Our clients' success is both a source of joy and a motivator. Their projects, for which we were able to provide the tools, and the awards they have won for their work, bear witness to this.
Van Technology Center, Untertuerkheim
Owner: Daimler AG
Design: Stölzle-Sahihi Architekten
Truss: IG Gölkel, IFB Dr. Braschel AG
Execution: Kohlbecker l Architekten & Ingenieure
A milestone in 3D truss planning, the complex, multifunctional building is home to functions that were hitherto scattered over 16 locations. The aim of concentrating these functions was to improve the quality and efficiency of all processes.
The goal was to design a building to facilitate maximum efficiency in the workplace. The shape of the building was to be in line with its function. Space and organization should merge. The Stuttgart architect’s office, Söltzle – Sahihi Architekten Gesellschaft mbH, which specializes in the automobile industry, designed a building with functions laid out on top of each other on the almost triangular site, closely bordered by roads and buildings. Above a two-storey workshop and prototype building hangs a six-storey engineering area made of two semi-ellipses facing each other, which rest spectacularly on 12 concrete columns and four stair-wells, and which are linked to each other by means of multi-storey foot-bridges. They are the landmark of the VTC, which can be seen for miles. The so called cluster level serves as a combinatory element and a communicative enmeshing of the two areas. In addition to shorter distances, the elliptic shape of the building should offer other features such as the provision of “creative communication space" between the different departments as well as a uniform, top-quality workplace for all employees.
Due to the prevailing adverse local conditions and the high demands placed by the users in terms of town planning, architecture and construction, the new construction of the VTC was a real challenge for all of the planners involved. The teams involved relied on integrated, three-dimensional planning with speedikon on the basis of MicroStation to ensure a smooth interaction of architects and truss planners. They laid the foundation stone for data integration as per building information modeling (BIM), and for the commercial and qualitative construction and running of the building.
Maybach Manufacture, Sindelfingen
"MM" - a legendary quality seal for the most exclusive form of motion shines in its new coat of polish. The letters woven into a curved triangle are the logo of the Maybach finished product, the new high-end, automobile, luxury model from Daimler. Aesthetics, noblesse, perfection and superb technical workmanship have formed the reputation of the imposing limousines and convertibles. Daimler AG is dedicated to this high claim and has been providing individualized customer support in its new "Center of Excellence" on the site at Sindelfingen since 2002. Architecture in perfection - a perfect balance of classic and avant-garde. The building completes the entire plant in the south in tow with urban building. Different worlds are created by a diaphragm leading from the outside through to the interior. Presentation, individual customer advice, refreshments and hand-over are conducted on three levels. The layout is restrained at all times, yet has a clear line when it comes to shape and is unequivocally focused on the Maybach myth: a facade covering of bright natural stone, specifically applied glass areas, white plastered walls and ceilings as well as a grey polished terrazzo plaster on the interior. The facade of natural stone with the water area in front underlines the atmosphere of private customer support with elegance, aesthetics and perfection. The commanding nature and individuality emphasize the unmistakable identity of this plant that was suitably built to plan using speedikon. The architect's office, Kohlbecker Gesamtplan, relied on the technical progress and the know-how of speedikon to meet the high demands placed by Daimler AG.
AIRRAIL Center Frankfurt
Two high-speed systems, air and rail, meet at Frankfurt Main airport and will provide the traveler every possible comfort in the ultra-modern AIRRAIL Center Frankfurt. The multi-functional building will rest on an elevated platform above the ICE long distance train station and combine numerous hotels, retails outlets, conference areas, offices, a medical center and extensive fitness area. The individual function areas stretching along the edges of the platform in the form of building strips are connected by a glass-roofed, multi-storey atrium. In spite of the enormous dimensions, lightness is created through the 660 meter long elevated streamline shape and the high transparency of the roof. The 430 million euro project planned by a 30-man team using speedikon and MicroStation was designed by the internationally operating architects’ office, JSK Architekten. speedikon supports planning effectively here, thereby living up to the claim of combining creative design work with careful execution and detailed planning.
