BAYER & STROBEL ARCHITEKTEN

Description

The PSD Bank RheinNeckarSaar eG has built a new banking and administration building in the Saarbrücken city centre. The corner building conforms to the eaves height and continues the colonnade of the previous development on Bahnhofstraße, where the main entrance is located. The support column at the corner of the ground floor is set back somewhat from the building line to create a deft transition to the side street. The façade is articulated by a curtain wall of natural stone elements, which mirror on the exterior the structural grid of the building’s reinforced concrete skeleton. The material used, Gauing travertine, has a lively structure that creates an attractive contrast to the smooth, flush-mounted glazing. In each window element, these materials alternate with opening casements and slanted fixed glazing, giving the façade depth and plasticity. The central element of the interior is an expansive lobby that spans four floors in height and is visible from outside through the open ground floor as well as the two-storey city balcony. The adjoining corridors and galleries are places of encounter and communication. Varied uses aside from banking operations, such as events, exhibitions, etc., will find an appropriate setting here.