SGL Forum /
T&I Centre,
Meitingen
Meitingen
2000–2009
12.612 sqm
Completed
SGL Carbon, Meitingen
Research, administration, production, showroom, conference centre, outdoor facilities
SGL Forum / T&I Centre: (not only) an architectural leader
The SGL Group is the only European manufacturer of carbon fibres. The company unites its global research and development activities as well as large parts of its administration at its site in Meitingen. Accordingly, customers from all over the world visit the research laboratory north of Augsburg.
In order to continue to present itself in a future-oriented manner, the old buildings of SGL were to be partially renovated and supplemented by representative new buildings. Kehrbaum Architekten developed the Technology and Innovation Center (T&I Center), the SGL Forum, a master plan for the existing buildings and a material and colour concept for the entire industrial plant.
"Future oriented
work environments need highly
flexible building structures."
The SGL Forum also serves as a representative main entrance to the company. It served as the first part of a bridge between the existing 8-storey administration tower and the T&I Center, which is 150 m away. In the entrance area, guests are welcomed in a spacious reception lounge. Innovative carbon products by SGL are on display in the two-storey showroom: carbon wind turbines, racing bikes, lightweight components for cars, and much more.
Small meetings and large conferences up to 200 people take place in the two-storey, ultra-modern conference centre, which has raised the bar for quality in the region with its inter-connectable rooms and first-class technical equipment. Accordingly, the rooms are also popular with external organisers for lectures, concerts, etc. As a stylish contrast, there is a comfortable dining room furnished in the modern Bavarian style for foreign guests looking for something more cosy.
"The various
room groupings respond
user-focused."
The T&I Centre could only be built on a triangular plot of land, which is hemmed in by existing buildings on two sides. Several “punched-in” atriums allow the interior of the building to remain bright and inviting. In addition, the long, free-standing façade facing west allows plenty of light into the building.
After consultation with the management and intensive workshops with the employees, the decision was made in favour of an open office solution.
Bench solutions for 4–6 employees also enable concentrated teamwork. Interns, foreign visitors or start-ups are thus integrated into the innovation process. Even the management of SGL decided in favour of open work areas and thus for a future-oriented office concept – including integrated fitness and recreation areas.
The building was equipped with a cooling ceiling specially developed by SGL. Heating and cooling is provided by the residual heat from production, while a large portion of the required electricity is generated by photovoltaic systems.
Hand in hand with Kehrbaum Architects, SGL has transformed itself from an aging factory into a state-of-the-art research and production hub with the Forum and T&I Centre.
»Meeting rooms,
think tanks and open
meeting points can be found
throughout the building.«
