Maschinenraum emerged from a determined desire to drive change within the German Mittelstand through a united approach. Initiated by the family-operated Viessmann group, Maschinenraum provides a collaborative workspace in Berlin along with event programs tailored for its members.

Diving into our design journey with Maschinenraum during a phase when the building was still undergoing renovations, our task became twofold: to meld the pursuit of a sturdy brand identity with a compelling recognition value, all while ensuring adaptability to forthcoming strategic needs. We forged this identity in close partnership with the client, guiding them through the process by precisely outlining the brand’s values, crafting a shared language around their offerings, and ultimately translating this insight into a visual identity.

Equipped with a robust design framework that included an all-encompassing brand guide, templates, and various design assets, the digital facet of the brand took centre stage. By maintaining our collaborative efforts with the Maschinenraum team, we meticulously determined the website's exact requisites and user expectations through an in-depth workshop. Armed with a precise mandate, we constructed a responsive and tailor-made website, refining it through iterative sprints to seamlessly integrate the final content into the design and development.

Applying the new identity found pivotal expression in the signage system spanning the expansive 4500m2 Maschinenraum space across seven floors. Guided by the interior design envisioned by ATELIER LKV Laura Viessmann, our design was aligned with this anchor point. Navigating the wayfinding challenges within a space under construction was key. We conceived a flexible signage system primed for expansion and updates once the building's operations commenced.

Lastly, we seized the opportunity to conceptualize and execute the outdoor signage. Employing a material and colour palette in tandem with subtle illumination, the signs captured the attention of members and visitors while also honouring the serenity of the neighbourhood and its residential environs.