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New work in the Swabian Alb

Waldmann lighting concept for open space landscape at Volksbank Albstadt eG

Volksbank Albstadt eG
Volksbank Albstadt eG
Volksbank Albstadt eG
Volksbank Albstadt eG
Volksbank Albstadt eG
Volksbank Albstadt eG

The new build instantly strikes the observer as being open, light and spacious. A closer look also reveals it to be flexible, homely and perfect adapted to the needs of the staff. The requirements of an increasingly digitised working world have been successfully implemented in the office landscape of Volksbank Albstadt eG. The lighting is by Waldmann.


After the Volksbank in Ebingen and Tailfingen merged in 2014 to form the Volksbank Albstadt eG, it soon became clear that a new spatial solution had to be found. It was not feasible to extend the respective inner city locations. So the responsible parties decided on a new-build in order to save on long cross-departmental communication channels and travel time.

They chose an unusual path. Before bringing an architect on board, the area managers were asked about their requirements for the building. A consultancy for cooperative banks then used its expertise to process the results of the survey and draw up a specification from them. Then the architectural competition followed, and finally a general contractor was appointed. A guarantee for the regionally connected bank that only local craftsmen would be involved in the new building.

Following intensive consultations with the 120 members of staff, it was decided that the new offices were to be non-territorial. Interstuhl was tasked with the detailed design, and brought Waldmann on board for the lighting. The result was an office landscape with harmoniously coordinated furnishing and lighting solutions.

The entire area is open, which makes it look extremely spacious. The upper and lower areas are separated only by the required fire doors. The desks all have free-standing luminaires that meet the flexible design concept perfectly, something that was particularly important to those responsible at the Volksbank. Depending on the area, the groups desks have LAVIGO free-standing luminaires in anthracite or white. A double-head version to illuminate four workplaces, a single luminaire head for two workplaces. The daylight and presence sensors unobtrusively ensure that the right amount of light is provided as soon as a workplace is occupied.

The light effect is very pleasant overall. The combination of large window faꞔades and almost exclusively direct/indirect luminaires enhances this feel-good effect. It is continued in the use of mainly warm hues in the overall design.

Between the work areas, which staff are able to choose freely on a daily basis, are individual closed rooms that are used for meetings or as retreats. Dimmable suspended luminaires provide the appropriate lighting for a particular purpose. The open space is also broken up by small kitchens and open informal communication areas. They are designed individually and with variety with standing tables, cosy seating groups or even a swing seat. The lampshades of the VIVAA suspended luminaires used here are perfectly matched to the special colours of the comfortable furniture. Elsewhere, the slender luminaires in a subtle white fade into the background.

The early involvement of staff in the design paid off. The new concept is a success, and internal agreements were much easier, as planned.