THREE DAYS, THREE CITIES, ONE TEAM – THE 2026 MVD COMPANY OUTING
Three days, three cities, and many shared experiences: This year’s MVD company outing took the entire MVD team to Bochum, Münster, and Essen. The focus was on personal interaction, group activities, and professional insights into two projects planned by MVD.
KICK-OFF AND HOMEBASE IN BOCHUM
The teams from Sindelfingen, Friedrichshafen, Munich, and Schwäbisch Gmünd met at Stuttgart Central Station for a joint train ride to the Ruhr region. Our colleagues from Dresden traveled there directly.
After checking in at the Bochum station, the group headed straight to the first professional highlight: a guided tour with Eller+Eller Architects and PBSB Architects & Engineers through the new building of the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy on the MARK 51°7 Innovation Campus.
On the former site of Adam Opel AG, a state-of-the-art research building is being constructed, where 350 scientists will work on solutions for cybersecurity and data protection in the future. The building offers flexible laboratory and office spaces and creates optimal conditions for focused work, communication, and interdisciplinary exchange.
During the tour, it was evident that construction was already well underway: the structural shell had been fully completed and provided an impressive glimpse into the project’s scale and structural execution.
During the subsequent dinner together at Fiege’s main restaurant, participants reflected on the day’s experiences. Technical discussions, personal encounters, and a decidedly good atmosphere characterized the evening, which continued for many in Bochum’s Bermuda3Eck pub district.
PROJECT INSIGHTS AND URBAN EXPERIENCE IN MÜNSTER
On Friday, the group traveled by bus to Münster for a guided tour led by Mr. Lütke Wenning (client representative), which provided detailed insights into the MedForCe project designed by Nickl & Partner. Afterward, Mr. Manczyk led a tour of the research laboratories designed by kadawittfeldarchitektur and the new service center at the University Hospital of Münster.
The 14-story service center, featuring administrative offices, a supply center, and spaces for healthcare, dining, services, and offices, complements the East Research Campus. An innovative learning and communication environment is taking shape. Large ceiling spans of up to 11.4 meters allow for flexible use of spaces tailored to modern teaching and study concepts. A particular focal point is the Agora, which is covered by a lightweight ETFE membrane roof.
After a group lunch at the Vinothek am Theater, a guided city tour offered an opportunity to get to know Münster beyond the scope of the project work. In the evening, the group returned to Bochum. Following dinner at the Living Room, the successful exchange continued at the Bermuda3Eck.
Our new colleagues from Schwäbisch Gmünd were warmly welcomed into the MVD community. It became clear very quickly: multiple offices—one team.
INDUSTRIAL CULTURE AT ZOLLVEREIN
On Saturday, the group traveled to Essen to visit the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Divided into three groups, the colleagues explored the original, well-preserved above-ground facilities of the former coal mine.
Operated from 1851 to 1986, the mine was considered one of the largest and most modern coal mining facilities in the world. Together with the neighboring coking plant, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001. The architecture of Shaft XII is regarded as an outstanding example of modern industrial architecture and is characterized by the Bauhaus style.
Where up to 12,000 metric tons of coal were once mined and processed daily, massive machines, conveyor systems, conveyor belts, and industrial halls now convey an authentic impression of the Ruhr region’s industrial history. At the same time, Zollverein exemplifies the successful transformation of a former industrial site into a vibrant hub of culture, education, and business.
After lunch together, we headed back, full of inspiration and new impressions. The trip home offered plenty of opportunity for conversation, laughter, and shop talk in diverse groups.
These three days together impressively demonstrated what unites MVD: team spirit, a passion for design, openness, and perseverance.