Bistro Johannisthal Berlin | DIA - Dittel Architekten

The Johannisthal bistro in the new headquarters of Berliner Sparkasse is far more than a popular eatery – it is a place where identification, inspiration and community are all writ large. In the heart of Berlin-Adlershof, one of the largest technology parks in Europe, Dittel Architekten is creating a place where people come together and where the lines between work, socialising and public spaces are increasingly blurred.
Measuring around 250 square metres, the bistro is a publicly accessible hybrid social space that combines function and atmosphere, companionship and quiet relaxation – a prime example of a new work culture that puts people and their needs centre stage. The project was designed not as a closed office space but rather as an integrative part of a larger urban framework and reflects how the working world is shifting more towards a greater sense of purpose, flexibility and community.

With a focus on openness, identification and design quality, Dittel Architekten reinterprets the concept of a ‘third place’ – an inspiring response to the question of how architecture can help to enhance the quality of life and work today.

Clear zoning and flexible usage: a wide-ranging appeal for a new working environment

The Johannisthal bistro was designed to accommodate Sparkasse employees and local people alike. It has three inviting entrances – two via the street and one via the leafy inner courtyard – firmly establishing it within the local urban fabric. A spacious reception area with a floor-to-ceiling glass façade maximises transparency while intuitively leading visitors inside – where their eyes are instantly drawn to the freely formed reception desk and serving counter. This is the centrepiece of the bistro, structuring the room as a sculptural element and serving as a reference point for guests at the same time.
The inner room structure follows a clearly defined zoning concept that is still flexible enough to allow room for interpretation. A wide variety of usage scenarios are open to visitors, from the classic seating in the café sections to the luxurious lounge areas and raised banquette seating along the window. Whether for meeting people, taking a break or getting a few hours’ work done, the bistro is a functional yet informal
meeting point – with a view of the surrounding greenery and the dynamic campus. For maximum flexibility, the bistro has also integrated a take-out option that allows guests to order food ‘to go’.

Design with responsibility: sustainable, functional and timeless

The design for the bistro not only focused on aesthetics and functionality but also on using resources in an environmentally aware way. The clear commitment to sustainability can be seen in the choice of durable, high-quality materials and in the precise workmanship and minimalist design. Customised carpentry work, hard-wearing surfaces and timeless furniture form a robust foundation for intensive long-term usage that is both ecologically sound and consistent with the overall design. The materials used were chosen with an eye to durability, tactile quality and suitability for everyday use – from the warm wooden panelling to the highly detailed fittings. They lend the space an authentic, low-key prestige that reflects the high-quality design and its commitment to the environment and to protecting scarce resources.

Digital information panels, for example for displaying menus, have been integrated harmoniously into the space concept. These dovetail with the overall design, providing clear but unobtrusive information. Through the use of digital screens, the latest offers and other information are integrated seamlessly into the architecture and keep guests up to speed without disrupting the visual harmony of the room.

Design concept with character

The design concept by Dittel Architekten is based on a clear, modern aesthetic that encourages visitors to linger awhile, with warm wood tones dominating the design, from the wall panelling to the bar counter. Steering clear of the red associated with the Sparkasse brand, it opts instead for a cool, strong blue, creating an exciting yet harmonious contrast. An interplay of opposites can be seen in the choice of colours and materials, with warm wood and clear lines on one hand and natural textures and precise details on the other. The moveable tables, chairs and lounge chairs are accompanied by custom-made fittings, while two long banquettes and an array of finely crafted chairs give the bistro its elegant look as well as opening a wide range of usage options. Finely tuned light installations, ranging from discreetly functional to emphatically expressive, create the right atmosphere in each of the
areas. One particular highlight is the ‘cloud of light’ suspended above the lounge area, which not only serves as a visual design element but also helps to divide up the open spatial structure into specific zones.

Clear lines, warm hues and atmospheric light

The acoustic quality of the room plays a central role alongside light and colour. To create a pleasant aural backdrop, felt-covered slats have been installed on the ceiling and sound-absorbing wooden panelling on the walls. This creates an environment that strikes a healthy balance between productive work, creative freedom and spaces for quiet contemplation – an environment in which distracting noises are reduced,
making it ideal for concentration and relaxation. The combination of warm materials and sophisticated acoustics contributes greatly to the general sense of well-being.

The ‘third place’ – a model for the working world of the future

With the Johannisthal bistro, Dittel Architekten shows how a functional eatery can become an open, atmospheric and forward-looking space that conveys a strong sense of identity. It is a place where employees can help to actively shape their surroundings and where communication, creativity and collaboration are encouraged. And a place where architecture is an emotional interface between people, the brand and the space in question.