The extension of the AachenMünchener insurance headquarters stretches over two street blocks in the city of Aachen. The architects adopted a pronouncedly urban approach, creating a complex that enters into a manifold dialogue with the inner-city context. Consisting of a series of angular building tracts, the ensemble is linked to the existing block, dating from the 1970s, by a communications zone at first-floor level – a kind of an internal “boulevard”. Visitors and members of the staff are welcomed by an expression of openness and transparency. The complex interprets the local block development in a new way, adding to the existing sequence of urban spaces a broad open staircase and a forecourt in front of the main entrance. The internal organization of the development sought to achieve a maximum degree of communication and an intense public quality. The two-bay layout of the single office cells on the upper floors is contrasted with the transparent boulevard, which bridges the external staircase and the road and reflects the internal life of the building.