Redevelopment of the forecourt, 2019
The general renovation of the Theo-Pabst-Building, which is now more than 60 years old, was started in 2014. According to preservation standards the Kunsthalle underwent a careful renovation.
Redesigning the forecourt will complete the Kunsthalle´s redevelopment in 2019. The goal thereof is not only to preserve an architectural monument for generations to come but also to offer an attractive program in a hospitable environment. The design concept by Mann Landschaftsarchitektur Fulda opens the square in front of the Kunsthalle, so visitors can experience it as a public space. Seven trees increase the amenity value while three round benches offer a place to stay. Barriers like the fence will be removed.
In order to make the forecourt accessible for everyone, we need your personal contribution. Help us to make our city more attractive! By donating a tree or a bench you can contribute to a better urban environment.
Contact:
Dr. León Krempel,
Director
Kunstverein Darmstadt e V.
Tel. 06151 891184
Future transformation of the forecourt
After completion of the refurbishment, the landscaping, matching the new appearance of the Kunsthalle, will become more attractive and act as a stimulus for the surrounding city. On the initiative of the Kunstverein and the recommendation of an independent advisory board, a competition among five participants was held together with the Wissenschaftsstadt Darmstadt. The process was accompanied by several public events. The Büro-Mann-Landschaftsarchitektur from Fulda was awarded first prize. They propose to remove the fence and integrate the Kunsthalle into its urban environment. In further planning steps, the green areas of the parks will be upgraded with areas for socializing.
© Simulation: Büromann Landschaftsarchitektur Fulda
Original tiles of the founding year 1957
Working in close consultation with conservationists, the aim of the renovation is to preserve the original architecture with its design elements and materials.
© Kunsthalle Darmstadt / Photo: Anke Müllerklein, 2015
The glass facade of the entrance hall
The glass facade and bordering floor tiles, which represent the idea of an inviting transparency between interior and exterior, are to be restored.
© Kunsthalle Darmstadt / Photo: Anke Müllerklein, 2015
Elements of the facade
Deteriorating window elements and high energy losses make the replacement of the window facades on the building’s south side necessary. The rest of the window elements are original and will be restored and equipped with new glazing matching the original profile. In addition, ceramic wall tiles will be updated.
© Kunsthalle Darmstadt / Photo: Anke Müllerklein, 2015
The large hall with its daylight illumination
The large exhibition hall is characterized by its daylight illumination through skylights consisting of a double-glazed gable roof and a plexiglass flat ceiling. The renovation of the ceiling and the skylight over the main hall in 2014 was funded by the city of Darmstadt, the Landesamt für Denkmalpflege Hessen, the Brackelsberg Foundation, and many private donors, mainly from the membership of the association.
© Kunsthalle Darmstadt / Photo: Anke Müllerklein, 2015
The final construction measures
The technology of the heating system, which was partly built in 1957, has to be brought up-to-date for current electrical and exhibition technologies, as well as be adaptable to future requirements. All of this is intended to save energy costs as well as to meet the needs of future exhibitions and diverse events. By the end of 2019 the forecourt should also be redesigned and perceived as an effective urban element on the Rheinstraße.
© Photo: Nikolaus Heiss
