Thursday 2023-07-27

2023, at the end of March this year: HELLA's management announced a decision that the employees at the Lippstadt site had been waiting for a long time: how it should be advanced and positioned for the future. Much has happened since, although mainly in the background. For example, the requirements of employees for the buildings were systematically identified and evaluated or demolition applications were submitted.

The next step now follows with the commissioning of the architect with whom the concept for the Lippstadt location shall be realised. RKW Architektur + is the name of the renowned Düsseldorf-based firm that has already realised numerous prestigious projects in Germany and also internationally. This also includes the Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Hamm-Lippstadt, HSHL) in the direct vicinity of the HELLA headquarters.

First concept idea, no concrete draft yet

RKW Architektur +, which won against five competitors in the course of the selection process, convinced with a well-thought-out concept sketch. "RKW Architektur +'s idea optimally combines our requirements with those from an urban planning perspective," says Matthias Wiehen, HELLA Lippstadt site manager. "A core element is the open connection of the site with the city, the park Grüner Winkel and the adjacent university. In this way, the new complex should blend harmoniously into the cityscape and enrich Lippstadt with an attractive landmark that invites employees, students and citizens to linger."

The first conceptual design was based on Lippstadt's townscape from the early 19th century. The design thus picks up on a historic walkway that once ran right through the city and is now to be revived. Around this initial idea, the area shall be divided into different areas: with an open, inviting campus and a protected area for research and development to meet customer-side information security requirements. A particularly representative space for a customer experience centre and conference rooms, for example, is also conceivable. Viewed longitudinally, landscaped cycle paths are planned along the railway line running through the site.

The site concept is to be realised with the highest standards of sustainability. The new HELLA headquarters is to be operated in a CO2-neutral manner. In addition, it is planned to unseal large parts of the current area; significant other sustainable aspects such as rainwater retention, green roofs and the creation of green spaces to promote biodiversity are also to be taken into account.

The architects were selected on the basis of a first tentative draft. So, first sketches visualizing the idea of the architectural concept: What kind of space allocation is envisaged? What does the urban integration of the site look like? How are sustainable aspects taken into account? Details, such as the concrete design of areas, buildings and rooms, have not yet been taken into account.

Call for action: a name is needed

The redevelopment of the Lippstadt site becomes more and more reality. What is still missing? The child needs a name. Therefore, the name of the new building complex is called for in a competition of ideas. Thus, all employees can enter their name suggestion until 18 August (24:00) via this survey form. Out of all submitted ideas, a jury consisting of the Management Board and Corporate Communications will select the five best name suggestions. In a second step, employees can vote and choose their favourite. "The name becomes a central element for further communication. We are therefore looking forward to receiving memorable and inspiring proposals," says Matthias Wiehen.

Next steps

The commissioning of the architect means the starting point to plan further. The concept sketches are now being elaborated on the basis of requirement surveys, and drafts for the first two buildings are being prepared. After the necessary internal and public authority approval, the building application could be submitted as early as the beginning of 2024, and the foundation stone could then be laid in mid-2024.