Google Zukunftswerkstatt

The Zukunftswerkstatt is a “state of the art” learning center offering Google themed courses and lectures to the general public.

The space represented an interactive public face for Google Hamburg, and is a fantastic opportunity to share the atmosphere, inventiveness and creative environment synonymous with Google offices around the world.

Client: Google

Location: Hamburg, Germany

Size: 700m2

Architects: Tim Pardoe + Ben Donner with KPW Architekten

Builder: RuM Project with Abel Carpenters

Project Management: Turner Townsend

Photography: Tim Pardoe, VSM + Daniel Sumesgutner

Graphics: VSM Studio

Google's mission is “to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.”

We sought to embody this statement by creating a space that was accessible and useful to the Hamburg public.

The Architectural concept was to highlight the space via a series of "technology" inspired forms, flowing lines and linear lights.

The sculptural ceiling visually draws visitors through a large communal waiting space, complete with reception area, café and lounge area.

The destination are 2 multifunctional classrooms where daily workshops help to promote Googles mission of teaching and sharing.

Visual communication graphics play a vital role in bringing the space alive.

Challenges of way-finding were solved through clean and logical graphics throughout the space, culminating in a large, floor to ceiling mural adorning the entry reception.

This 40m2 Art wall is a hand painted representation of the Hamburg cityscape with a Google Zukunftswerkstatt twist.

Working with the talented guys from Hyperfocus (formally VSM Studio) was a real pleasure.

With great visibility from the ABC Strasse, we believed there was untapped potential to improve our clients street presence and entry.

We achieved this by playing with coloured lights to match the entry logo, and crafting a funky ceiling design.