Eclipse Campus: A Sustainable Vertical Work Campus by UNStudio + HPP Architects

The Eclipse Campus, designed by the renowned UNStudio in collaboration with German architecture firm HPP Architects, is a cutting-edge vertical work campus situated on Kennedydamm in Düsseldorf, Germany. Completed in 2023, this architectural landmark serves as the headquarters for PwC Germany. The project is a prime example of modern office architecture, emphasizing sustainability, transparency, and an innovative work environment.

Design Concept: Fostering Collaboration and Creativity

The primary goal behind the Eclipse Campus design was to inspire creativity and foster interaction among employees. Spanning 60 meters in height, the building encompasses approximately 27,000 square meters of light-filled, contemporary office space, providing around 1,200 workstations. The 16-story interior integrates dynamic communication zones and experience areas, while a series of lively atria forms the core of the building’s spatial organization.

The overarching design vision reflects openness and transparency, creating a seamless connection with the surrounding urban fabric.

Architectural Form: Triangular Footprint and Cantilevered Volume

The Eclipse Campus is characterized by its distinctive triangular floor plan, which harmonizes with the site’s geometry. The tower rests on a two-story podium, with two underground levels dedicated to parking, delivery, and bicycle storage. The podium's rooftop garden establishes a green link to the adjacent Hilton Hotel, enhancing the pedestrian experience.

The tower's 11-meter cantilevered tip, supported by a three-dimensional V-shaped column, emphasizes the main entrance. The 360-degree glass facade not only optimizes natural light but also visually connects the interior spaces with the bustling streets of Düsseldorf.

Interior Experience: Seamless Transitions and Vertical Connectivity

Upon entering the building, employees and visitors encounter a welcoming lobby bathed in natural light, courtesy of a centrally positioned skylight. The southern facade mirrors this design element, creating a visual link to the outdoor conference terrace.

A unique architectural feature within the building is the three-dimensional helix structure. This spiraling network of atrium spaces vertically connects various office levels, culminating in a panoramic rooftop garden that serves as a social and event space.

Flexible Office Layouts: Adaptability for Modern Workstyles

The internal organization emphasizes flexibility, allowing for a blend of cellular offices, open-plan workspaces, and hybrid layouts. Collaborative zones, breakout areas, and informal meeting spaces are strategically positioned around the atrium, encouraging spontaneous interactions.

This flexible approach supports diverse work styles, from focused individual tasks to team-based collaborative projects. Daylight access and ergonomic designs ensure a healthy and productive work environment.

Sustainability and Smart Building Technology

Sustainability is at the heart of the Eclipse Campus. The building integrates passive design strategies and cutting-edge smart building technology. Approximately 2,000 sensors embedded throughout the structure monitor daylight, artificial lighting, and ventilation, adjusting them based on occupancy. This system results in a significant reduction of up to 200 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

Additional eco-friendly features include:

• DGNB Platinum and DGNB Diamond certifications (targeted)
• Over 200 bicycle parking spaces and electric vehicle charging stations
• Rooftop garden enhancing biodiversity and promoting employee well-being

Visual Transparency: A Connection Between Interior and Exterior

The façade design communicates the internal activity to the exterior. The atrium spaces are visibly expressed through large-scale glass sections, making the vertical clustering of programs discernible from the outside. This design decision enhances the building’s transparency while offering panoramic views of the Düsseldorf skyline from within.

The Eclipse Campus stands as a pioneering example of sustainable and user-centric office architecture. Combining flexible work environments, cutting-edge smart technology, and a commitment to environmental performance, it redefines the concept of a vertical work campus. This landmark project by UNStudio and HPP Architects exemplifies the future of workspace design, prioritizing both human-centric experiences and ecological responsibility.

All Photographs are works of H.G. Esch