Berliner Sparkasse, Berlin-Johannisthal, Germany

References

Berliner Sparkasse, Berlin-Johannisthal, Germany

With its new headquarters in Berlin-Johannisthal, Berliner Sparkasse has not only created a modern workplace but also a dynamic campus in the vicinity of Germany’s largest science and technology park.

The institution has now established a presence in Johannisthal/Adlershof, relocating one of its two main branches from Gustav-Meyer-Allee in Wedding to Berlin’s hippest Science and Technology Park. An area that has evolved into a center for scientific advancement in recent years. “The new location will carry us into the future. We expect inspiration and connectivity from our proximity to the Johannisthal/Adlershof innovation and science hub. Moving here is another step on our path to digital transformation, making us more agile, sustainable, and forward-looking,” explains Olaf Schulz, Member of the Board of Berliner Sparkasse (Berliner Sparkasse, 2024). The 25,000-square-meter new building was designed by Berlin-based architecture firm Kinzo, with a focus on sustainability, disabled access and and flexible spatial concepts.

Sheru Lounge Chair & Grand Suite Sofa

Sheru Lounge Chair

At its Johannisthal location, Berliner Sparkasse acts as a service center for its branches in the city. Numerous departments with different requirements and needs operate here under one roof—a challenge that required a thoughtful interior concept. In collaboration with the project team at Berliner Sparkasse, Kinzo developed an open office landscape that promotes collaboration and creative exchange while reflecting the institution’s shift toward greater agility and innovation. The spaces are designed for cross-functional use, eliminating hierarchical assignment—from the executive board to administrative staff, everyone finds their place within this open work environment. A modular design catalog based on the concept provides a blueprint for the design of future branches of the Sparkasse.

Interior design inspired by nature: Soft green tones and muted shades of red, combined with natural light and soft textiles, create an inviting atmosphere. As a furnishing partner, Walter Knoll contributed to many of these spaces, from lounges to casual meeting zones. Pieces such as the Grand Suite Sofa and Sheru Lounge Chairs transform "We-Spaces" into inviting hubs for conversation and interaction.

Grand Suite Sofa & Sheru Lounge Chair

The upper floors house contemporary office spaces alongside a variety of flexible work areas—from phone and video conferencing booths to areas for creative collaboration, focused work, or spontaneous meetings. This is where the Sheru seating collection demonstrates its versatility: space-efficient chairs without armrests for video and meeting booths, lounge versions in the We-spaces, or generously proportioned models with armrests for extended meetings—each maintaining a balance between comfort and effortless ease.

Sheru chAIR

Keypiece Conference Table & Sheru chAIR

Designed as a multifunctional environment, the ground floor integrates training, meeting, and conference rooms with various specialized areas. The entrance area in particular creates a welcoming first impression: warmly toned wood paneling seamlessly transitions into a dynamic lighting installation by interior designer Susanne Philippson. Only a discreet logo in the company’s signature color subtly references Berliner Sparkasse. The striking shade of red also appears selectively, such as on the Foster 620 Bench in the cafeteria. Designed by Norman Foster, this sculptural upholstered bench was conceived to encourage conversation—for informal discussions, knowledge exchange, or simply a shared coffee break.

Foyer

Foster 620 Bench

The new Berliner Sparkasse main branch in Berlin-Johannisthal has received multiple awards, including the Gold Standard from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) and a WiredScore certification for digital connectivity. Additionally, it has been awarded the ECARF seal for allergy-friendly design. The result is a space designed in harmony with its users—open, inviting, and created to bring people together.

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Berliner Sparkasse, Berlin-Johannisthal, Germany

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