Working environments and real estate concept of the future

Union Investment, Frankfurt a. Main

Frankfurt on the Main
Location

approx. 2,500
Employees

2021-2024
Project period

ca. 60.000 m² GFA
Space

Union Investment (UI), headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, is the fund management company of DZ Bank and part of the cooperative financial group. combine has been advising the financial company since the end of 2021 as part of a broad-based realignment of its office space in the Main metropolis.

A needs and requirements analysis developed with combine had identified great potential at the beginning of 2021. The introduction of a revised space and modern workplace concept ultimately enabled the optimization of two existing properties, which were successfully completed in summer 2024. We describe the implementation process:

1st quarter 2021: Strategy phase

The measures for the realignment of UI in Frankfurt resulted in the two properties MTP and WINX in Weissfrauenstrasse being revitalized and made “fit” for Working Worlds 4.0 with a 1-location strategy. Among other things, new occupancy and space planning was implemented at MTP, new carpets were laid and think tanks installed, while new occupancy and furniture planning was carried out at Winx. At the same time, the other UI buildings were rented out or sublet. Together with combine,a “working environments and real estate concept of the future (AIZ)”was developed, which made it possible to use the office space much more efficiently and at the same time create a new, activity-oriented working environment.

The needs and requirements analysis carried out in advance not only took into account the personnel structures and working methods, but also examined the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the changes in working methods (mobile and hybrid working) on UI's future office space requirements in a “target/actual comparison”.

The guardrail workshops held at the same time as the user representatives consolidate the acceptance of the future office concept and also underpin the quality and credibility of the analyses. The aim was and is to ensure that employees enjoy coming to the office with the AIZ and that they are able to work in a contemporary hybrid environment at the same time.

1st quarter 2023: Implementation support

Structural measures and investments were necessary in both target buildings for the implementation of the new working environments, particularly in light of the fact that the AIZ had to create open office space and a large number of retreat options while achieving a desk-sharing rate of 50%.

Based on the needs and requirements analysis, the occupancy and furnishing planning as well as the design of the new working environments were tackled at the beginning of 2022. The major challenge was to convert the two target areas in MTP and WINX during ongoing operations. This required comprehensive relocation management with a castling and relocation plan carried out by combine, which ensured that the relocation and conversion went smoothly.

Made by combine: interior design and signage for the special areas

In addition to the conception of the new working environments, combine was also responsible for the interior design of individual collaboration areas in the WINX (on the 4th floor) and MTP (tea kitchens) buildings, including a signaling concept for these areas.

Special attention was paid to the UI-internal start-up“VisualVest”on the 5th floor of the MTP (pictures on the right).

Visual Vest is a so-called “robo-advisor” that offers automated stock and investment strategies. combine developed a customized signage and interior design concept for Visual Vest, including advice on furniture selection.