Architecture with a Stance
Interview with Dipl.-Ing. Andreas Baum, Managing Director of baum-kappler architekten gmbh
In the midst of the global financial crisis of 2008, Andreas Baum took over a traditional Nuremberg architecture firm and soon initiated a clear growth course with a broad diversification strategy and a strong socio-human entrepreneurial attitude.
When Andreas Baum took over the traditional Nuremberg architecture firm Kappler in 2008, during the midst of the financial crisis, an economic upturn was still far off: 'Back then, we had twelve employees and very few reference projects after the company had previously focused heavily on buildings for the healthcare sector. Today, a total of 40 people work for baum-kappler architekten gmbh – and we are also significantly more diverse in terms of our industry spectrum than we were back then.'
A development that was certainly due to the overall economic context – but no less to the professional enthusiasm of Andreas Baum and his team: "What is fascinating about studying architecture, or our profession, is precisely the immense versatility: Each new project brings new challenges in its context of use and in its design intentions."
Andreas Baum's architectural office today only deals with traditional healthcare buildings on the periphery: Meanwhile, he and his team primarily plan and design schools and daycare centers, grocery stores, and modern office buildings, like the recent 'Haus der Kunden' for Sparkasse Nürnberg with a project volume of 70 million EUR – the third major project for the same client in just over ten years.
Openness and Transparency
What do modern workspaces and learning environments have in common? "Flexibility and individuality are important in both areas, even in architectural terms," explains Andreas Baum: "In the office context, there must be opportunities to work alone and concentrate, but also to come together spontaneously or planned in small and larger teams. Meanwhile, today's school operations are far removed from the former focus on lecture-based teaching. For modern teaching methods in open learning landscapes, the corresponding spatial possibilities must also be created, such as room connections, differentiation spaces, and a transparent building layout."
Looking back, Andreas Baum took over as managing director in 2008 to make improvements: "Previously, I had been employed in an architectural firm where the social-human component had not particularly convinced me. Through my experience in a family business, however, I knew what a pleasant working environment could be built with the right attitude. Today, we are a member of the Family Business Association. I am looking forward to continuing this successful path with a strong team in the coming years."