Openness, transparency and responsibility - expectations of our media world that are also reflected in the design and formulation of the new media centre for Südwestrundfunk.
At the bridgehead of the Neckar crossing in Mannheim's Nordstadt district, the new SWR studio building presents itself as an "open and transparent" building. Within the new Schafweide neighbourhood development, the self-confident solitaire forms the prelude in the form of a striking high point and mediates between its various neighbours in the urban space. At the same time, the SWR building also makes a significant appearance within the neighbourhood for passing traffic with its prominent location.
The town square in front of the quarter not only fulfils its urban planning function of connecting open spaces and opening up the quarter to the banks of the Neckar, which is characterised by its old trees. Rather, it is to be understood as an interactive platform that offers a space for insights into "making radio". In combination with the casino and the outdoor terrace facing the square, the boundaries between everyday studio life and public space become blurred. The façade, which is glazed all around and structured by vertical aluminium pilaster strips, provides an unobstructed view of the broadcast station's day and night activities and, conversely, connects the media players with their immediate surroundings.
On a total of six floors, around 60 employees feel responsible for providing comprehensive reporting and up-to-date information for their listeners. The building volume is formed by projections and recesses extending over two storeys, which give the building its sculptural effect. At square level, this creates a sheltered, roofed forecourt for the main entrance and casino. The fourth level is given an elevated city balcony facing both west and north due to the building offset. In line with the building cubature, the uses can be divided into three areas analogous to the three storey packages. The first two floors are reserved for communal uses - foyer, casino, conference centre. The centrepiece of the media building, with the desk and studios, is located on the two middle floors, which occupy the entire floor plan area. The administrative uses are located on the two floors above. The pool area and office workstations vary between "open spaces" and cellular offices based on the oportunity of flexible organisation of the areas. Various air spaces and open staircases connect the floors with each other and, together with the open communication areas, ensure a multimedia workflow.
Both from the outside and from the inside, the SWR project radiates the character of a lively media building and the solitary structure anchors itself in the new urban quarter through its urban design.
