The headquarters of Aktion Mensch

Aktion Mensch is Germany's largest private charity and is dedicated to ensuring that people with and without disabilities can coexist in all areas of life. Inclusion is the key word for this non-profit association, which has been funded through a lottery for over 50 years, and inclusion is now evident in their headquarters in Bonn, where diversity has become the guiding principle in the architectural project and design.

For Ippolito Fleitz’s studio the goals agreed with the client were to create 3900 m² of dynamic workplace in which differences are the norm; to make the values of Aktion Mensch tangible; to create a place where all employees feel comfortable, all while conserving the structure of the 2003 office building. 

The area was divided into eight smaller areas, with working life organised around a sort of village square that forms the centre of each area; each village square has its own theme, on which the colour scheme for that specific area and the customised ceiling is based. This makes it very easy to orient yourself and strengthens a sense of belonging. The colours of the elements in the room reflect the employees’ diversity: the furniture can change appearance, the soft materials that help absorb noise, the curved shapes that are never perfectly round. 

A modular system with rotating dividers offer flexible use of the space, making the environments more or less private, while acoustic panels, blind filters and islands with plants help provide additional privacy. Adjustable-height tables allow working from a wheelchair, and the kitchenettes are also wheelchair-accessible. 

A space conceived in this way also requires attention to the lighting, which must guarantee functionality and comfort under the various conditions of use, while offering everyone the best visibility. The round version of the Laser series recessed lamps were used as they fit in well with the soft lines of this environment. The layout sometimes breaks away from the geometric grid in common areas to add an element of variation to the lighting as well. 
The restrained Laser Blade System 53 recessed lamps are arranged longitudinally over the tables, in both the mobile spaces and the small spaces enclosed by glazing.