Isabelle Goertz
FLOW. FH Aachen (Germany)
For several years, the old town quarter of Büchel has suffered from a negative public image and increasing vacancy. With the demolition of a car park and the acquisition of several properties, the “Städtische Entwicklungsgesellschaft Aachen” now wants to fundamentally redesign and revitalize the quarter, located only 150m from the Aachen cathedral.
A huge green space is intended to counteract the considerable lack of greenery in the city and provide a lively meeting place and event venue at the same time. For the design of the open spaces, SEGA announced a competition, which formed the basis of this work. In addition, a utilization concept and a design for the "WISSEN" building block was developed, which is intended to enliven the neighbourhood as a special attraction throughout the day.
Outside, the staircase also serves as a transition from a lively and multifunctional event and recreation area to a raised retreat level with diverse planting and recreation areas. An extensive curved ramp that is cutting through the stairs not only provides barrier-free access, but also creates a special experience due to its accompanying thermal water pools.
In the interior, the staircase connects the two access floors of the WISSEN building block, which is dedicated to the innovative field of Bio-Design. Offices, laboratories, study rooms, design studios and a lecture hall are arranged in split-levels around a green courtyard. While the upper floors are used for research, teaching and design, the ground floor features a café, a library and an exhibition area for the public to discover.
Overall the aim is connection: connection of inside and outside, of communication and rest, of research and design, of people, the city and nature. Finally, this is also reflected in the facade of the building, where climbing plants allow the differently used storeys to grow together.
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