© Imaging Atelier

© David Chipperfield Architects . Pubblicata il 15 Aprile 2009.

Since its construction the ‘Gesellschaftshaus’ (Society House) has occupied a prominent position in the southern half of Frankfurt’s Palmengarten, sitting on a central plateau. Built in 1871 by Friedrich Kayser and burnt to the ground in 1878, the building was reconstructed the following year by Heinrich Theodor Schmidt in cooperation with Friedrich Thiersch. In 1928 the architects Martin Elsaesser and Ernst May radically turned away from the original architecture of historicism through their renovation of the south wing in the style of classic modernism. The vestibule on the west side, which was damaged during World War II, was replaced in the 1950s by a new construction. During these construction works the ‘Festsaal’ (ballroom) was also radically changed.

© David Chipperfield Architects . Pubblicata il 15 Aprile 2009.

The ‘Gesellschaftshaus’ has developed a strong identity as a collection of layers of different usages and from different times. The new design strengthens the most significant historical layers and tries to recover their original character. The historic façade from the 1920s and original decoration of the ‘Festsaal’ form the focus of the new design. A new construction replaces the extension from the 1950s, enabling modern and versatile usage of the building. The harmony between classic modernism and historicism is recaptured, and fluidity is created by a new fit out of the damaged foyer and stair spaces.

© David Chipperfield Architects . Pubblicata il 15 Aprile 2009.

© David Chipperfield Architects . Pubblicata il 15 Aprile 2009.

© David Chipperfield Architects . Pubblicata il 15 Aprile 2009.

© David Chipperfield Architects . Pubblicata il 15 Aprile 2009.

© David Chipperfield Architects . Pubblicata il 15 Aprile 2009.

© David Chipperfield Architects . Pubblicata il 15 Aprile 2009.

© David Chipperfield Architects . Pubblicata il 15 Aprile 2009.

© David Chipperfield Architects . Pubblicata il 15 Aprile 2009.

© David Chipperfield Architects . Pubblicata il 15 Aprile 2009.

© David Chipperfield Architects . Pubblicata il 15 Aprile 2009.

© Roman März

© David Chipperfield Architects . Pubblicata il 15 Aprile 2009.