ACV Automobil-Club Verkehr was founded in 1962 by DEVK Insurances and is the third-largest motoring club in Germany with around 500,000 members. Over the past six decades, ACV has continuously expanded its range of services and offers comprehensive support in all aspects of motoring. With their new headquarters in Cologne, ACV is taking a significant step by moving into its own property for the first time. This not only offers the opportunity to decide on sustainability and climate protection themselves, but also on how to shape the way they work together. THinkForward architecture from Cologne are developing the existing property into a space for community and innovation.

Identification & well-being 

Openness and approachability were key aspects during the fundamental redevelopment work for their new headquarters. Employees should feel valued in their new work environment: modern equipment promotes social interaction. Designed as an activity-based workspace, the office supports individual needs. This creates an inspiring atmosphere that encourages and connects, breaks down barriers and helps employees to realize their full potential. An atmosphere that creates a feeling of home.

Focus on creativity and collaboration

The renovated building will offer employees a mixture of open office spaces, breakout areas and meeting rooms, allowing them to choose the right place depending on the task at hand. Collaborative spaces have been created to promote exchange and a lively working atmosphere between teams. Brainstorming sessions and agile working methods find their ideal place in meeting and creative spaces, contributing to a dynamic working environment. Small booths or large meeting rooms are ideal for concentrated work. Each floor has its own kitchen, encouraging chance encounters. A large kitchen provides space for communal lunch breaks and events.

Choosing the right furniture plays a crucial role in facilitating collaborative working. In the conference rooms, the architects and the client opted for Sheru chAIRs and Conference-X Table from Walter Knoll. The agile conference table system is not only functional, but also opens up space for creativity. It is easy to rearrange or dismantle so that it can be adapted to different requirements. Whether for large meetings or interactive seminars - the innovative, tool-free detachable table legs make it easy to adjust the layout. This creates a dynamic environment in which ideas flow and collaboration comes to life.

Social, economic and ecological

Modernizing architecture from the 1980s in a sustainable way - no easy task. THinkForward Architecture's main focus in the renovation of the new ACV headquarters was on minimizing CO2. The load-bearing structure of the existing building was retained, while materials that bind CO2 were being added. This can be seen in the timber construction of the façade, which is an aesthetically pleasing contribution to sustainability. Additionally, a photovoltaic system and air-heat pumps ensure that the building can operate independently and sustainably. This allows the building's architecture to become future-oriented and in harmony with the values of the ACV Automobil-Club Verkehr.