Following Mercedes Benz’s strategic decision to locate its global Digital R&D Center in Shanghai, Gensler was selected to design this recently established division, including both a workplace and a workshop.
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The Mercedes-Benz R&D Center Shanghai is situated in Shanghai’s free-trade zone in Jinqiao district, a hub for automobile industry research and development, the digital center occupies five floors of the 11-story building with amenities nearby.
Mercedes-Benz envisioned a space that not only reflects a strong technological ethos but also integrates the essence of Shanghai and the core values of Mercedes-Benz’s corporate culture. This environment is designed to empower a newly assembled team of 250 talents, setting a benchmark that aligns with the brand’s esteemed industry standards.
The design concept of “Digital Rivers,” draws a poetic parallel between Shanghai’s historic waterways and the incessant flow of digital information, symbolizing connectivity within the physical and virtual realms. This conceptual underpinning is brought to life through a series of design elements: floor patterns that mimic the Juxtaposition of waterfronts and river currents, and a ceiling design inspired by the river flow tempo orchestrated with precision reminiscent of a musical composition, marked by crescendos and strategic pauses.
Addressing the functional need of separating work areas with traffic areas, the design took inspiration from old shanghai elements of the Shikumen neighborhood-distinct character of Shanghai with the iconic portal elements to give modern workplace a sense of belonging.
The workplace encompasses 3 floors of 1,150sm each, the floor planning is carefully laid out to take advantage of light exposure with a mixture of open working areas, collaboration areas, focus booth. To meet the growing need for enhanced communication and collaboration, the layout incorporates designated collaboration areas within working groups. This ensures that each workstation is optimally spaced, fostering a conducive environment for teamwork while avoiding overcrowding.
Overall, the workplace includes top notch amenities such as Service Center, Library, Meditation Room, Yoga Room, Exercise room for the benefit of the mind and spirit of the employees working at the Mercedes-Benz R&D Center Shanghai In addition, the base building restrooms have been enlarged and redesigned by Gensler team to align with company high standards and comfort expectation. All these amenities, along with lighting, air purification system, high performance acoustic, furniture selection, it creates a healthy and ergonomic space, while contributing to the overall experience of the interior. From initial conceptual planning to the material selection and MEP design, the workplace embeds wellbeing standard to reach WELL certification.
The automobile testing workshop spans a state-of-the-art facility of 2,300 square meters over two levels, incorporating an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) workshop, testing labs, software labs, and office spaces. Designed to meet user-specific needs, the workshop’s centerpiece is a large, two-story atrium adorned with graphics that pay homage to the iconic Mercedes-Benz star logo, showcasing the latest concept cars. This atrium, designed for versatility, can transform into an event space equipped with a large LED screen, captivating audiences on both the first floor and the second-floor terrace.
The perimeter of the Workshop features specially designed film to address privacy. The film plays illusions at a close distance while merging into a distinctive image of Mercedes Benz’s branding elements that broaden the workshop’s visual impact.
Last but not least Gensler improved the design of the Main Lobby Entrance and the Elevator Halls, enhancing the brand and its emphasis on technology without remodeling the existing spaces. Strategic additions include triangular-shaped column wraps and a full LED screen wall to greet its employees and visitors. Specially designed graphics blend abstraction, technology, and automotive themes, reinforcing the unique identity of this world-class company.
