Evolution Design has completed the interior design for two vibrant informal meeting
hubs at the RTL Germany’s broadcasting centre in Cologne.
Project Name: Informal meeting hubs for German broadcaster
Studio Name: Evolution Design
Location: Picassoplatz 1, Cologne, Germany
Project Design Team: Claudia Berkefeld, Natalia Maciejowska, Stuart Dickens, Nydia Godoy, Balazs Götz, and Zhiyang Chiu
Completion: 05.2024
Net Floor Area: 1’500 sqm (16’145 sqf)
Photography: Andreas Buchberger © Evolution Design
Evolution Design is currently working on a master plan for RTL’s headquarters, located
within the renowned Rheinhallen in Cologne. RTL is the largest private television
network in Germany and, following the global pandemic, is introducing a new workplace
strategy and new work principles into its daily operations. As part of this initiative,
several pilot projects have been completed within RTL’s 80,000-square-meter
broadcasting and production centre, including two vibrant informal meeting hubs.
Vibrant Informal Setting
Both hubs are designed to deliver an inviting atmosphere that encourages social
interactions, offer people a refreshing break from daily tasks, but primarily provide an
informal space for meetings, creating an alternative to traditional desk-bound or formal
meeting setting. Accented with RTL’s corporate colours to infuse freshness and energy
into the space, the interiors also feature bespoke joinery installations. The open-plan
design is divided into various zones that are also used for events, presentations, and
video productions.
Play of Shapes and Colours
Round coffee counters, crafted from brushed stainless steel, serve as the focal points of
the hubs. Equipped with coffee machines, tea-making facilities, and water taps, these
islands provide space for chance encounters and offer refreshments. A blend of round and irregular shapes, such as a substantial oak zigzag-shaped table, bespoke light
installations, and acoustic elements, contributes to a dynamic atmosphere and playful
design, adding an element of surprise. Surrounding these vibrant hubs are various
creative and workshop rooms, fostering further opportunities for collaboration and
exchange.
Human-Centred Work Environment
The completion of these hubs marks a significant milestone in RTL’s ongoing
transformation. By fostering a social atmosphere and providing an alternative to
traditional meeting settings, this human-centred approach energises the workplace and
supports RTL’s new workplace strategy and principles. It enhances collaboration,
creativity, and productivity within the company’s 80,000-square-meter broadcasting and
production centre, aligning with RTL’s goals for a dynamic and adaptive post-pandemic
work environment.
