Let's face it: most meetings leave us wanting better. While architects can't control content or facilitation, they can shape spaces where people actually want to be. Just/Burgeff Architects set out to answer a crucial question: what does a modern conference centre need to serve both employees and organizations? Their answer combines multimedia-ready spaces with uncompromising flexibility, quality, and functionality—while fostering genuine communication and inviting people to linger.

Located within the Main Building in Frankfurt's banking district, the Conference Centre welcomes guests through a shared plaza leading to four conference rooms. A continuous ribbon of light traces the ceiling from foyer to conference space, while a dynamic curved photographic light box marks the entrance. The lounge reveals views into generously glazed meeting rooms and an inner courtyard—serene and thoughtfully composed.

At the heart of the lounge sits a sculptural furniture piece that does triple duty: meeting point, cloakroom, and bar. "The interplay of light, surfaces, and textures gives this piece remarkable presence," the architects explain. Each of the four meeting rooms carries its own distinct character, tailored to different needs. Digital door signs linked to the booking system indicate availability and active sessions. "Floor-to-ceiling frameless glass partitions create sightlines that expose the vibrant work happening inside, dissolve formal conference rigidity, and elevate the entire experience."

The result: two expansive glazed seminar rooms, an intimate high-end meeting space, and a dedicated brainstorming zone. All are equipped with interactive presentation displays for seamless multimedia collaboration. The architects strategically restructured the existing shell, reimagined the furniture, and introduced a refined colour palette that addresses contemporary conference demands. Once-dark, uniform rooms now benefit from a cohesive colour-coding system that echoes the foyer's warm foundation. Soft natural tones and classic herringbone oak flooring inside dialogue beautifully with the Roman travertine façade.

www.just.burgeff.de

Photography Credits:

Kirsten Bucher
www.kirstenbucher.de

(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 01|21)