The SRH Campus Hamburg project showcases the first results of the collaboration between the university and dan pearlman in implementing the SRH brand image in physical space. The branding and corporate design for the university were created by Martin et Karczinski, Munich. The subsequent development of the “brand in space” concept was done by dan pearlman and defines all materials used, the color and form language, furniture typologies, furniture colors, and surface configurations, as well as the designed elements and their implementation in the space. For the Hamburg campus, the tonalities of design, color, and form were derived from the brand guidelines developed for the Berlin campus, set to be completed by the end of 2024, and were consistently applied.
The Hamburg campus spans approximately 2000 square meters and is housed in the Zurich House, designed by gmp Architects. Dan pearlman was tasked with creating a modern learning and working environment while also showcasing the brand and translating it into the space.
After several joint workshops that defined the “student journey” on the Hamburg campus and its most important touchpoints, the concept of “Heimathafen” (Home Port) was finalized. A highlight is the “Schalterhalle” (Ticket Hall), the entrance area to the campus, which was once a sober space but is now a spacious and vibrant reception, working, break, and event area available to students. Right at the entrance is a large, three-dimensional SRH logo sculpture, serving as a design object with photo-point quality. A display of real buoys in the atrium marks the reception area, stylishly bringing the “Heimathafen” theme to life. Of course, visitors are greeted with a friendly “Moin & Welcome,” a blend of Hamburg’s local dialect and international hospitality. Thick ropes provide a barrier between this area and the cafeteria/kitchen, where students are welcome to cook.
The multifunctional space of the “Schalterhalle” has become a modern workplace thanks to the diverse and flexible furniture from Steelcase, meeting the highest functional, qualitative, and aesthetic standards. Notable mentions include the Highback Sofas Lagunitas and the high work tables from the Flex series. Additionally, casual Fatboys in the corporate color orange add highlights.
In addition to the “Schalterhalle,” numerous seminar and classroom spaces are available for students. All furniture, down to the individual workspaces, is flexible, mobile, and modular. Even the smallest details, like the felt pen holders, follow the principle of rounded corners. All rooms are equipped with a custom-designed lighting system by Trilux, which is “state of the art” for SRH.
The management and administration of SRH Hamburg also enjoy New Work office furniture from Steelcase and partners. Here, too, the ceiling lights developed by Trilux in collaboration with dan pearlman are featured—a special orange-colored linear light with rounded corners in the style of the university’s corporate design. Thanks to the successful collaboration, the SRH light can now be used as a “corporate light” at all other university locations.
In September 2023, the project for the Hamburg campus was completed under the direction of Creative Director Prof. Marcus Fischer. Thanks to Creative Director Prof. Marcus Fischer and the project team led by Nicole Gietz and Ulrich Große for the design concept, and to Sabine Westermann, the site manager of SRH, and her team for the inspiring collaboration. Special thanks also go to SWP Architects, who coordinated the extensive renovation of the space.