Potsdamer Platz, Berlin
The Debis main office, pictured to the right, is one of the largest new constructions on the Potsdamer Platz.
The Potsdamer Platz (Potsdamer Square) in Berlin was among Europe's largest urban building sites and one of the most frequently visited construction sites in the world. In the 1920's in particular, this busy square was the in term for modernity, progress and pulsating life. In accordance with the highest demands in terms of urbanity, architecture and infrastructure, one of the most fascinating squares in history underwent a facelift to become the pulsating center of a metropolis once again. In what was deemed a difficult situation from the urban architecture point of view, an ambitious solution was developed for the square and the adjoining 68,000 square meter district. The vibrant life of yore - according to the planners' intention - should return to this historically important square through an exciting mixture of residential and working space, retail, gastronomy and cultural amenities. A planning challenge such as this required the bundling of experience and know-how as well as the precise coordination of planning and execution. It was important to the client and investor, Daimler AG, that an international team of top-class specialists support the project from the very beginning - from the design through execution to marketing. Led by the master planner, Piano - Kohlbecker, who won first place in the Potsdamer Platz competition, a new city quarter that was officially inaugurated in October 1998 was created with five other teams of architects after a short construction phase of only four years. This was only made possible by the efficient division of work facilitated by speedikon in the planning and construction phase.
"Fraport" Airport, Frankfurt Main
The superlative location. Continental Europe's largest airport, the seventh largest airport in the world, over 48 million passengers every year - it also exists virtually. A total of six of Germany's largest airports use speedikon to document their real estate.
With 12,600 employees and a building area of 1.5 million square meters, Frankfurt Airport is one of the leading global players in the airport business. The 1.5 million square meters are spread over 250 buildings, 50 of which belong to Lufthansa. The airport also provides a large range of services, which are supplemented by the concessionaires. Frankfurt Airport is a city of its own that, in addition to the comprehensive services for passengers, provides conference, entertainment and shopping on several levels.
Frankfurt Airport only accepts speedikon data in order to avoid interface problems in advance. speedikon suits the global philosophy of the airport thanks to its data structure and its use of the graphic base, MicroStation. All of the properties are entered in 3D right down to breakthroughs in beams. Floor plans, sections, elevations and calculations can be derived from this uniform and redundancy-free building model. Modifications are made to the digital building model only, guaranteeing absolute planning security. Every newly invoked plan is always up-to-date. speedikon also plays a strategic role as the base for a future facility management system.
Mercedes-Benz Center, Stuttgart
Building principle: Daimler AG
Construction period: 2003-2006
Planner: Kohlbecker l Architekten & Ingenieure
The new museum and the new Mercedes-Benz Center Stuttgart opened simultaneously in 2006. Presentations, advice and test-drives of the current Mercedes-Benz cars will take place in this fascinating glass building. The Company is setting a striking example with the construction. The building is enthroned on a ridge that rises from the park, and with its large glass surfaces, provides an architectural counterpart to the museum, which is double its height and to which a glass shaft leads. Genuine light falls on the current range of vehicles spread generously over the 9,500 square meter exhibition area. A frustum protruding through the square roof comprises the entrance to the building. It serves as a corporate identity element of the brand for all future MB Centers in the new building. Covering a total area of 36,000 square meters, the center is home to both a new car sales section and a brand gallery with alternating exhibitions on research and safety topics, design and motor sport. An area is reserved for Mercedes-Benz accessories. There is also a car service point and an exclusive car delivery area.
HUF HAUS, Hartenfels
Integrated planning from the design phase to the last beam at over 30 speedikon workstations, speedikon is flexibly integrated into the production processes of all well-known prefabricated housing manufacturers.
The HUF HAUS name evokes an association with the high demands and commitment of a family who, now in the third generation, has been running and leaving its mark on the company for over 90 years. With a deep respect for wood as a material and recognizing the value of building in itself, with the vision of a living architecture that will give future generations new scope for development, the perfection principle accompanies every HUF house from the planning phase right through to completion. The quality of the detail as the benchmark for the whole - a self-conception that is reflected in the combination of state-of-the-art technology and perfect workmanship, and that has made HUF HAUS the leading provider in the field of wood-glass structures in Europe.
