Knorr-Bremse Development Center

Knorr-Bremse is the leading manufacturer of braking systems for railway and commercial vehicles. The development centre is in the northern part of the Munich-based factory premises. Highly complex braking systems are developed and tested at the engineering building. A tight knit collaboration amongst the many experts and short distances between the development office and testing facility are decisive factors. At the test stands, components for railway and commercial vehicles are tested under real-life conditions.

A central axis connects the research, development, testing and workshop spaces with each other. Upon entering the building, the full depth of the building captures the eye. The test stands and workshops are located in the basement, on the ground floor and on the first floor. The two upper floors house offices and meeting rooms for developers and engineers.

The central two-storey atrium forms the Agora of the development centre, a pro-active communication space visible from all offices which is not dedicated to one specific discipline or project group alone, but instead serves to promote the mutual awareness, shared encounters and interactions between different experts. The atrium is a space where people can connect in a relaxed atmosphere to brainstorm ideas.

The ground floor’s high base has a metal facade made of perforated sheet; the floors above feature a glass facade and a textile sun shield in front of all-round escape balconies which also facilitate cleaning and maintenance activities. All four facades are of the same design.