In Berlin, epicenter of the German start-up and fintech scene, the new DKB Campus is being built. The innovation agency Graft Brandlab is responsible for its workplace design. By developing a highly flexible, visionary and innovative interior design concept, Graft Brandlab underscores Deutsche Kreditbank AG's profile as a tech company with a banking license.
The new DKB Headquarters are located on Heidestraße in the Mitte district - in the Europacity area close to the main train station. The technologically and architecturally sophisticated building is planned by the architectural firm Kleihues + Kleihues for CA Immo Deutschland GmbH and exclusively leased by the DKB Group.
Based on DKB's brand essence and on a comprehensive analysis of future working environments, Graft Brandlab’s concept envisions the DKB Campus as a versatile urban center. It aims to strengthen employee identification, culture and engagement, and to instill a sense of community extending beyond the physical built space.
"We are looking forward to bringing the DKB brand and its corporate strategy to life in a sustainable, credible and approachable way," said Rico Zocher, Managing Partner Business at Graft Brandlab. "Especially in light of the pandemic experience, we are rethinking the design, mission and role of the DKB Campus."
By seamlessly combining the physical and the digital, the interplay between employee presence and virtual collaboration will play a critical role in the future work environment. As a result, flexible and location-independent working will become a key feature in the new DKB working world. According to Prof. Nik Hafermaas, Managing Partner Creation of Graft Brandlab, this becomes a clear competitive advantage in the acquisition of new talent: "If companies prioritize topics such as 'digital first' and maximum connectivity, further developing their leadership culture through 'remote leadership skills', while promoting and integrating sustainability issues, they are decisively increasing their attractiveness as employers.” With sophisticated and sustainable new working models and workplace concepts, the new DKB Campus is positioning itself in a forward-looking and responsible way - both as an employer and as a brand.
Initially, Graft Brandlab won this project in a pitch against other agencies: "We were convinced by the holistic and visionary approach. DKB stands for sustainability and innovation. We believe that we can best represent and shape both together with Graft Brandlab. The agency prevailed over the competition with its vision, technological know-how and innovative strength. We are pleased to be able to work together with Graft Brandlab in the future on this project, which is so important for us," says Karsten Reitz, Managing Director of DKB Campus GmbH.
Completion of the new DKB AG office campus in Berlin is scheduled for 2025.
About DKB AG
Deutsche Kreditbank AG (DKB), headquartered in Berlin, is part of the BayernLB Group and, with its 4,500 employees, serves business and private customers and, with total assets of EUR 109.8 billion, is one of the top 20 banks in Germany. DKB serves more than 4.6 million customers, who can conduct their online banking transactions conveniently and securely using the latest technologies. DKB's industry experts provide personal support to business customers at their locations. As a partner to companies and municipalities, the bank specialized early on in promising sectors in Germany: Housing, healthcare, education, agriculture and renewable energies. In many of these sectors, DKB is one of the market leaders. DKB attaches great importance to entrepreneurial and sustainable action: As #geldverbesserer, DKB focuses on lending in the sustainability sector.
