Service-Centre Bezirksamt Eimsbüttel

Roloff • Ruffing

Refurbishment of the Service-Centre Bezirksamt Eimsbüttel
Grindelberg, Hamburg-Eimsbüttel

competition 2007 - 1.price
completion 2009
gross floor area  1.300 qm

In keeping with the original architectonic concept of the Grindel high-rise buildings, the ground floor zone is to be kept as transparent as possible. The relation between the interior access of the building to the landscape is to be kept free and unobstructed by any floor-to-ceiling components.

Hence the reception area of the customer-centre is equipped with portable counter-surfaces only, installed in the lobby as furniture. The use of a light colour-motif, accentuated lighting as well as the use of wood provide a pleasant and friendly ambience.

In the consulting rooms of the SBZ and WBZ customer-centres, the prevailing materials are also wood and glass. The consulting rooms are not hermetically sealed off, but designed as glass boxes with wooden doors. The openness of the public servants is thus illustrated in an edificial way.

This new, customer-orientated approach is also evident in the waiting areas. Visitors will no longer sit next to each other on long wooden benches, but in small groups where, in a natural and relaxed atmosphere, they can even chat to each other.

This design approach is continued on the first floor of the WBZ with glass partitions, transparency, proximity to customers, openness, light colours and accentuated lighting. Locating the offices box-units along the western façade allows a functional and generous organisation of activity. In ’combi’ office style, service-counters are directly assigned to the staff’s work-places. Inhibitions between citizens and administration will be overcome, thanks to the transparent environment thus created, and people can meet in a more relaxed atmosphere.