Designed by: @steimlearchitekten

Captured by: @brigidagonzalezwork

Openness, transparency and responsibility are reflected in the design of the new media centre for Südwestrundfunk (SWR). Located at the head of the Neckar crossing in Mannheim’s Nordstadt district, the new studio building forms part of the Schafweide urban development. Conceived as an open and transparent building, the independent volume acts as a visual landmark and mediator between its different urban surroundings, while its prominent position gives SWR a strong presence within the neighbourhood.

The urban square in front of the building connects open spaces and opens the development towards the Neckar riverbank, characterised by its mature trees. At the same time, it functions as an interactive platform where visitors can experience how radio is made. Together with the casino and outdoor terrace facing the square, the building blurs the boundary between the everyday life of the studio and public space. A fully glazed façade structured by vertical aluminium pilasters provides views into the broadcaster’s activities while connecting its media professionals with the surrounding neighbourhood.

Across six floors, around 60 employees produce reports and current information for SWR’s audience. The building’s sculptural volume is defined by projections and recesses extending across two levels. At ground level, this creates a covered and protected area for the main entrance and casino, while the offset of the building forms a raised urban balcony on the fourth floor, oriented towards both the west and north. The programme is organised into three corresponding zones: common facilities on the first two floors, the media centre on the two middle levels, and administration on the upper floors.

The common areas include the lobby, casino and conference centre, while the central floors accommodate the editorial offices and studios across the full floor area. Workspaces alternate between open-plan areas and cellular offices, allowing different degrees of flexibility in their organisation. Double-height spaces and open staircases connect the levels, while open circulation areas support a continuous multimedia workflow. Through its urban placement, transparent façade and interconnected interior, the SWR building establishes itself as a dynamic media centre within the new neighbourhood.