Some Windows to the Rhine for Microsoft

Individualism and innovation is what Microsoft promise their users worldwide. The new North Rhine-Westphalia headquarters promises the corporation just that. In summer 2008 the joint project of HOCHTIEF Construction AG and REVISCO GmbH was completed. The Rheinau Art Office excels through its area efficiency and flexible layouts. The construction of the building with its transparent glass façade and two parallel, self-supporting façade ribbons enable the development of an open space concept without any interior walls allowing for an open East-West view from each workplace. This opens up individual possible uses for the main tenant Microsoft. The technical basis is provided by Microsoft products, of course, enabling online telephone calls, video conferences and whiteboards via touch panels. By deploying this the company does not only wish to guarantee in-house communication, but also the one with customers and partners.

The building was planned as an open space and guarantees the enterprise to be able to respond to future developments in a flexible way. The option to install new offices or open conference areas is what makes this building so interesting to Microsoft. For the first time, partner companies of the software giant now have the possibility of supporting customers at the same house. More than 75% of partner inquiries came from companies outside the Cologne economic area. Hence, in the medium term Microsoft calculates with about 500 new jobs at their own and partner companies.
Innovation coupled with sustainability was the idea of Cologne-based Freigeber architectural bureau in cooperation with Stephan Schütt. By making use of geothermics for air-conditioning purposes, the Rheinau Art Office can serve as a role model in terms of cost and energy savings.

Constructor: RheinauArtOffice GmbH & Co. KG
Architect: Freigeber architects and architect Stephan Schütt
Status: Completion: 2008
Size: GFA: 8,743 square meters