A new lease of life Hotel Daniel in Graz - Busch

A new lease of life Hotel Daniel in Graz - Busch

MOVEMENTS IN ARCHITECTURE
Refurbishment
pulse 03 | 2008
Show your colours.
For your customers.
A new lease of life
Hotel Daniel in Graz
The Busch-a x c e n t switch
by A2 HOTELCONCEPT
and STUDIO AISSLINGER
range brings colour into your
life. Inspire your customers with
powerful colour tones in red,
blue, yellow, green or sophisticated white. Present the
uncompromisingly straight-lined
design and set new accents.
Busch-a x c e n t
Fusion architecture – on how we treat
existing buildings
Electrical installations in modernizing
old buildings
Concert hall in Köthen
by Busmann + Haberer
Interaction between old and new –
a visit to Anderhalten Architekten
www.BUSCH-JAEGER.com
03 | 2008
Stefan Forster Architekten
» Editorial
Stefan Forster is dedicated to residential architecture and has won countless prizes for his
modernization of prefabricated housing estates.
To the point: Building in existing settings
pulse, in discussion with Stefan Forster of Stefan Forster Architekten
In the past, modernization tended to be the
longer be profitable to rent owing to the then
What do you find most important with your
ugly duckling of architecture – but perception
inordinately high ancillary costs.
projects?
has changed. Why is that?
You have specialized in residential construc-
The modernization must always result in an
The reason is that today there is an immense
tion for over a decade – what is it about mod-
apartment that can hold its own on the free mar-
backlog of buildings waiting for modernization
ernization projects that attracts you most?
ket. It must be sufficiently neutral to appeal to as
while at the same time new construction activi-
First of all, conversion work is simpler than the
many potential tenants as possible and do justice
ty has dwindled. The huge modernization effort
original design. While you face the creative
to the standards people expect in their homes
in east Germany, which is now as good as com-
problem of white paper when it comes to new
today. That entails a sense of “modernizing for
plete, meant that over the last 15 years almost
buildings, modernization involves an existing
eternity”: The architecture we provide is designed
no more investments were made in moderniz-
object to tackle.
to last for several decades and be open to further
ing structures in west Germany. And it is high
What special knowledge do you need to mod-
transformation. We take our cue from late 19th-
time we caught up.
ernize residential properties?
century buildings: They may be over a century
In which building category do you discern the
I do not believe that you need any particular spe-
old, but they have emerged from conversion and
greatest future potential for modernization?
cialist skills. Rather, the focus is on understand-
modernization elegantly. Unlike many structures
Without doubt, the most important area is res-
ing the logic of the existing edifice and harmoniz-
sold today, they really are “sustainable”, i.e., what
idential buildings. There, with energy costs
ing the architectural intervention with the exist-
people used to term enduring or durable.
continuing to rise, the focus must be on con-
ing system. Which means working not against
What high-profile building would you like to
verting of and upgrading energy-related facili-
but with the building. At the end of the day the
modernize some day?
ties. If this does not happen in the medium
question is always the cost/benefit ratio as the
Ernst Mey’s “Heimat” housing estate in
term, then many of the buildings will no
key criterion for realization of the project.
Frankfurt.
02
pulse 03 | 2008
“The transformation of the serial always involves
a somewhat bizarre and idiosyncratic element”
> p. 04 Get Bach to riding arena > p. 14 Çiragan
Palace – magnificent sultan’s seray, halfway
between Orient and Occident > p. 20 Hotel with
the full lifestyle factor > p. 24 Old buildings,
new concepts > p. 28 “I’ve enjoyed becoming
disrespectful over the years” > p. 32
04
10
14
20
24
Cover photo: Peter Riedler
Image editing: Raphael
Pohland / stilradar
Macro
Fusion architecture – modernizing existing
buildings.
By Johann Jessen and Jochem Schneider
Micro
Electrical installations in modernizing
old buildings. By Dietmar Half
In Practice I
Concert hall in Köthen – once an indoor
riding arena, now a center of culture
In Practice II
Çiragan Palace Istanbul – the fairytale seray
on the Bosphorus blends past and future
In Practice III
Hotel Daniel in Graz – an edifice from the
1950s is modernized to create a trend hotel
28
32
36
38
40
42
43
Visions
Old buildings – new concepts
Interview
Interview with Anderhalten Architekten –
exciting dialog between old and new
Workshop
“House-Technology-Future”: the transformation of the light switch into a control unit of
tomorrow
Materials
Eike Becker on glass as a building material
Insights
News and products from ABB/Busch-Jaeger
Food for thought
The prize quiz question on this issue’s topic
Imprint
03
Rob 't Hart
» Macro
Fusion architecture – the treatment
of existing buildings
The trend has been evident for almost ten years: Construction
investments are focusing on existing architecture. Not, though, as
used to be the case, on old or even historically significant structures.