Julius Berger PLC, Nigeria
In line with the decision of the Nigerian government to move the capital city from Lagos to Abuja, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC decided as early as 1991 to build its headquarters in this new developing city. During the implementation, special attention was paid to design an environmentally friendly and energy-saving building adapted to the tropical climate. This was achieved by designing an architecturally unusual shadow roof and facades facing the south and west which protect the building from the effects of direct sunlight. With a gross floor area of 10,500 m², the headquarters provides space for 135 offices, three conference rooms, a reception area, four elevators and a car park for 120 vehicles.
The construction activities of the Bilfinger Berger Group are in the fields of civil engineering as well as building construction and industrial engineering. In the field of building construction and industrial engineering, the Group builds structures for the services sector, industry and public administration all over the world. Global reference projects include high-rise buildings, attractive office buildings, exhibition halls and industrial buildings. In Nigeria's capital in particular, the Bilfinger Berger Group built the stadium, the airport and the government buildings. The experts at Bilfinger Berger have been relying on speedikon products for more than 15 years. In an international AEC market, speedikon effectively supports planning and meets the high demand of enhancing the AutoCAD standard platform with powerful, construction-specific 3D functionality, and guaranteeing the best possible project management thanks to the smooth exchange of data between the specialized applications.
Mercedes-Benz Event Center, Sindelfingen
This building was planned in 3D down to the last detail with acoustic steel construction in the shape of a dome. The setting up of the MTC (Mercedes Benz Technology Center) in Sindelfingen has meant that approx. 7000 new employees now work in the development departments at the location. The construction of a new design building left the former presentation hall free for alternative uses. A communication center at the interface of MTC, Production and Administration was planned for the site. The goal was to provide catering for 2500 employees, build conference rooms and a restaurant with separate dining rooms, and to convert the presentation hall into a multi-functional event center.
Converting the former presentation hall into a multi-functional room required numerous construction measures. These included building podiums for the stage and elevated rows of seating in the spectator area. Extensive construction measures in the acoustics and light areas were required to equip the hexagonal room for large events with over 1000 participants, for concerts with smaller audiences, for exhibitions and fairs and for vehicle presentations. Additional functional rooms necessary for operating the building were also required. A new steel construction located inside the room, based on the principle of a "house inside the house," took over the task of bearing the effects of the necessary structural measures in the fields of acoustics and light. The newly designed view from below is marked by scaled acoustic elements made of punched metal correlating with the dome shape. A new double wall covering made of punched, grooved panels, the free shape of the steel construction and the opening of the formerly closed parapet lend the interior a new transparency and lightness.
Bornblick Residential Park, Olten, Switzerland
At the moment, Bornblick Residential Park is Switzerland's fifth largest housing construction project.
The park stands out due to its modern architecture and its concept of future-oriented living (demographic development of the age structure of our population). The building complex is divided into four structures and forms a type of block perimeter construction, in which the smallest structure is located in the inside square. The only combination of privately owned apartments and residence for the elderly of its kind in Switzerland provides a way of living and residing that leaves nothing to be desired right up to old age. The approx. 11,300 m2 site is home to 38 privately owned apartments, 28 rented apartments, floor space for offices, doctors' surgeries and shops, as well as the integral component of a residence for the elderly with 86 2- and 3-room apartments specially adapted to the needs of the elderly, care department, and a comprehensive range of services. The volume of the building is 150,000 m3; the gross floor area is 40.000 m2. The buildings were erected with in situ-concrete as a solid construction. A total volume of about 24,000 m3 of concrete was used. The privately owned apartment section was constructed in the form of a skeleton structure with non-bearing interior walls. The residence for the elderly has a box frame system. The entire carrying structure is planned on an 8 m grid.
W. Thommen AG, architecture and full services company, employs roughly 36 members of staff and has been a customer of Walder & Trüeb Engineering AG, the Swiss speedikon sales partner, for many years. An experienced and smoothly working project organization is very important to the company in order to guarantee a punctual and cost-efficient implementation of construction projects in accordance with the wishes of the building principle and the plans of the architects and planners. The complex planning requirements of Switzerland's currently fifth largest housing construction project are being met with speedikon.
