New Axel Springer building in Berlin

Project description

A symbol of changing media and collaboration: a cubic building awash with light is being built right next to the adjacent high-rises and the Axel Springer Passage in Berlin.

The construction of the new Axel Springer building was officially scheduled to commence on 6 October 2016 – exactly 50 years after the opening of the famous publisher’s golden tower. A new building is being erected for Axel Springer SE to accommodate up to 3,500 staff on a 10,000 square metre plot between Schützenstrasse, Zimmerstrasse and Jerusalemer Strasse. Thirteen floors extending to 52,000 square metres will accommodate editorial departments as well as central facilities and digital operations in the business. The unusual architecture of this special building embodies the future of work, and symbolises the digital transformation of Axel Springer. The opening is scheduled for spring 2020.

General building information

The new Axel Springer building was designed by the Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, who won a competition competing against 17 other architectural offices.

Interconnected terraces on the inside, lots of glass and a 45 metre high atrium are features of a structure which opens up towards the existing publisher’s buildings and the city itself.

Why did the customer choose OBO products?

Cable support systems for electrical and data infrastructure in the building are from the OBO Bettermann Group. OBO is proud to be a part of this futuristic project.
Cable support systems from the Magic series were used; they can be slotted together without tools and screw connections, saving time and energy.

Round GES R2 floor sockets from the underfloor systems area were used everywhere.

The TV studios needed cable trays with a black finish that would blend perfectly into their surroundings. The cable trays were powder-coated in the factory.

Were special solutions used?

There were also special solutions when it came to laying systems for maintaining electrical functionality. Because of the size of the building, a large number of cables had to be routed into the upper floors at rising points. A special assessment was required for a three-layer rising line to ensure the supply of safety-related electrical supply.

What type of challenges occurred during construction?

Laying the cable routes was especially challenging because equipment was so amassed in the ceilings of each floor. It required effective coordination with other trades, and a number of special solutions. In some areas, wall plugs could be drilled no more than 40 mm deep, and special drop-in anchors were used.

OBO demonstrated expertise and reliability in the planning and implementation of the project. Collaboration was once again successful with everyone involved in the project. The project involved other challenges aside from the unusual size of the building, concerning 3D planning and the requirements of logistics. Short time frames for supplying equipment demanded precision management in scheduling and material stocking. This challenge was overcome because coordination between the project manager and the electrical installer’s site management was so efficient.