Revitalisation in listed buildings
A symbiosis of atrium and communication
When the Atricom building opened in 1990, it was an outstanding example of modern architecture. Inside, it combined work and a wide range of services, such as a hairdresser, laundry service and ATM.
The office building in the Niederrad office district was not just another functional, unremarkable tower block. Architects Ernst Sieverts, Dieter Schapitz and Dieter Reichel designed a building - in the style of the 1980s - that was intended to make everyday working life pleasant and inspiring.
The name of the building was also derived from this guiding principle:
ATRICOM, made up of the words ‘atrium’ and ‘communication’.
An open, generous and friendly space was intended to promote communication between the building users.
Unfortunately, the original concept of the Atricom as a forward-looking innovation carrier, as a lively, communicative space comparable to modern hotels, has lost its significance over time. The aspiration to continuously adapt both the form and the technology of the building to the developments of the time was not fully realised. Echoing the words of the laudation for the 1993 Human Building Award, it can therefore be said: ‘Those who do not plan for such changes, those who want to avoid change, ultimately risk losing what they were trying to preserve.’
Many of the characteristic qualities of the Atricom, in particular the communal areas around the central atrium, have lost their vitality after more than 25 years. The needs of the modern working world, for which the Atricom was once considered a pioneer, can no longer be met.
Nevertheless, the humane spirit of the Atricom remains timeless and can be easily transferred to the present day with the original idea of constant change, of ‘reinventing and redesigning’. The striking design elements such as the large sculptures, the integration of green spaces inside and outside and the design of communication zones and common areas can be reinterpreted.
The design modernisation of the Atricom foyer by MOW Architects recently showed who dominates whom. The design inevitably adapts to the art in order to tame its omnipresence. The sculpture is skilfully surrounded organically and topographically.
Stephan Faulhaber, AIT Issue 10/2021
Revitalisierung
With this in mind, we remodelled the listed building for the future in order to preserve its original spirit. The entire revitalisation process was carried out in close consultation with the heritage authority. Even during the concept phase, regular coordination meetings were held with the heritage authority on various aspects.
In addition to the ‘theoretical’ consultations, on-site visits were organised to discuss the implementation in concrete terms.
When selecting the materials and building products, it was important to ensure right from the planning phase that they would not have a negative impact on or damage the historic building fabric.
The aim of the planning was to modernise the design and technology of the entrance area, the foyer on the ground floor and the adjoining areas in the basement, as well as the adjoining café and conference rooms. The space was remodelled in such a way that it not only adapted to the building's new corporate identity through visible and tangible changes, but also repositioned the building in the market.
The new design creates an inviting atmosphere that is already perceptible from the outside. The new canopy and the outdoor greenery play with new elements from the interior and create a natural connection. The reception area and the multifunctional zones in the foyer have been designed in such a way that they are now more visible and accessible. Flexible spaces have been created, embedded in green areas that offer varying degrees of privacy and encourage communication.
A central element of this new design is the reception desk, which is now directly aligned with the entrance doors in a new position. This enables better orientation and a more pleasant approach. A waiting area is located in the immediate vicinity, which also provides a relaxed and clear connection to the reception desk. The organic design of these elements contrasts with a background of low green walls. These hedges not only create a visual separation from the rental areas, but also offer a peaceful, green view.
The planting areas on the façade visually extend the outdoor greenery and thus bring the character of the atrium as a ‘protected outdoor landscape’ into the interior. The newly designed plant beds follow the original arrangement and symmetry and have been transformed into a contemporary design language. Their design is reminiscent of rice terraces and harmonises the organic shapes of the beds with the overall appearance of the building.
What I found very special about the project was the close cooperation with the companies on the construction site and the really impressive execution/formwork, without which the design could not have been realised. This also included the close coordination and mediation between the monument conservation, planning and executing companies.
Sascha Biehl, Projectleader MOW Architects