>> PRESS RELEASE EXTRAORDINARY FURNITURE For the new Freiburg University Library, Brunner specifically developed the modular lounge system banc with its high-class design. Modular means sustainable: Brunner, the contract furniture manufacturer from Baden (Germany) has realised this and hence specifically developed the lounge system banc for the newly built Freiburg University Library. The individual components can be combined like a unit assembly system, and in case of damage, each part can be replaced easily. Another plus: Brunner seating furniture underlines the functional architecture of the building, creating accents within the scope of the reduced colour concept. Freiburg University Library is one of the largest scientific libraries in Germany. After some 30 years, the old building, opened back in 1978, had to be replaced, and the new library was constructed. The design for the new building is the work of Basel architect Heinrich Degelo who won the architectural competition. After six years construction time, the new Freiburg University Library was inaugurated in July 2015. From the outside, the spectacular building with its projecting and set-off glass façade resembles a cut diamond reflecting its surroundings in ever new ways. Inside, the library with its open, well-lit atmosphere provides an ideal learning and working environment. Beside the reading room, where conversations
>> 2 have to be cut down to a whisper and mobile phones have to be switched off, the library also offers a so-called parlatorium. In that room, groups can work together and even loud and committed talk is permitted. All in all, the building offers more than 1,700 dedicated user workplaces on five levels. Lounge furniture specifically developed for the library Also spectacular are the elegant banc seating isles and group work places which thanks to their brown leather covers provide a pleasant accent amidst the reduced colour concept: they are clearly discernible from afar. Brunner developed the modular lounge system banc, which can be assembled like a set of building blocks, in a very short time together with Stuttgart design studio jehs+laub specifically for the Freiburg University Library. A plain U-shaped supporting frame in different widths provides the basis for a plethora of seating options: The fully upholstered seat and back elements are available in three heights. Shapes and colours can be individually selected whether for 2 or 30 persons, open to all sides or screened off for confidential conversations or concentrated work. We are very happy to be able to contribute and do our part in modernising the building and helping the students feel well at ease with the banc system specifically developed for Freiburg University Library, says Philip Brunner, Head of Sales and Member of the Board of the family-owned company from Baden (Germany). Brunner furniture underlines the functional architecture Modularity is an important factor in a public building which is first and foremost judged by its price-performance ratio: banc allows exchanging individual damaged elements quickly and easily. Modular means sustainable. Equally important, the awarding authority stipulated the need for easy cleaning underneath the seating furniture. banc can be combined with mobile and lightweight side pieces: stools, delicate tables and armchairs with varying backrest heights. In the university library, banc is deployed together with stools from the hoc series and plot laptop tables. In the reading room, students take a seat on prime stacking chairs sporting a straightforward design and an ergonomically rounded seat shell. In the meeting rooms, there are fina cantilever chairs featuring dark throughliner upholstery made of high-quality leather. The clear formal language of Brunner furniture perfectly underscores the Library s functional architecture, states architect Degelo with satisfaction.
>> 3 Core Project Data Project: New construction of the University Library of Freiburg, DE Location: Platz der Universität 2, Freiburg, DE Architect: Heinrich Degelo, architect, Degelo Architekten, Basel, CH Awarding authority: The State of Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart, DE Opening: July 2015 Learn more at www.degelo.net and www.brunner-group.com Rheinau, September 2015 Reprint free of charge / copy for reference requested
>> 4 1 Like a cut diamond, the projecting and set-off façade reflects its environment in so many facets. 2 banc: back upholstery in three heights and upholstered seats without a backrest allow for a great variety of configurations. 3 The seating isles and group work places have been equipped with triple MIS (= Media Integration System) sockets. 4 As if all of a piece: the banc table features a soft rectangle table top with premium white HPL surface (on both sides). 5 Perfect for group work: Here, six people find comfortable seating for working together. 6 The separating seam lends structure to the mediumhigh back, creating an interesting accent.
>> 5 7 fina perfectly reconciles opposites to create one whole: light-coloured wood combined with a dark seat liner made of high-quality leather. 8 Twofold comfort: the meeting rooms have been equipped with fina cantilever chairs featuring armrests and leather seat liners. 9 The straightforward design of the prime stacking chair strikes a good figure in the reading room as well. All parts feature invisible bolt connections. 10 The embossed top veneer of prime is not only an interesting design element. It also provides a better surface grip when seated. 11 The bench elements may be combined ad lib and in ever new configurations across the room. Table tops provide surfaces to place things and create structure. 12 Sustainable: thanks to the modular structure of banc, each part may be replaced individually.
>> 6 Brunner products at Freiburg University Library 13 banc is a modular lounge system which works like a set of building blocks: a plain U-shaped aluminium profile is the basis for a plethora of seating options. The seating elements are available in three different heights; shapes and colours can be selected individually. (Photography: Brunner GmbH) 14 banc also comprises mobile, lightweight side tables made of powder-coated flat steel, featuring a cross base. This results in a highly modular programme for waiting areas, foyers, museums and representative office areas. (Photography: Brunner GmbH) 15 fina here as a cantilever chair with upholstery is among the most versatile contract furniture series offering the most variants within the Brunner product portfolio. All versions share the slim, elegantly curved seat shell. (Photography: Brunner GmbH) 16 As puristic as they get: hoc is the modern interpretation of the good old stool. Three identical pieces made of shaped wood combine in an elegant curve to form one seating surface. (Photography: Brunner GmbH) 17 Stacking chair prime is convincing thanks to its straightforward design and its ergonomically rounded seat front edge. The special embossed veneer provides a better surface grip when seated. (Photography: Brunner GmbH)
>> 7 About Brunner GmbH The family-owned company founded in 1977 is run by Helena and Rolf Brunner together with the next generation, Dr. Marc Brunner and Philip Brunner. The company has more than 400 employees. Business areas comprise development, manufacturing and sales of high-quality chairs, tables and contract furniture for offices and administrative buildings, public spaces and health and social institutions. The company s headquarters are located in Rheinau (Baden), Germany, and production takes place in the company-owned facility, specifically recognising Germany as a great location for business and industry. This claim to quality Made in Germany as well as the pronounced design competence are Brunner hallmarks. Similarly, the cooperation with internationally renowned designers like Wolfgang C.R. Mezger, Archirivolto, Martin Ballendat, lss designer, jehs+laub and osko+deichmann is an integral part of Brunner corporate culture. The passion for excellent furniture, great dedication and the ability to realise what at first seems to be impossible are the basis which the company has been built on since the very start. Company founders Helena and Rolf Brunner first defined this claim, which to date has lost nothing of its validity and attraction. Dr. Marc Brunner, Tina Brunner and Philip Brunner are proud to continue to expand this tenet with the same passion. Rheinau, September 2015 Reprint free of charge / copy for reference requested