© Behnisch Architekten . Pubblicata il 29 Marzo 2010.

The city of Kolbermoor in Rosenheim, Bavaria, plans a new multifunctional City Hall, with citizens services, a public library, adult education, administration, a meetings room, exhibition spaces, and a registry office for weddings, all under one roof. The aim is to give the building a stronger public image and, during the hours when the city administration offices are closed, to create a lively environment.

© Behnisch Architekten . Pubblicata il 29 Marzo 2010.

The building is situated near the historical city centre in an intact urban district. This area should act as a bridge between the heavily trafficked road on one side and the park, which is to be redesigned, on the other.

© Behnisch Architekten . Pubblicata il 29 Marzo 2010.

Behnisch Architekten, from Munich, won the competition in autumn with a design, which will house the public areas in a curved two-storey building. The inviting, light and transparent, architecture will reach out and bind the Rathausplatz with the park. At the crossing of Angerbauer and Rosenheimer Strasse the building will act as plinth for the five storey administrations cubic block, which will set an accent in the cityscape.

The Rathausplatz is distinguished by its generous and elegant natural stone surface. A canopy of overhanging Linden trees offer shady areas in which to while away the time. Here, residents and business people mingle, festivals are held and events staged. The long row of paving stones, without steps, slope into the ground level of the building and emphasis the planned link between interior and the exterior environments. Thereby, the Rathausplatz is both a place to linger in as well as a functional way into the building, into the park, and over the canal to the cemetery.

The park profits from its old stands of trees, which give it spatial structure and character. Its expansive lawns and large trees are further attractions. Therefore, the redesign of the park confines itself to the through ways, new park furniture, and playground opportunities.