With the grand opening of Materna Information & Communications SE’s new headquarters, the largest office development in the Ruhr region has been completed. Designed by Gerber Architekten, this new building not only marks the architectural completion of the Phoenix West site but also symbolizes the Ruhr region’s successful transformation—from heavy industry to a knowledge-based, digital society. Minister-President Hendrik Wüst described the project as a symbol of North Rhine-Westphalia’s new era: “From the heart of old heavy industry to the digital future.” The new headquarters thus represents not only entrepreneurial innovation but also the creative responsibility that contemporary architecture holds in the region’s ongoing transformation.
Thomas Westphal, Mayor of Dortmund, highlighted the importance of the new building for Dortmund’s position as an innovation hub and for the Ruhr region as a whole, recognizing Materna as a key player in driving digitalization.

Situated on a plateau facing the Technical University of Dortmund, the building strengthens the connection between the company and the academic world. The core design concept is to create an open, social spatial system that encourages communication, innovation, and a sense of identity. Seamless transitions between the interior and exterior—such as the glass atrium, the bistro with an outdoor terrace, and the landscaped staircase leading to a green courtyard—create an environment that fosters collaboration within the company while also connecting it to the city and the wider community.

This new headquarters exemplifies technology with purpose, progress with responsibility, and architecture that shapes the future.

From left to right: Supervisory Board member Lennart an de Meulen, Mrs. Materna, Chairman of the Supervisory Board Helmut an de Meulen, Minister-President of NRW Hendrik Wüst, Prof. Eckhard Gerber, CEO of the Materna Group Michael Hagedorn, Mayor Thomas Westphal, Supervisory Board member Nicole Materna, CEO (IHK) Stefan Schreiber

Photo: © Gerber Architekten