Program
The building is not designed for only one specific use. We offer a sheltered space which provides the infrastructure for creative projects and practical work, while the building can also be used for community events, gatherings, celebrations and exhibitions.
As one part of the infrastructure, knowledge and material for creating, repairing and up-cycling things are provided, as a key step away from a throwaway society.
Site
At the old northern cemetery in Munich we find two worlds meeting, the busy life in the city and the calm yard of the old cemetery.
We propose a long wall as a clear division between the two sides.
The wall extends into a building and creates a courtyard between the existing wall and the new ending of the graveyard. The intimate courtyard offers a new quality to the site.
The footprint and the position of our building are related to the existing arcade and the pre-war
situation of the graveyard.
Organisation
The building does not only consist of the covered part, but extends from the new to the existing wall.
It contains three layers. The courtyard, the long hall and the layer in between. The layer in between holds all necessary units and serves as a filter between hall and courtyard.
The inside of the filter is covered with light wood, while there is a dark facade wrapped around the units, which consists of either wall elements or openings.
The units can be used from either side.
Functions that create noise or dust are located in the smaller units. The different rooms are separated by a built-in piece of furniture. The rooms in the filter are visually connected to the courtyard. The work and material are exhibited behind the big windows.
The hall provides a very introverted space. The big windows on top of the wall and the doors to the smaller units are the only visual connection to the outside.
The hall offers space for deceleration and focussing thoughts on the projects. Since the hall is one long room, curtains offer temporary separation between different groups of users.
Construction
The load bearing system consists of pillars with a distance of 1.6m, both in the layer of the facade and in the middle axis of the building. The space between the pillars is either filled with pre-fabricated wooden elements or glass doors with wooden frames.
The construction of the roof emphasizes the different spacial qualities. In the lower part of the building the insulation is put between the rafters with cladding underneath, hiding the construction behind a smooth wooden surface. In the workshop hall the insulation is put on top of the rafters, making the construction visible and creating a strong rhythm, articulating the long space.