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David Chipperfield Architects reveals the design of Carmen Würth Forum in Germany

Germany Architecture News - Jan 04, 2016 - 16:19   5220 views

David Chipperfield Architects reveals the design of Carmen Würth Forum in Germany

all images © David Chipperfield Architects

David Chipperfield Architects revealed the design of Carmen Würth Forum in the Germany town of Künzelsau, which is embedded to the landscape and showed itself partially with retaining walls in the existing context. The Carmen Würth Forum, designed by David Chipperfield Architects, is to be built within its direct vicinity. During a first stage of construction, an event hall and a chamber music hall are due for completion in 2017. The design reveals itself as a 'ghost building' that catches the visitor's eye with only partial walls and glass facades from afar.

David Chipperfield Architects reveals the design of Carmen Würth Forum in Germany

The studio explains that the building is characterised by expansive meadows and fields, which it integrates as an architectural theme. Two retaining walls made of bush-hammered, in-situ concrete frame a forecourt in front of the main entrance to the building. This square serves as a forum for diverse outdoor events, such as open- air concerts.

David Chipperfield Architects reveals the design of Carmen Würth Forum in Germany

The main entrance leads into the naturally lit foyer, from where the large event hall is accessed. While the lower level of the hall is sunk into the earth, the upper gallery level, which is glazed on all sides, rises above the highest point of the terrain. The event hall provides space for 3,500 people and can be used for a diverse range of events, including sporting events. The trussed steel construction of the ceiling spans column-free over the entire length of the hall. 

David Chipperfield Architects reveals the design of Carmen Würth Forum in Germany

The more intimate chamber music hall seats up to 500 people. From the outside this smaller hall is only perceptible as a modulation of the landscape. As is the case for the event hall, the chamber music hall likewise features a gallery level with audience seating. A conference centre and a museum for the Würth art collection are to follow in a second construction stage. 

David Chipperfield Architects reveals the design of Carmen Würth Forum in Germany

David Chipperfield Architects reveals the design of Carmen Würth Forum in Germany

David Chipperfield Architects reveals the design of Carmen Würth Forum in Germany

David Chipperfield Architects reveals the design of Carmen Würth Forum in Germany

site plan

Project Facts

Competition: 2006-2007

Project start: 2011 

Completion due: 2017 (first construction stage)

Gross floor area: 10,000 m2

Client: Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG

Architect: David Chipperfield Architects Berlin

Design: David Chipperfield, Alexander Schwarz – Partner

Project management: Harald Müller – Partner, Martin Reichert – Partner 

Project Architect: Annette Flohrschütz, Christian Helfrich, Thomas Schöpf 

Contract architect: Kraft + Kraft Architekten

Ladscape architect: realgrün Landschaftsarchitekten

Structural engineer: RPB Rückert GmbH

Services engineer: ZB Zimmermann und Becker GmbH

Façade consultant: Reba Fassadentechnik AG

Project management: Drees & Sommer AG

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