Behles & Jochimsen

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.