RTL Audio Center
Broadcasting company RTL relocated its Berlin-based audio units to a new location and commissioned Evolution Design to design a striking audio production hub.
Inspired by the energy of the music industry, the interiors deliver an inspirational journey across the worlds of radio and news production, entertainment and events. Berlin, too, plays an important role in the concept, with interiors referencing the gritty, hip nature of the city.
State-of-the-art technology
The overall aim of the project was to rethink radio and audio production and to design a technologically advanced hub with interiors that motivate and inspire media workers and visitors alike. «We wanted to create a workspace that provides maximum flexibility and creativity. The Berlin-based hub is the most modern audio production centre in Europe, with state-of-the-art technology, studios and broadcasting systems that enable us to create high quality audio productions,» explains Marc Haberland, CEO of RTL Audio Center.
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Location
Kurfürstendamm 208
Berlin, Germany
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Client
RTL Audio Center
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Net floor area
2.700 m2
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Project completed01.2021
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Awards
A journey through the space
Interiors reflect user journeys through the space. The reception is the first point of entry and the most public area. It is designed to surprise and impress visitors and to give an insight into the workings of a radio station.
The rock-shaped reception desk is decorated with microphone lights and vertical baffles lit in the form of a soundwave. Facing the reception is the Wall of Fame – an impressive display of RTL’s golden records and awards. The visitor’s lounge has been styled as an interactive experience: a faux brick wall, inspired by Pink Floyd’s album The Wall, accommodates media screens and features more of RTL’s award trophies. Another glazed and fully transparent wall reveals the IT server room, which has been artfully lit to transform it into a striking visual feature.
The heart of the social life in the office is the loft-inspired hub – a semi-public space that encourages employees, guests and music stars to get together, socialise and entertain. It comes complete with a professionally equipped stage that enables RTL to organise in-house concerts with German music stars.
Finishes inspired by Berlin’s edgy vibe
The design of the entire space is linked by a 'Roter Faden', or common thread: a journey into the world of music. Design elements such as light profiles, neon lights, wall graphics and furniture pieces – all in RTL’s trademark red – are distributed throughout the space.
The unmistakable character of the centre is further enhanced by visual references to Berlin’s edgy urban life: meeting rooms styled as famous brick-walled Berlin bars, cosy shared flats and verdant parks, pay homage to the iconic city.
To create a loft-like interior, finishes such as gunmetal, plywood and solid wood were used alongside glazed partition walls, perforated cladding panels, denim-textured carpets and custom-made graffiti-style murals. Handrails sourced from Berlin’s U-Bahn add an urban touch. Striking lighting solutions, including custom-made lights resembling microphones and a lighting feature that is reminiscent of sunshine filtering through treetops, further evoke both the music industry and city life.
Special construction of radio studios
One of the main project challenges was the construction of the radio studios. The production and broadcasting studios required specialised solutions – including double-studded thick gypsum walls set at angles, and interior glazing installed at an angle – in order to deliver an optimum sound environment.
