The Merck Innovation Center in Darmstadt gives ideas and promising innovation projects space to develop. The cubic structure, designed by the Henn architectural firm, has a dynamic interior with two office areas arranged in diagonally opposite corners. Bridge-like ramps and staircases connect these working zones, which are staggered floor by floor, with oval central access cores – creating a flowing space. Spans of up to 20 metres make it possible to reduce the interior to just four columns; these are almost dematerialized with polished stainless steel shells. Meeting, telephone and interpreter rooms are arranged along the outer façade.
Frameless, flush “Fecostruct” glass walls from Feco Feederle create maximum transparency with high sound insulation. Natural sunlight has a positive effect deep inside the building. The two-storey interior façade facing the office landscape is designed with the “Fecoplan” all-glass construction to prevent falls without vertical stud profiles. On the first floor, visitors are guided along the curved Fecostruct glass wall of the large auditorium to the reception area. A café, a lounge, a library and a workshop complete the space on offer.
With the glass structure, Merck is presenting itself openly and transparently to the outside world on the occasion of the company’s 350th anniversary. The successful LEED Gold certification documents the company’s own commitment to the sustainable use of resources.
feco Systeme GmbH
Am Storrenacker 22
76139 Karlsruhe
https://www.feco.de/feco-feederle-gmbh/
Photo: Nikolay Kazakov