Exterior shot of a modern office building with a large glass façade and a green entrance area.

Clariant Innovation Centre Frankfurt

Interior view of a spacious entrance area with curved gallery levels and open lounge areas.

Close-up of a textured glass façade with vertical window bands and a fine dot pattern.

Building as an Innovation Platform

The Clariant Innovation Center (CIC) brings together the global research activities of the speciality chemicals group at a single location. The new building at Industrie Park Höchst is not only a functional framework but also a spatial expression of a forward-looking research approach: open, connected and interdisciplinary.

At a Glance

Communicative and transparent centre for research and innovation

Architectural realization of the guiding principles of innovation, movement, energy, emotion, enthusiasm and courage

Three interlocking cubes with central atria for communication and interaction

Printed glass façade with translucent screen printing as a symbol of innovation and research printing

Interwoven Functions

The fundamental form of the building consists of three interlocking cubes, each accommodating one of the central functions of the innovation centre. Between them lie elliptical atria that serve as communicative hubs. The clear organization provides orientation, encourages exchange and connects office and laboratory areas across all levels.

Linking Material and Brand Identity

A continuous screen-printed pattern on the glass façade creates fluid transitions between transparency and opacity, producing a dynamic interplay of light, reflection, and depth. At the same time, the pigmentation recalls the manufacturing and processing techniques of the company’s products. The façade thus becomes a symbol of innovation and research, giving the building a distinctive presence in its setting, characterized by both industrial and landscape elements.

Communication as a Spatial Principle

The architecture of the CIC is designed for interaction and exchange. The atria with communication islands form not only the spatial centre but also the social interface. They enable direct exchange between teams and create a working environment for more than 500 employees that balances openness with focused work. The spatial structure supports agile processes and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Research on an Industrial Scale

The laboratory areas of the Clariant Innovation Centre are organized along the façade lines and form a continuous functional structure together with the office spaces. In total, around 18,750 square meters of laboratory space are available, equipped for chemical research and development under industrial conditions. The open layout allows flexible adaptation, while the technical infrastructure is designed to meet high safety and efficiency standards.

Connection Between Art and Architecture

The design of the central atrium by the French artist Felice Varini embodies the idea of interdisciplinary work and community. In his installation, Varini uses the architecture as a backdrop and connects it with his art. Viewed from certain angles, the geometric work appears as a complete form; from others, it breaks apart into its fragments.

Project Profile

Project: Clariant Innovation Centre
Location: Frankfurt am Main
Client: Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH
GFA: 34.600 m²
Completion: 2013
Uses: Laboratory, office

Interior shot of a multi-storey foyer with curved levels and yellow graphic accents along the ceiling surfaces.

Interior view of a spacious foyer with multi-storey curves and a yellow ceiling design as a graphic element.

Interior view of an open gallery floor with glass balustrades and seating areas along the surrounding balustrade.

Interior view of a science laboratory with modular workstations and extensive technical infrastructure.

Exterior view of two glazed wings of a building with clean lines and well-maintained green space in between.