ZEISS unveils result of architectural competition for its new high-tech site in Jena

• Further expansion of ZEISS' founding location to create a leading site for innovation
• Architectural concept aligned with tomorrow's work environment – ZEISS will be a visibly networked company
• ZEISS site will also be accessible to city residents and promote the exchange of ideas between science and industry
• Modern, cutting-edge complex will complement the city's architecture
  

The high-tech complex is distinguished by a networked architectural design that is also flexible and scalable. The structure will be divided into two ground floors integrated into the slope of the hill for production, labs and infrastructure and extends seven stories upwards. Office space will be located in the upper parts of the building which form a series of networked spaces extending in all directions. Two covered atria go from the upper roof level all the way to the ground floor, allowing plenty of light to reach all functional areas. These different, interconnecting levels will provide open, highly visible spaces for communication.

Dynamic forms, the building materials and the use of prism shapes and lines resembling beam paths reflect ZEISS' history and brand values: precision, innovation, transparency and modernity. The facades consist of white-coated metal with large glass windows. The greenery on the roofs and the similarly designed outdoor spaces create a close connection between the building and the natural landscape of the river valley. In spite of the building's height, it will fit organically into the landscape and the adjacent residential and industrial areas.

An integrated event forum with a large venue for 500 to 750 people will be available to the city as well as external institutions and partners. This event space has the potential to strengthen Jena's national reputation as a city for meetings and conferences in the areas of science, teaching and business. ZEISS is already discussing this with the city of Jena and its research institutions.

ZEISS is focusing in particular on creating a healthy growth environment for young companies and spin-offs at the new site.

The architectural design will impress visitors to Jena looking at the complex from a distance. The new building will be constructed directly on the train line and within sight of the train station Jena West, making this an important component in the city's modern mobility strategy. Thanks to the slope of the hill, the open space offers sweeping views over Jena, the city center and the mountains in the distance. A modern, ecological and city-friendly transportation concept is being developed that will included greater use of local public transportation and bikes, while also supporting e-bikes and e-mobility.

ZEISS has purchased factory premises from SCHOTT that were partially unused. Energy-efficient buildings will be constructed within this area comprising around 80,000 square meters. These will support a new infrastructure and a more modern work environment at ZEISS.

Two listed brick buildings in the Otto-Schott-Strasse will be preserved. As part of the plan, they will be restored and integrated in the new site. The current Jena sites will all be housed in the state-of-the-art building, which is scheduled to be completed by 2023.

The State Development Corporation of Thuringia will continue to develop the old ZEISS premises at the current site in Lichtenhain. This location will offer excellent opportunities for other companies, institutions and spin-offs in the near future. These efforts are directly connected with the city's development plans that will also address the current shortage of space for industry.

ZEISS plans to continue this close cooperation with the city of Jena. At the moment, the two are working especially hard on connections to public transport, parking areas and the energy concept. As an adjacent neighbor, the company SCHOTT is also involved.

With this investment, ZEISS is continuing its strategic global investment and growth trajectory. For ZEISS, Jena will remain one of the top sites for innovation. The units within the ZEISS Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology segments, Corporate Research & Technology and the Shared Production Unit of the ZEISS Group will move into the new, integrated high-tech site. The building is designed to accommodate up to 2,500 employees.

The plan is to forge even closer ties to science, teaching and local industry

Further information:

• High-tech site in Jena