IT service provider Krankikom selected a striking location for its new headquarters in Duisburg – directly on Calaisplatz, where the Schwanentorbrücke bridge connects the new state archive to the city centre. The challenge was clear: create a sophisticated architectural presence that could hold its own against the iconic archive tower by Ortner & Ortner. More importantly, the building needed to embody the company itself—one that defies easy categorization and celebrates the diversity and individuality of its 120 employees. The exterior makes an immediate statement of confidence and self-assurance. Inside, the company's motto—"Different, not well-behaved"—comes alive in every space.

Koschany + Zimmer Architects from Essen created a distinctive sculptural form that plays with transparency and solid mass, seemingly suspending a "floating" cube on light, layered tiers. Viewed from the water or Calaisplatz, it's a striking presence. The interior offers open office spaces generously connected across multiple levels, providing maximum flexibility. The spatial design itself encourages team communication while accommodating children's spaces, meetings, shared kitchens, and employee and client events. A central security staircase, elevator, and in-house server room form the heart of the building, strategically positioned so it can be fully circulated around. All offices and conference rooms radiate outward from this core. The 4,700 m² footprint includes approximately 3,200 m² of office space, a dining area, leased spaces, and the seventh floor—home to a lounge and children's play areas. Exposed concrete walls let the flooring steal the show: each level features its own distinctive colour palette. Corridors are finished with short-pile carpet for practicality, while lounge and seating areas feature long-pile carpet for comfort. An interior designer individually curated each room's design and furnishings, incorporating vintage finds from local flea markets.

The Digitalkontor is equipped with cutting-edge network infrastructure, achieves KfW Efficiency House 55 certification, and features electric vehicle charging stations.

www.kza.de

Photography Credits:

Anja Steinmann
www.anja-steinmann.de

(Published in CUBE Ruhrgebiet 02|20)