Wilopark SE, Dortmund

At the heart of the Ruhr region lies a brand-new business park: the Wilopark. The Wilo SE headquarters combines ecological and economic sustainability with flexibility and efficient use of space. In 2022, the Wilo Group was awarded the platinum medal for sustainability by a leading sustainability rating agency. On a site covering almost 200,000 m², various state-of-the-art buildings are either under construction or have just been completed. These include the ultra-modern and digital “Smart Factory”, the “Pioneer Cube” office building, a “Network Cube” and the new “Health Cube”, which is currently in the planning stage and will serve as a health centre with a holistic approach to medicine. When designing the area, the brief was to incorporate ‘nature’. And if you want something natural, trees are the first thing that springs to mind, according to the landscape architect’s vision. This ‘forest feel’ was created using the appropriate shades, light and shade, and various shapes. When selecting the trees, a tree calendar was used to determine which trees were in bloom and had leaves during which periods. The result is a beautiful working landscape where greenery can be discovered in every season.

The Pioneer Cube is the tallest building on the central square in Wilopark. It is perfectly suited to the modern and increasingly digital working environment, whilst at the same time enhancing staff satisfaction. The extensive glazing in the building ensures transparency and visual contact with the attractive outdoor surroundings. The restaurant on the ground floor overlooks a circular pond with water lilies, and the Gleditsia trees create an intimate atmosphere in this gently sloping area. The view is very spacious thanks to the choice of specially selected ‘open’ trees, some of which do not have branches until a height of four metres. This also allows the existing woodland behind to be visible, adding depth to the view. On the roof garden stands a grove of Zelkova trees planted with grasses, and an ‘agora’ in the centre serves as a meeting place for exchanging ideas. The trees here form a natural canopy whilst simultaneously keeping the sightlines to the buildings open for the users of the space. From the roof garden, you look through these trees across the area behind. The canopy blends seamlessly into the panoramic view of the large trees in the forest behind, making the roof terrace feel like the beginning of an endless forest.

A spacious square with a calm, relaxed atmosphere has been created between the buildings, allowing staff to enjoy the greenery. This square, named ‘Focus’, evokes the feeling of a clearing in the woods and connects the individual buildings in Wilo Park. The centrepiece of the space is a fountain in the shape of an upward-sloping oval disc, where the water gently trickles down, lending the whole area a peaceful atmosphere. The footpaths have become attractive routes thanks to the extent of the planted greenery and the hierarchy of the paths. Following them, you pass an outdoor office adorned with Gymnocladus dioica and a field of Prunus x yedoensis which, in early spring, looks like a dreamy cloud of pastel shades.

There are two ways to explore the site: the wide central paths and roads lead efficiently to the buildings and car parks. However, if you opt for the extensive network of paths, you can take a walk surrounded by nature. The business park then offers a versatile garden that is both ecological and recreational, and has a calming effect on everyone who uses it.

All the solitary trees were personally selected by the designers at the nursery. Each selected tree was given a specific label to ensure that the correct tree was planted in its designated spot. The planting sequence was also adhered to during the digging-up and loading of the trees. This was done to keep the number of handling operations to a minimum, as most of the trees were large specimens. The trees were specifically selected for their shape and character to achieve the desired effect. This project clearly demonstrates that greenery in an industrial estate offers considerable added value compared to a hard-surfaced working landscape. The design stands out by striking the right balance between easy accessibility for users and the way in which people can enjoy a green environment and a place to relax. The on-site planting has a soothing effect, even in areas that are typically unattractive, such as car parks. The trees have been deliberately planted around the buildings and car parks. Climate-resilient trees and plant species that thrive in local conditions and require little maintenance have been chosen.