Library and Youth Centre

Although the asymmetrical contours and irregular window openings are the most striking features of this building, these differentiated forms are the outcome of a desire to adhere as much as possible to the pre-existing urban structure and architecture. The new building, which accommodates a local library and church youth centre, completes the ensemble of old town hall, evangelical church and pastoral care centre. The rough plasterwork, natural colours and large, wide-framed windows allude to the Putzfasche (plaster surrounds) and Blumenfenster (window-box window units) of the buildings in the neighbourhood. And thanks to reflections in the windows, fragments from that context are also literally present in these façades. The variation in horizontal (sometimes diagonal), vertical and square façade openings ensures that every room in the building has a different character and incidence of light. The leading role of the windows is underscored by the yellow reveals.