Essener Geschichte Archive Building / Ahlbrecht Felix Scheidt Kasprusch

Architects: Ahlbrecht Felix Scheidt Kasprusch
Location: Essen, Germany
Project Year: 2010
Project Area: 6700 sqm
Photographs: Deimel & Wittmar

The project comprises the reconstruction of the listed Luisenschool to be used as a library, an administration and an exhibition area and also the new construction of an archive building.

The accurate design of the new building and the sensitive handling of the old building were of paramount importance. By doing so The Luisenschool turns its focus towards education and history. The overlapping utilizations of school-library-archive-exposition demonstrates a special quality and offers new opportunities.

The corten steel tables, which cover the new archive, are made of a material that constantly alters and protects itself by corrosion. It communicates the change of time, appears protective and alludes to the background of the City of Essen.