Betriebshof Quarter BBBank

A spatial experience for the bank of tomorrow

In the spring of 2021, BBBank eG, one of Germany’s largest cooperative banks, expanded the size of its administration by more than 3,500 square metres by moving into Albtal-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft’s new Betriebshof development. Since then, around 250 employees have enjoyed a modern, open working environment at this new site in Karlsruhe that enables concentrated work, communication and retreat.

Under the corporate slogan “Better Banking”, a user- and activity-centred spatial concept was developed in joint workshops with feco’s planning experts and interior designers as well as employees of BBBank. The common goal was to create ideal working conditions for the bank of today and tomorrow. To this end, the entire area was designed in line with the functions of the respective employees right down to the finest detail.

Builder: AVG Albtal Verkehrs-Gesellschaft - Karlsruhe
Occupant: BBBank eG Karlsruhe
Planning: Gebäudeentwurf Büro Sacker Architekten Freiburg, Zonierungs-Planung BBBank eG, Innenarchitektur feco
Completion: 2020
City: Karlsruhe
Sector: Banks
Office furniture: Agile work, Cafeteria, Lighting, Lounge, Storage elements, Workplaces
Photos: Nikolay Kazakov
Brands: Brunner, COR, Lapalma, Ophelis, Waldmann, Vitra, Steelcase

A new spatial experience for BBBank

The result is an ambiguous work landscape that is simultaneously characterised by openness and breaks. While some of the workplaces are permanently occupied, others are used alternately according to the desk-sharing principle. Regardless of the workplace, each employee has a personal locker for their most important personal items.

Just as important as the individual workplaces grouped into work islands for teams of two or four, are the separate areas in the new BBBank office for concentration, meeting, communication, inspiration and community. For example, in the heart of the modern Work Space a gym-like multifunctional work area inspires agile and creative work. Cosy lounge areas and a spacious office kitchen with numerous seating options are also ideal for informal conversations and chance encounters.

In order to ensure a calm working and consulting atmosphere for employees and customers alike despite the versatile possibilities for use and areas, each desk is surrounded by acoustically highly effective screens. Equipped with electric motors, they can also be ergonomically adjusted in height and support a healthy and varied working posture.

The spatial concept is rounded off by a coherent colour concept with simple, muted tones, which contributes to a cheerful feel-good atmosphere with colourful accents. Not least through the active participation of its employees in its development, BBBank in Karlsruhe has created a sustainable spatial experience for the bank of tomorrow, which will also be implemented at other locations in the future.