Current issue
E-Paper Ausgabe 4.2025
Issue 4.2025
OFFICE BUILDINGS
Dear Readers,
First, the bad news: 78 percent of employees in Germany are doing nothing more than the bare minimum at work – up from 67 percent in 2023. Only nine percent still feel a strong emotional connection to their job and company – the lowest figure since surveys began in 2001! And only 50 percent of employees want to stay with their current employer for another
year. In 2018, that number was 78 percent, and it has been declining ever since. These insights come from a Gallup survey conducted by phone of around 1,700 employees in Germany. Oh dear! The reasons are manifold: uncertainty caused by politics, the economy and global events, shifting values regarding the relationship between work and private life… So what can be done? Now, finally, some good news: Many employers see the architecture and interior design of their company buildings and workspaces as key opportunity to respond to employees’ needs and concerns. Identity-shaping, feel-good spaces – where like-minded colleagues can gather for creative exchange and joint implementation of values and aims – can provide a remedy. At least, that’s the conclusion reached by the clients who, with the support of dedicated interior designers and architects, are able to offer workplaces that are not only enticing perks but also make smart, sustainable use of existing structures, materials and furnishings. You’ll find the best examples in this issue on offices. When selecting projects, we were struck by the dominant presence of a bold blue (as seen above in the ia&w office, and from p. 78). It symbolises relaxation, composure, objectivity, neutrality, trust and security – sentiments we certainly can’t have enough of these days! And there’s more good news: Chemnitz is one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2025 – make sure to plan “A Weekend in…”, we’ve already mapped out the tour for you! In Stuttgart, the Art Alarm gallery tour takes place on the first weekend of April, featuring architect Karl Amann and his Sammlung Amann gallery with Monika Supé’s latest exhibition “Enigmata”, amongst others. Turn to page 32 to find out how this “Change of Perspective” came about. In his essay starting on page 48, Dominik Reding promises that there is still hope for a creative, happy ending for all kinds of uncool desk criminals. And now it’s time to pack our bags for the Salone del Mobile in Milan starting on 8 April. Will we see you there?
Best wishes
Petra Stephan, Dipl.-Ing.
Chief Editor
Architect
Issue 3.2025
LIVING
Dear Readers,
Same procedure as every year: As soon as the grey winter days have passed, the spring trade fairs are on our agenda. The Munich Design Days and Münchner Stoff Frühling are luring professionals to Munich, while in Frankfurt, ISH – the world’s leading trade fair for HVAC and water – is preparing to welcome visitors. And the first pre-summer days will likely see us in Milan at the 63rd Salone del Mobile. This year’s edition includes the Euroluce lighting exhibition, held every two years, and for the second time, the 9th edition of the Alcova design show will take place in Varese, on the outskirts of Milan. Anyone currently planning a house or flat is sure to find a wealth of cutting-edge (product) inspiration at these events. Our projects selection on the topic of living might also be inspiring. Whether it’s a conversion, extension, renovation or new construction, looking beyond the end of one’s nose and across national borders reveals exemplary, thoughtful and sustainable approaches to existing structures and surrounding landscapes. In her article “New Design”, Mikala Holme Samsøe explores how interior architecture can and must embrace a reductive modernism – preventing the high-gloss aesthetics of past decades from hindering the acceptance of reused materials and furniture. We illustrate her insightful reflections with a real-world example: House 14A in Hellerup, Denmark. The approaches are many and varied – especially when it comes to preserving, renovating and renewing historical buildings. J. Mayer H. demonstrates this with the renovation of a villa on Lake Como, while Johannes Modersohn and Antje Freiesleben contribute to both history and urban development with the reconstruction of a roof destroyed by war in Berlin. In light of today’s political, social and economic irritations, celebrating (interior) architecture and its protagonists feels good. This was the case at the 16th INsider Award ceremony, which was celebrated with 200 guests at the Munich House of Communication, shining a spotlight on this year’s winners, Julia Schneider and Julia Aruanno. The same sentiment drives our feature for International Women’s Day on March 8: We report about three outstanding representatives of our profession and are delighted about this female influence in particular!
Best wishes
Petra Stephan, Dipl.-Ing.
Chief Editor
Architect
