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BANKEN UND BEHÖRDEN • BANKS AND AUTHORITY BUILDINGS INNERE WERTE • INNER VALUES

Unter dem historischen Gebälk finden Trauungen statt. • Weddings take place under the historic entablature. Raumhohe Einbauten definieren Räume und Bereiche. • Floor-to-ceiling fixtures define rooms and zone areas.

T he Stiftland region in the Upper Palatinate Forest is dominated by the Cistercian views of the monastery opposite. A screen at the face end replaces the bulletin board
and provides information on current topics. Six floor-to-ceiling glazed openings
monastery of Waldsassen, founded in 1133. As large landowners, the abbots
shaped the landscape for centuries and determined the lives of the local people. allow a first glimpse inside, before one enters through the custom-made wooden
Today the buildings of the monastery in the small town of the same name constitute door with its undulating structure. The foyer forms a multifunctional market square
the cultural centre of the region. The nuns are still present as operators of numerous as a place of reception, encounter and orientation. From here, the publicly accessible
social, cultural and economic facilities. The town hall is located directly opposite the functions of the Citizens' Office and Tourist Information Office are located to the left
historical ensemble of abbey, baroque monastery basilica and the monastery library, and right. Straight ahead, the vertical circulation with a lift and light-flooded stair-
also built in baroque style. Originally constructed in 1893 as a primary school and case is hidden behind another wall-sized screen. The glass blocks in the rear façade
extended in 1910 with a neo-baroque wing, the building was converted into a town were replaced by windows. All windows in the entire building were replaced, using
hall in 1972 in keeping with the spirit of the times. Having become structurally out- mouth-blown insulating glass from the local glassworks, which is the only one in
dated in every respect, a thorough refurbishment was unavoidable. Brückner & Germany to produce mouth-blown flat glass. These unique glasses ensure the pre-
Brückner Architekten from neighbouring Tirschenreuth were entrusted with the ex- servation of the historical appearance and direct atmospherically refracted light in-
tensive renovation. The two brothers are not unknown to the place: commissioned wards — of course without having to forego the climatic advantages of today.
by the Cistercian nuns, they integrated the St. Joseph Centre for Culture and Encoun-
ter into the existing walls of the monastery with great sensitivity until 2008. In close High-quality fixtures with reference to history
coordination with the mayor and in agreement with the Bavarian State Office for the
Preservation of Monuments, a modern administrative building has now been created Special attention was paid to the custom-made fixtures, which are brought to per-
vis-à-vis, where the expectations of employees, citizens and visitors alike are met. fection in the large conference room. Both in terms of design and craftsmanship, the
The history of the building remains tangible, but the functionality of its design is entire interior fitout made of dark woods, light stone, bronze-coloured steel compo-
transferred to the present day. nents and whitewashed walls is reminiscent of the material vocabulary prevalent at
the turn of the century. On the 1st and 2nd floors are offices, meeting rooms and the
An open building for the citizens large conference room. The room, which is naturally lit on three sides, is flanked by
a sequence of contemporarily interpreted wood panelling running along the walls
With the clear aim of creating an open building for the citizens, disturbing fixtures and ceiling. The undulating structure of the main entrance door is repeated here.
and extensions were first removed both inside and outside. The formerly green fa- Flush with it is the access door, which leads into the room with its plain design and
çade now shines in a light grey-blue colour. Set off from this, the white-painted sur- yet great effect. In the centre, an elliptical oak conference table with an elegant grey
rounds of the windows and along the curving gable are subtly emphasised. To com- linoleum surface provides the basis for democratic decision-making. Technical
plete the Baroque ensemble on the square, the gabled roof facing the basilica square equipment such as beamers and power outlets are flush-fitted and cleverly concea-
has been freed from a shed dormer and the formerly brown tiles have been replaced led. Wooden benches on one side offer a comfortable place for interested listeners.
by natural red beavertails. The biggest change to the façade is the new granite en- Finally, the culmination is the wedding room on the top floor with its exposed tim-
trance portal. The building is now accessed via the so-called 'town balcony'. Slender berwork. The dormer windows, which replace the shed dormer, afford an atmosphe-
columns support the roof, creating a weather-protected entrance with unrestricted ric view of the basilica, monastery and town.

102 • AIT 12.2020