The apple doesn't fall far from the tree - that's not always true, but it certainly applies to Stefan Behnisch (*1957), the son of Günter Behnisch, who became world famous with the Munich Olympic site. We worked closely and successfully with Günter Behnisch for many years. We owe him not only our company building in Tauberbischofsheim, but also the extremely successful 900 series table system.
"The most sustainable building is not necessarily the one that uses the least energy. It is the one that makes the best use of energy. Since every building we build impacts our environment, it must have been worth the effort. It must enhance the well-being of the people who work and live in it, and it must enrich our culture."
- Stefan Behnisch
Aesthetic, functional and all-round sustainable: Stefan Behnisch's buildings often earn this praise. But what does this "sustainable" actually mean? For Behnisch, it is far more than a fashionable label. It describes one of the great challenges facing the architecture of our time. For him, "sustainable" does not simply mean "green," but much more.
From the choice of materials to the imaginative use of natural resources and energy-saving technologies: Behnisch Architekten's projects are exemplary in showing how contemporary building can be done - not only to protect the environment, but also for the benefit of the people who work in the buildings.
Stefan Behnisch has long since received the recognition he deserves: In 2007, he received the Global Award for Sustainable Architecture for his high standards in terms of sustainability. In 2008, he was named an Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. Visiting professorships at the Yale School of Architecture, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Virginia School of Architecture underscore his importance for a new generation of architects.
Fear of contact with his father's legacy? Stefan Behnisch has none. He has realized projects together with Günter Behnisch. But he has also taken up his father's ideas and transformed them into something of his own - as in the case of the 900 table system, which he has further developed into the 901 series.
The result is a versatile office furniture system that is still our pride and joy today. And, more importantly, the delight of our customers. The reason: the system fits harmoniously into very different rooms and uses. This makes it a companion for many years to come. A companion that can adapt to changes and that delights every day with its clear, elegant appearance.
I like creating spaces where people can work and live together where they can communicate, interact and work across disciplines.
Architect Stefan Behnisch
The office furniture system received its accolade in 2001: all workstations in the administration of the new German Bundestag in Berlin were equipped with Series 901. Do people there work differently and better since then? We hope so.
So timeless, versatile and flexible is the 901 furniture series that it is still part of the furnishings of many Behnisch buildings today. See for yourself:
Daringly twisted floors, an expressive, almost deconstructivist look, reflective glass facades: The Norddeutsche Landesbank building in Hanover is an eye-catcher - indeed, a bright spot - in an architecturally unexciting city.
Completed in 2002, the 18-story Behnisch building by Günter and Stefan Behnisch has long since caused a sensation not only with its aesthetics. It also implements an energy concept that is as innovative as it is sustainable. Sun, wind and geothermal energy are optimally utilized, making air conditioning largely superfluous. This saves energy and ensures the well-being of the people working inside. A photovoltaic array on the roof generates electricity, while rainwater flushes the toilets and irrigates the garden.
The dynamic showcase building is furnished with furniture from VS. No wonder. Because VS is also committed to high environmental standards. From development to the selection of materials and production to recycling, we are committed to protecting natural resources. But that's not all: the excellent ergonomics, durability and simple, elegant design ensure that our furniture systems are often in use for decades and can be flexibly adapted to new circumstances. Convince yourself!
Extremely energy-efficient and at the same time people-friendly is the company headquarters that Behnisch Architekten designed for the biotech company Genzyme in the USA. The architecture makes use of natural resources, especially for cooling, ventilation and illumination of the work areas. For example, a prismatic ceiling below the skylights filters natural light and then diffuses it into the interior of the building through reflective objects. The central atrium serves as a return air duct and enlivens the space through thermal effects.
Such pioneering spirit earns admiration: the Genzyme building was the first in the U.S. to receive the U.S. Green Building Council's Leed Platinum Award, and is an excellent example of what can be achieved with sustainable strategies in the workplace. We are proud that VS was able to supply the office furniture for such an innovative building.
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