On the occasion of an open house event on April 27, 2023, the European real estate company Covivio will present its concept for repositioning the office complex at Herzogstraße 15 in Düsseldorf to representatives of the city administration, customers, investors and business partners. In this context, Covivio will present a modular space concept with flexibly configurable work areas, high-quality design and sustainable materials with the introduction of the BU (Business Unit).
The office building with a total leasable area of around 55,700 m² was designed by architect Harald Deilmann and is now a prominent landmark in Düsseldorf's city center. Schwitzke & Partner is responsible for the conversion of the public areas and their design, architecture and branding. With its curved facade design, strongly articulated, staggered terraces, two striking towers and rounded aluminum parapets, the building has truly earned its new name ICON.
Sustainability is the focus of the redesign
The public areas in the ICON, such as the lobby, foyer, inner courtyard and roof terrace, are undergoing a complete redevelopment. The forecourt of the building will be greened and given a new quality of stay through appropriate street furniture and an art installation. The terraces will be put to different uses, e.g. urban gardening. Photovoltaic systems will be retrofitted on the roof surfaces. Sustainability is also the focus of the furnishings for the public areas and the business unit. The furniture comes from sustainable production, and the flooring is made from 100 percent recycled materials. Covivio can already boast WiredScore Platinum certification for the ICON. The project is also aiming for DGNB Gold certification.
Friederike Hoberg, CEO German Offices at Covivio, summarizes the measures: "The revitalization of this landmark has various aspects. We are developing the Landmark ICON into a modern multi-mix building that offers visitors and users a range of services, community space, gastronomy and a fitness area in addition to modern office space. For urban development, the new mixed-use offering closes a gap that acts as an impetus for the entire neighborhood. At the same time, we are making the building fit for the future with our sustainable approach."
Covivio is offering its new flexible business unit concept BU (pronounced be you) for the first time for the office space currently available, which totals around 20,000 sqm. The Marketing Suite gives a first impression of the New Work atmosphere.
Ralph Herzberg, Commercial & Operations Manager Germany at Covivio, comments: "With BU, we are entering the working world of tomorrow. User requirements have changed in terms of flexibility, individuality and service. That's why our new tenants at ICON are given the opportunity to have their space designed by us - from fit-out to furnishings, we supply everything from a single source. Through various modular zones, we achieve a high level of space efficiency."
Art action during the leasing launch
The rental launch on April 27, 2023 will be accompanied by an art action by Ella Ponizovsky Bergelson. The visual artist, who participated in the 2022 Venice Biennale, creates temporary murals in public places, museums or galleries. As part of the event at ICON, she is designing a wall in the Marketing Suite. "This campaign is part of Covivio's Europe-wide commitment to art, which we are now increasingly implementing in the Office division in Germany," says Friederike Hoberg.
