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The city council gives the green light for the construction and planning competition for the outdoor facilities
June 11 the city council of Darmstadt the way for the construction of a new UNESCO World Heritage Information Center on the Mathildenhöhe. The decision regarding the building plans and an accompanying design competition for the outdoor facilities marks another key milestone in the development of the World Heritage Site.
Mayor Hanno Benz speaks of the structural completion of the UNESCO site:
“Following the renovation of the exhibition halls, the new café, and the careful restoration of the plane tree grove, a modern and accessible information center is the final piece of the puzzle for our World Heritage Site. It will be a dignified place for all visitors to arrive, pause, and find information,” said Benz.
Sophisticated architecture on the eastern slope
The planned new building will be constructed on the eastern slope of the Mathildenhöhe and is based on the concept of a stacked garden pavilion . The transparent, freestanding structure with three above-ground levels will be accessed from the west via a newly designed forecourt and is intended to serve as a link between the forecourt, the studio garden, and the park area. The design incorporates generous sightlines to the surrounding World Heritage Site.
The ground floor houses an information and service area as well as a small bistro . The first floor contains a compact exhibition on the history of the artists' colony, the significance of the UNESCO World Heritage title, and the World Heritage program. The top floor will feature a multi-purpose room for workshops, lectures, and educational programs – especially for children and young people. Additional rooms and accessible restrooms will be located in the basement.
Design competition for open spaces
Michael Kolmer , head of the parks and planning department, emphasizes the importance of open space design:
“The decision to hold a design competition ensures that the outdoor facilities – in keeping with the historical ensemble – will also receive the highest design quality. The Mathildenhöhe deserves this not only as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also as an outstanding example of garden design and urban development.”
's urban development company (DSE) will manage the project for the new building. Construction is scheduled to begin soon; further details regarding the competition will follow in the coming months.
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/DK)
