We designed a new office complex in Mönchengladbach, Germany for Santander’s administrative staff.
We were commissioned by one of Europe’s leading banks – Banco Santander (Santander Bank) – to design and manage the construction of a new office complex and multi-story car park for around 1,800 administrative staff in Mönchengladbach, Germany.
The bank had high expectations for the new offices. Above all, Santander wanted a design-led workplace in which both Spanish and German employees would thrive. Time and cost-efficiency were also important.
A collaborative and efficient approach
The lead design team based in Madrid collaborated closely with colleagues in Germany right from the start, bringing best practices together to create an architect-led design that respected cultural differences but also aligned with the bank’s global vision.
Actively involving Santander employees in the planning process was critical to this. We invited employees to participate in a survey to identify their workplace needs which enabled us to adapt design choices accordingly.
Conscious that time was of importance, we led regular meetings and workshops with the client to speed up the decision-making process. We also used high quality modular and prefabricated elements wherever possible.
Once we had completed the full final design (including architectural design and building engineering), we also supervised construction work through to completion and handover.
Modern office space for Santander employees
Now fully built and occupied, the new Santander office complex comprises a series of interconnected low-rise buildings covering a total area of 23,000 square metres. The ground floor serves as the principal communal space with designated meeting rooms and training areas as well as a post office and canteen.
We were also asked to design a new integrated, multi-storey car park which provides nearly 400 parking spaces for visitors and employees.
Our architecture teams paid special attention to the external elevations to heighten visual appeal and prominence. On the façade of the car park for instance, we used vertical louvers that vary in colour and transparency depending on the angle from which they are viewed.
At AECOM, we bring the best of global expertise to anyone who needs it, wherever they are based. We are proud to have brought expertise from across Europe to this project and are delighted to see Santander Bank’s Mönchengladbach employees enjoying their new offices.