Perfect Chemistry – Opening of “One Clariant Campus” in Shanghai
Clariant, the sustainable and innovative specialty chemical company from Switzerland celebrated the official opening of its One Clariant Campus (OCC) in Shanghai on March 18th, 2021. After VIRTUARCH’s more than five years of intensive work as architecture consultants, interior designers and project management consultants for this massive Regional Headquarter and R&D Center project of Clariant, the project was successfully completed and the staff of Clariant can enjoy their new workplaces in Shanghai.
Officials of Clariant and Guests “cut the ribbon” to open the Clariant OCC
Conrad Keijzer, CEO of Clariant, Martin Vollmer, Head of Group Innovation & Sustainability and Andy Walti, Head of Region China & APAC all emphasized Clariant’s dedication to China, looking forward to a Journey to Excellence with the new building. Bernardino Regazzoni, Swiss Ambassador to China, was present to congratulate Clariant personally to the new landmark building as an impressive sign for the strong commitment of the Swiss company to China.
The Beating Heart of Innovation
In order to enhance R&D capabilities, exchange insights on customer needs, and further strengthen the position in the Chinese market, Clariant invested in the construction of their first “One Clariant Campus” in Shanghai Xinzhuang Industrial Park. Clariant is convinced that this new Campus, as the beating heart of Clariant’s innovation efforts in China, can greatly enhance the abilities of Clariant teams and build deeper cooperation with local key customers and suppliers. “Bringing teams together is essential to create an environment triggering cooperation and innovation; this is exactly what this project is about. VIRTUARCH designed spaces which are friendly, stimulating, open and cooperative,” Andrea Lupoli, the lead designer of VIRTUARCH explains.
Work Café
Central “Piazza” in 10th floor
The One Clariant Campus spans a total of approximately 24,000 m2, consisting of slightly more than 13,000 m2 lab area and close to 11,000 m2of office & conference center. It serves as the principal office location for 350 employees.
Regional Innovation Centre (RIC): Integrated labs and open workspaces triggering cooperation and innovative thinking
Spacious Lobby of the Headquarter Building
“We clearly knew Clariant’s expectations for this project from the very beginning and it was a real privilege to work with this Swiss specialty chemical company from the very first steps in this project till successful handover of the project,” Daniel Heusser is convinced of. “VIRTUARCH organized a series of OCC Change Workshops at every stage of design and construction with the teams of Clariant to define their needs and then worked step by step towards the completion of a project coming close to fulfilling all their dreams. This project is a good example of VIRTUARCH’s aim to BUILD BETTER FUTURES.”
Clariant OCC will mark a new era for Clariant in China
Sustainability from the Inside Out
VIRTUARCH followed the concept of sustainability in each step of the process to complete the Clariant project, making sustainable building design an important element in the construction of the Campus. To Clariant’s satisfactions, the Campus was awarded a LEED Gold certificate (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the most widely used green building rating system in the world) as well as the Green Building Label (Chinese Green Building Certification). As a proof for the high quality of the workplace, also a WELL Gold certificate (the premier standard to validate and measure features that support and advance human health and wellness) was achieved by this project.
Working spaces triggering cooperation
“Clariant is a company that contributes to value creation with innovative and sustainable solutions for customers. VIRTUARCH also upholds the concept of green and sustainability, and is committed to high-quality buildings that reflect consciousness and awareness for the protection of the environment and the wellbeing of the users. Both Clariant and VIRTUARCH share the concern for the future,” explained Daniel Heusser.
PROJECT NAME: CLARIANT OCC (“ONE CLARIANT CAMPUS” – REGIONAL HEADQUARTER AND REGIONAL INNOVATION CENTER)
CLIENT: CLARIANT CHINA
LOCATION: SHANGHAI, P.R.CHINA
TYPOLOGY: HEADQUARTER OFFICES AND R&D CENTER
PROJECT SIZE (GFA): 24,000 m2
PROJECT DATE: 2017-2021
SERVICES: ARCHITECTURE CONSULTANCY, INTERIOR DESIGN, WORKPLACE CHANGE MANAGEMENT, PROCUREMENT SUPPORT, SITE SERVICES
