Behles & Jochimsen
Haus der Wirtschaft – Nuremberg Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Middle Franconia
best architects 22
office/administrative buildings
Place
Nuremberg, Germany
Studio
Photos
Marcus Bredt
Description
Over the centuries, the Association of Nuremberg Merchants,
later the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, gradually took over the entire city
block in the historic city centre. A conglomerate of insufficiently connected
buildings emerged that was to be reorganised, expanded and transformed into a
contemporary, connected ensemble. By rebuilding the components that were not
listed as monuments, it was possible to create larger, coherent and flexible
office spaces. The old buildings were renovated and carefully developed in
accordance with the monument protection authorities. With perforated façades
and pitched roofs, plain tiles and Burg sandstone, the new buildings adapt
typical design features of the old town. In their details, they also refer to
the architecture of the reconstruction. The kinked windows on the eaves address
the conflict between the historical eaves heights, which were important for
monument protection and the inner storey heights. The new ensemble opens onto
the city on the ground floor. The former courtyard becomes a glass-covered
atrium, which serves as a «counter hall» for first-time customer contact and offers space for exhibitions and events.
The old façades remain visible behind the open bridges on the front, which
enable an efficient and barrier-free connection between the buildings. The
timber arcades that used to characterise the courtyards also echo in the
material used. The new roof terrace around the atrium roof is ideal for work breaks
and receptions.