this occasion also, successful cooperation with all those involved in the project was notable. Besides the special dimensions of the structure, further challenges with this project were found in the 3D planning and logistical requirements. Tight time periods for delivery required precise management for deadline planning and material supplies. This was achieved through the efficient agreement between the Project Manager and the Construction Management of the electrical installation company.
Project information
- Product categories
- Building contractorAxel Springer SE
- ArchitectRem Koolhaas, Office for Metropolitan Architecture
- InstallerSchubert GmbH, Tangerhütte
- Electrical plannerKofler Energies Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH, Berlin
- Location and countryBerlin - Deutschland
- Construction duration2016 - 2020
- Building capacity3500
- Special highlightUnderfloor lighting