Visitor Center Trade Union School Bernau / Steimle Architekten

Visitor Center Trade Union School Bernau / Steimle Architekten - Exterior Photography, FacadeVisitor Center Trade Union School Bernau / Steimle Architekten - Interior Photography, FacadeVisitor Center Trade Union School Bernau / Steimle Architekten - Exterior PhotographyVisitor Center Trade Union School Bernau / Steimle Architekten - Interior PhotographyVisitor Center Trade Union School Bernau / Steimle Architekten - More Images+ 16

Bernau bei Berlin, Germany
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  485
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2022
  • Photographs
    Photographs:Brigida González
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  JUNG, Jansen, FSB Franz Schneider Brakel, Franz Nüsing, LTS Licht & Leuchten, Liapor GmbH & Co.KG, Mermet S.A.S, Parkett Hinterseer, Schüco, WAREMA Renkhoff, joro türen
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Visitor Center Trade Union School Bernau / Steimle Architekten - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade
© Brigida González

Text description provided by the architects. In summer 2017, the Bauhaus Monument “Bundesschule Bernau” was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In order to meet the growing public interest in the building ensemble built by Bauhaus director Hannes Meyer and Hans Wittwer and the associated increase in visitor numbers, the town of Bernau launched a competition for the visitor center at the end of 2017.

Visitor Center Trade Union School Bernau / Steimle Architekten - Interior Photography, Facade
© Brigida González
Visitor Center Trade Union School Bernau / Steimle Architekten - Image 18 of 21
Floor plan
Visitor Center Trade Union School Bernau / Steimle Architekten - Interior Photography, Table, Windows, Beam
© Brigida González
Visitor Center Trade Union School Bernau / Steimle Architekten - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Table
© Brigida González
Visitor Center Trade Union School Bernau / Steimle Architekten - Image 19 of 21
Section

As an innovative and identity-creating building, the new visitor center should on the one hand be subordinate to the monument ensemble, but on the other hand, also assert itself as a high-quality urban architectural structure.

Visitor Center Trade Union School Bernau / Steimle Architekten - Interior Photography, Beam
© Brigida González

It forms the prelude to an appropriate experience of the World Heritage Site and introduces visitors to the theme of this special place. Integrated into the landscape of the pine forest in front of it, the pavilion provides a first view of the architectural monument, guided by the long-stemmed pines of the forest. The visit is comprehended as a sequence of experiences in analogy to the effects that Hannes Meyer called "psychological effects" and which are intended to emphasize the physically temporal dimension of the architecture.

Visitor Center Trade Union School Bernau / Steimle Architekten - Interior Photography, Windows, Facade, Beam
© Brigida González

The visitor center is conceived as a linear moment in the form of a simple stationary structure. Slightly elevated above the forest level, the visitor enters the pavilion via a spacious reception terrace. Like a "welcoming gesture", the massive cantilevered canopy above the terrace invites its audience to enter. The building, which is glazed almost on all sides, offers sufficient space to experience the special atmosphere and to linger. At the same time, the building assumes its functions of welcoming and providing with an open flowing sequence of rooms.

Visitor Center Trade Union School Bernau / Steimle Architekten - Interior Photography
© Brigida González
Visitor Center Trade Union School Bernau / Steimle Architekten - Exterior Photography, Facade, Column, Windows
© Brigida González

Towards the “Bundesschule” in the east, the large showroom, which occupies the entire length of the building, can be divided completely flexibly and, with its open façade, is in constant visual contact with the listed building. The ancillary rooms are compactly oriented as a sequence of rooms to the west toward the parking areas. The chosen design language of the building is inspired and reflected by the graphic systems and technical equipment of the Trade Union School and achieves an independent aesthetic by following its function.

Visitor Center Trade Union School Bernau / Steimle Architekten - Interior Photography, Beam
© Brigida González

The roof construction, which appears heavy due to the materiality of the insulating concrete, paradoxically seems to float above the building. Barely perceptible filigree round steel supports in front of the glass façade, which is embedded in the circumferential roof edge at the upper support, and the wall panels of the ancillary rooms contribute decisively to this static balancing act. The implementation of this construction system as well as the exact execution of the shell with the horizontal formwork pattern of the rough-sawn boards give the building its special and independent character.

Visitor Center Trade Union School Bernau / Steimle Architekten - Exterior Photography, Facade
© Brigida González

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Project location

Address:16321 Bernau bei Berlin, Germany

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Visitor Center Trade Union School Bernau / Steimle Architekten" 10 Jun 2022. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/983452/visitor-center-trade-union-school-bernau-steimle-architekten> ISSN 0719-8884

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