Abuja Airport, Nigeria
Pictured to the right is the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Nigeria's new capital city. The air-conditioning concept set standards for major construction projects in tropical regions.
Julius Berger Nigeria PLC has constructed buildings for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport roughly 30km from Nigeria's new capital city, Abuja. A fire station, aprons and a taxiway were also constructed and other infra-structural measures provided. After completion, the terminal building is planned to have a capacity of 1.7 million passengers per year. Several wide-body aircraft can be handled at the same time at six hydraulically operated 25 meter long concrete passenger bridges. The straight, three-storey structure of the airport building was constructed using a combination of cast in-situ concrete and prefabricated components.
The construction activities of the Bilfinger Berger Group are concentrated in the business areas of construction engineering, structural and industrial engineering. In the field of structural and industrial engineering, the company erects structures all over the world for service providers, for industry and for public authorities. Global reference projects include skyscrapers, attractive office buildings, trade fair halls and industrial buildings. The company erected the stadium, the airport and the government buildings in Nigeria's capital city. Bilfinger Berger has been relying on speedikon products for more than 15 years. In an international AEC market, speedikon effectively supports the planning process and meets the high demand of supplementing the AutoCAD standard platform with powerful, construction-oriented, 3D functionality. It also guarantees the best possible project management through a smooth flow of data between the specialist applications.
The Twisted Towers, Delft
Design: Angeline Stuyts
With the exception of the perpendicular elevator shafts, the concept of two reciprocally moving and rotating squares enables the construction of 65 floors without a single straight exterior wall or column.
Cost-effectiveness, creativity and efficiency combined in a virtual construction in the heart of Rotterdam - a design by Dutch Master's degree students at the technical university of Delft. The planning of this unusual high-rise building was implemented in 14 days and won first prize in the competition.
The "Twisted Towers" present a constantly changing landmark depending on the angle from which they are perceived. At ground level, the towers join two streets to form an entrance in the direction of the train station. Twisting upwards, they stop in the same right-angled grid as the surrounding high-rise buildings. In addition, the protective roof that winds itself around the building enhances the link with the environs and also emphasizes the twisting effect. The atrium stretching up to the 47th floor lends the building a powerful dynamic.
The virtual, three-dimensional building model in speedikon made it possible to quickly and easily extract the necessary elevations, floor plans and sections. The highest level of team data compatibility was also ensured by speedikon's ability to run in the global standards of AutoCAD and MicroStation.
Service Station "Inseleingang", Mainau on Lake Constance
Within the framework of a large-scale, multi-phase project commissioned by Maniau GmbH, bmt architekten presented a general concept for all types of service stations on the flower island of Mainau on Lake Constance in the summer of 2001. The concept comprised attractively detailed wood-glass boxes under a light membrane roof made of bright textiles. The open flexible concept supports the opening of tourism in a dynamic market in an excellent way and promotes the ecological profile of the island in the construction area.
On the banks, a spaciously dimensioned beer garden and a transparent restaurant area with self-service counter under high trees invite the guests to stay. A gastronomic highlight has emerged here thanks to a top culinary program in combination with a tranquil location at the waterfront, one of the few places in the city of Constance on the water's edge in which you can experience the lake at any time of day. Wood and glass as contemporary materials that enjoy a high level of acceptance due to their formal quality and their ecological position complement the ecological profile of the island in the construction field. The same applies for the sail-like tent constructions which stimulate associations with lake, leisure time, holidays and light-heartedness. A new, single-piece entrance area for the visitors to the flower island of Mainau on Lake Constance was created as a substitute for the successively built conglomeration of structures of all types and quality. The new entrance area is the door to the island. All of the visitors coming from the land side arrive here and are received through a stimulating architectural ensemble.
bmt architekten received an award for "exemplary construction in the district of Constance 1993-2003" from the architects' chamber for the entrance to the island. The company has been relying on speedikon to implement the diverse CAD requirements since 1996.