Encouraging Social Connections in the Workplace – RTL’s Cologne, Germany HQ

Evolution Design leverages informal meeting spaces to foster connection at television network company RTL’s HQ in Cologne, Germany. 

In response to the global pandemic, which has significantly reshaped the work environment, RTL, Germany’s largest private television network, is developing a new workplace strategy led by the Swiss architecture and design studio Evolution Design.

A key element of this strategy is the creation of a new master plan for RTL’s headquarters, located in the renowned Rheinhallen in Cologne. The 80,000-square-meter center encompasses broadcasting and production studios, workspaces, meeting and event areas, a canteen and several community hubs designed to serve RTL’s employees and guests. As part of this initiative, Evolution Design recently completed a pilot project, unveiling two vibrant informal meeting hubs.

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. The open-plan layout is divided into various zones that are also used for events, presentations and video productions.

Project Planning

RTL Germany is a leading entertainment company offering a diverse range of media services, including television, streaming, print, digital, radio and podcasts. The company produces TV programs across various genres, such as news, sports, entertainment and reality shows. Teams from these production departments, along with RTL’s management and marketing team, were closely involved in the project planning.

To ensure all requirements were met and that the project planning reflected a deep understanding of RTL’s values and vision, numerous in-depth surveys and workshops were conducted with these teams.

A key element of the project was also the integration of RTL’s corporate colors to infuse freshness and energy into the space, creating a sense of belonging and familiarity. Tones of red, blue, orange and yellow are complemented by wooden joinery elements, such as partitions, tabletops and stepped seating, adding lightness to the space.

Project Details

RTL Germany places great importance on workplace health and has implemented various measures to promote employee well-being. These measures include comprehensive health management, health promotion programs, flexible working hours, home office options and smart work environment planning.

As part of these health-focused initiatives, round coffee counters crafted from brushed stainless steel are strategically placed to encourage social interaction and provide a welcoming space for employees to take breaks and refresh themselves. Equipped with coffee machines, tea-making facilities and water taps, these coffee points are designed to foster informal encounters and support overall well-being.

Additionally, the dynamic design of both hubs features a blend of round and irregular shapes, such as a zigzag-shaped table, bespoke light installations and acoustic elements, contributing to a vibrant and stimulating environment. This thoughtful integration of well-being initiatives into the workspace design underscores RTL Germany’s commitment to creating a supportive and productive working environment.

Products 

Lighting

Overall Project Results

The completion of these informal meeting 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-centered approach energizes 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 center, aligning with RTL’s goals for a dynamic and flexible post-pandemic work environment.

Contributors:

Lighting Designers – Jack Be Nimble, Germany

Carpentry – m3 Raumsysteme, Germany

Design

Photography

Andreas Buchberger ©Evolution Design