Page 134 - AIT1021_E-Paper

BÜRO UND VERWALTUNG • OFFICE BUILDINGS INNERE WERTE • INNER VALUES

Flexibel nutzbar ist der Seminarraum dank loser Bestuhlung. • The seminar room can be flexibly used.

Verschiedene Besprechungsmöglichkeiten und Workshopflächen erstrecken sich über vier Ebenen. • Various meeting options and workshop areas extend across the four levels.

A lmost from the beginning, the construction originally planned as a residential buil- challenges. Almost all the beam heads of the old wooden-beam ceilings were thus reno-
ding had been the property of the Lippstadt Catholic parish (St Nicolai). Already du-
vated and the roof was updated as to static. The original floors and the walls left untrea-
ring the construction period, however, a new use was found: it became a Rektorats- ted with remains of old mural paintings give the furnishing an appropriate contrast and
schule. Since, in 1924 and after 34 years, the schooling ceased, for many years and until the distinctive appearance. Sofas resembling alcoves thus stand in front of untreated
today the venerable building became a house of encounters. Beyond the period of use walls and offer micro-architectural room for small meetings in the open-plan office.
and under the protection of the parish, it had a wide variety of uses even after it became
privately owned – from a kindergarten to a café with dancing to housing the Spanish Mis- North German brick Gothic meets Plug & Play Office
sion. The team of architects approached the construction task carefully after research had
been conducted on its history. The concept was coordinated with the monument board Designer lamps adorn the old ceilings and skilfully illuminate the venerable rooms. In a
and the catalogue of measures became the basis of the conversion. For ten months, the sophisticated way, they emphasize where the old meets the new. The modern fittings as-
team of RSA architects supervised the construction works in and around the building to sist in taking the journey into the present time. Their filigree design gives the historic ori-
step by step bring it into the new age in close partnership with the monument board. ginal doors freshness. Today, this is where the cooperative of architects, designers and in-
Above the high basement level of green sandstone rises the two-storey brick building novators finds its new home. Open-space work areas and large transparent meeting- and
which is divided into three axes on the side that establishes the address. The centrally conference rooms offering plenty of space for workshops and seminars extend over four
positioned spire sits enthroned above the symmetrically designed façade. It was rid of levels. Flexible workspaces and plug & play areas for hybrid uses are in the whole building
the imitation slate and the original framework underneath it was caringly renovated. The and make a modern working world possible at the times of work-life balance. The heart
barrel vault which was uncovered in the basement is today a highlight of the building. of the building is the kitchen with an adjacent roof terrace for lunch breaks, high-spirited
The well-shaped brick arches guide the way to the new toilet facilities rich in contrast. evenings and those encounters which have always taken place under this roof. The door
The original floors of all the levels were gradually uncovered and refurbished. Just a few “is open” for business meetings, talks among neighbours and family get-togethers. As part
walls gave way to the new utilization concept. Wherever they were removed, remains of of further creative development, additional spaces for coworking have been reserved so
the walls or floorboards were left their stead which, in future, will be able to go on telling that in this venerable venue, numerous ingenious twists and artistic bifurcations may still
the story of the building. But as to construction as well, the team of architects faced some happen and the building remains true to itself as a meeting place for encounters.

134 • AIT 10.2021