Opened in late October 2019, Plan International's House of Sponsorships stands directly opposite the organization's renovated headquarters in Barmbek, financed by the Hilfe mit Plan foundation. Schneider + Schumacher, the Frankfurt-based architecture firm, designed both projects. The new building occupies a prominent corner position at Bramfelder Straße and Drosselstraße, its distinctive rounded form defining the district's urban character.

For the architects, maximizing the use of this challenging corner plot while meeting the client's diverse needs presented a complex design challenge. Beyond conventional office and meeting spaces, the building had to accommodate a retail shop, plus dedicated areas for order fulfillment and distribution of goods and information about the foundation's work. The basement, ground floor, and first floor are configured specifically for logistics and shipping operations. Office spaces occupy floors two through four and feature flexible layouts that adapt to departments of different sizes—the nerve center where global programs are designed and coordinated. The solution combines open-plan working areas with intimate retreat spaces for confidential discussions and focused work. In partnership with Vitra, the interior finishes reflect a refined, welcoming quality throughout. The fifth floor is dedicated entirely to conference and collaboration spaces, complemented by meeting rooms on each office level.

Two separate ground-floor entrances on Bramfelder Straße provide access—one to the offices, one to the shop. A transparent, welcoming entry showcases the Plan Shop, which brings the previously online-only store into physical space. Here, visitors discover high-quality handcrafted products from local cooperatives and small manufacturers supported by Plan's global projects.

The street-facing glass and metal façade features horizontal bands that shift to radial curves along the rounded corner, composed of single-shell window construction with fixed glazing and discreet ventilation louvers. Window bands cover two-thirds of the façade, creating visual lightness and visual permeability. Plan International's commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the new building: green roofs, photovoltaic arrays, and compliance with KfW 55 energy standards ensure the structure supports a liveable, environmentally responsible future.

www.schneider-schumacher.de
www.plan.de

Photography Credits:

Jörg Hempel
www.joerg-hempel.com

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 03|20)