BMW Plant Leipzig, Central Area

A milestone in industrial architecture: the dynamic use of forms by the architect Zaha Hadid not only successfully translates the values of the BMW marque into a tangible image, but also optimally satisfies the complex functional requirements of today's production processes. The Central Building links together the various parts of the works, which are housed in comparatively conventional factory units, and is simultaneously the office building for the control and administration of the plant. Open, cascading terraces of office space foster communicative relationships. Conveyor systems routed openly through the room transport the vehicles in various stages of completion this way and that throughout the building, giving the workers continuous contact with the product.

The thoroughfares are very generously proportioned since the entire workforce has to use them at the start and finish of the shifts. Light is also used here to add structure to the bare concrete surfaces: double-focus downlights for metal halide lamps illuminate these thoroughfares with precisely scalloped beams providing high visual comfort. This results in contrasting zones – zones in which the intensive, coloured light of blue metal halide lamps is once again used, only this time fitted in lens wallwashers in order to tone the wall zones with an absolutely even colour.