task:
conversion, modernization and upgrading of the 'Stadthalle'as Convention and Conference Center in Karlsruhe
client:
Stadt Karlsruhe, HGW
procedure type:
multiple assignment 2012, 1st prize
processed performance phases:
modernization, stages 1-6, 2012-2013
structural restoration (modernization and fire protection), stages 2-3, 2014-2016
size:
11.800 sqm
technical planner:
b.i.g (electrical) | unit-design (graphics) | studiocandela (lighting design) | MESO Digital Interiors GmbH (media design) | Volkswohnung GmbH (project management) |
team:
Florian Klüter, Frauke Wassum, Hannes Beck, Till Oel, Andrea Weber
visualization:
netzwerkarchitekten
The Karlsruhe City Hall was built in 1915 by architects Robert Curjel and Karl Moser. To enable more versatile use, it underwent extensive renovation in 1985 by Hermann Rotermund. While the classicist façade was retained, the interior was transformed into a modern, multifunctional hall characterized by an impressive interplay of geometric shapes and grid structures—a typical example of the architecture of its time, which continues to have an impact today. However, as the building no longer met current requirements and had serious fire safety deficiencies, the local council decided to thoroughly modernize the city hall.
Based on the existing quality of the architectural interplay between the surrounding skeleton construction and the inserted cube, the surface design is being reduced, converted, and concentrated.
The skeleton structure, which runs consistently across the floor, wall, and ceiling surfaces, is being stripped of all additional fixtures and “recolored” in white to reflect the function of an open and modularly flexible foyer zone. To this end, the existing wall panels and grid ceiling elements are being painted white. The valuable wood-motif walls are being preserved and their effect emphasized.
The renewal of the functional lighting will significantly improve the illumination of the foyer areas in conjunction with the new white wall surfaces. These measures will be supplemented by a new guidance and orientation system, which will meet the varying requirements of the different user groups and the necessary flexibility through partially mobile and digital elements.
In the concept image of light particles flowing into the building, a canon of “light furniture” is developed. The modular counters, table and stage surfaces are fitted with a backlit cover plate and suspended from the floor via an illuminated joint.
The joint structure of the bevelled cube corners is accentuated by color-controllable LED lines. The redesign and technical equipment of the corner areas, in combination with the new furniture elements, creates a unique opportunity to design the building with different atmospheres specific to the user and occasion. High-resolution monitors integrated into the new ceiling and information elements enable the installation of a digital and event-specific guidance and information system. All digital components of this system can be easily programmed with content and atmospheres. The overall system of these measures enables the city hall to meet all modern requirements for congresses, concerts, or evening events.
In addition to the architectural modernization of the foyer areas, the technical and fire protection infrastructure of the Stadthalle will be brought up to current standards and requirements, and existing structural defects in the existing building will be repaired in the process.
Comprehensive renovation work on the air conditioning, ventilation, security, and fire extinguishing systems will not only ensure the spatial architectural quality for decades to come, but also the technical quality and equipment of the Karlsruhe City Hall.
The Karlsruhe City Hall was built in 1915 by architects Robert Curjel and Karl Moser. To enable more versatile use, it underwent extensive renovation in 1985 by Hermann Rotermund. While the classicist façade was retained, the interior was transformed into a modern, multifunctional hall characterized by an impressive interplay of geometric shapes and grid structures—a typical example of the architecture of its time, which continues to have an impact today. However, as the building no longer met current requirements and had serious fire safety deficiencies, the local council decided to thoroughly modernize the city hall.
Based on the existing quality of the architectural interplay between the surrounding skeleton construction and the inserted cube, the surface design is being reduced, converted, and concentrated.
The skeleton structure, which runs consistently across the floor, wall, and ceiling surfaces, is being stripped of all additional fixtures and “recolored” in white to reflect the function of an open and modularly flexible foyer zone. To this end, the existing wall panels and grid ceiling elements are being painted white. The valuable wood-motif walls are being preserved and their effect emphasized.
The renewal of the functional lighting will significantly improve the illumination of the foyer areas in conjunction with the new white wall surfaces. These measures will be supplemented by a new guidance and orientation system, which will meet the varying requirements of the different user groups and the necessary flexibility through partially mobile and digital elements.
In the concept image of light particles flowing into the building, a canon of “light furniture” is developed. The modular counters, table and stage surfaces are fitted with a backlit cover plate and suspended from the floor via an illuminated joint.
The joint structure of the bevelled cube corners is accentuated by color-controllable LED lines. The redesign and technical equipment of the corner areas, in combination with the new furniture elements, creates a unique opportunity to design the building with different atmospheres specific to the user and occasion. High-resolution monitors integrated into the new ceiling and information elements enable the installation of a digital and event-specific guidance and information system. All digital components of this system can be easily programmed with content and atmospheres. The overall system of these measures enables the city hall to meet all modern requirements for congresses, concerts, or evening events.
In addition to the architectural modernization of the foyer areas, the technical and fire protection infrastructure of the Stadthalle will be brought up to current standards and requirements, and existing structural defects in the existing building will be repaired in the process.
Comprehensive renovation work on the air conditioning, ventilation, security, and fire extinguishing systems will not only ensure the spatial architectural quality for decades to come, but also the technical quality and equipment of the Karlsruhe City Hall.
