New Headquarters For Fanuc Robotics Deutschland, Stuttgart
The project of FANUC Robotics was designed to meet global standards. The Japanese enterprise, worldwide leaders in the field of automation, asked for more than just a concept for their new German Administration Headquarters located in Stuttgart, right next to the airport. In order to comply with the demand for global business representation an intelligent systems solution was required. The concept was to follow their business philosophy of perpetual motion and at the same time allow for variations in scale according to local requirements depending on national subsidy. The companys Corporate Identity was described as modern, functional and open, and these terms were indeed transferred to the architectural design with precision and efficiency.
The building diagram of this pilot scheme is based on the idea of three parallel lines of variable height and length running from south to north. The light-weight column-free eastern line accommodates demonstration and modification sections. Multi-level storeroom facilities, training and administration areas are to be found on the western line. Between the two, there is a service line, just like a spine, providing all technical facilities and connecting the various areas. The building was planned and constructed in a truly industrial manner.
Due to prefabrication and process optimisation it took only 15 months from the first phone call to the turn of the key. With its smooth shimmering silver aluminium shell, large glass areas and the appliance of yellow as the companys colour, the building makes for a striking effect visible from afar. Its interior is used as a representative showroom. The shape of the hall and the minimised suspended steel trusses follow directly the laws of the distribution of force. Its an elegant solution using only a minimum of materials, just like a robot whose parts are all vital and functional.