Rather, in Germany and Europe it is the buildings constructed
between 1950 and 1980 that are under scrutiny. Aspects relating
to protecting listed buildings tend to become sidelined.
By Johann Jessen and Jochem Schneider
This essay is based on a
study conducted by the
authors on behalf of the
Wüstenrot Stiftung Ludwigsburg. See J. Jessen/
J. Schneider: Umbau und
Umnutzungen im Bestand –
Neuere Tendenzen in
Deutschland und Europa.
In: Wüstenrot Stiftung (ed.):
Umbau im Bestand,
(Stuttgart/ Zurich, 2008),
pp. 38-81
Spectacular rooftop house
extension in Rotterdam –
Didden Village by MVRDV.
The mass produced becomes
unique; the design is an example of the covering strategy.
In the second half of the 20th century the architectural
detect in this building clear signs of a paradigm change in
debate over existing buildings was primarily directed at
dealing with contemporary architecture and historical
the architectural legacy from the time prior to World War
built fabric.
I. What emerged were tried-and-tested methods of determining use and design, which were founded on the scarci-
Current design strategies
ty of the old and the importance of preserving substance.
Seamlessly incorporating the built environment seems
Efforts were made to ensure that only such new uses
to be an unusual option for historical buildings. Another
should be permitted in the old building that can be recon-
approach can be seen in dealing with the highly profane
ciled with preserving the fabric. Carlo Scarpa most deci-
and functionalist architecture in the second half of the
sively shaped this manner of dealing with existing archi-
20th century, which is now up for conversion. In this con-
tecture. His museum in the Castel Vecchio in Verona from
trasting strategy “old juxtaposed with new” is deprived
the year 1964 can be seen as an incunabel of modern con-
of its decisive foundation, namely, that which is special
version architecture in Europe. It is based on the concept
about the existing architecture and makes it stand out.
that old and new in the converted object can be expressed
Consequently, in recently realized projects it is evident in
in a collage principle of layering and merging. The fact
an altered fundamental attitude to aesthetic design: The
that historical substance can be treated quite differently
existing architecture becomes a freely accessible material
is evident in the Diocesan Museum in Cologne (architect:
for the production of a “new whole”. Generally speaking,
Peter Zumthor) that opened in fall 2007: The old in its
preservation of listed buildings plays little if any role at
varying components is quite literally incorporated and
all. In an initial exploration it is possible to identify four
fused with the new to create a new whole. Ten to fifteen
different conceptional approaches to existing architec-
years ago an alternative to a respectful distance to the old
ture as “material”. Only seldom are they manifested in a
and a contrasting presentation would hardly have been
pure form, frequently there is an overlapping of at least
conceivable for such a project. A fair number of observers
two of these strategies.
05
Roos Aldershoff / www.merkx-girod.com
The strategy of overhauling
continues to serve as an icon in England’s second-largest
This strategy is characterized by a sweeping moderniza-
city. Indeed, the conversion of old office buildings into
tion of what exists, which tends to preserve the naked
apartments seems to be a new trend that has gathered
structure of the old building and creates a new use of the
pace in England and the Netherlands.
space, new technical installations and façade. It is no
longer possible to tell from the appearance of the build-
Covering strategy
ing – inside and out – whether this is a new building, a
In the covering strategy the existing substance remains
modernization, a conversion, or a new use – nor is this
recognizable in the new building as a whole even though
considered important. The Münchner Rück building in
it is radically altered. Frequently, the transformation of
Munich (2002) is representative of this trend. “The build-
the serial lies in the somewhat bizarrely unconventional –
ing has been converted but looks like a new building.” It
a breaking away from the inconspicuous in a sense. Fairly
would be difficult to find a more apt description of the
often conversions read like an ironic comment on the
conversion of the headquarters of this international
most recent architectural and cultural history. New aes-
insurance firm than this comment by the owner himself.
thetic codes are developed from the triviality of the mass
A washed concrete complex has been transformed into
product; what was produced in series is rendered unique.
a glass house. A similar approach can be seen in the
Prototypical of this approach is the transformation of the
treatment of very many owner-occupied homes from the
Saint Lucas Art Academy in Boxtel (Holland) by the Lon-
1950s and 1960s. It is certainly possible today to talk
don studio FAT (Fashion Architecture Taste). Superimpos-
about a broad trend of home tuning - conducted with
ing emphatically decorative additions on the façade of a
great relish. Even though in these instances for all the
largely faceless school is not only an architectural meas-
alterations made these are “only” directed at restoration,
ure but part of a new positioning of the school as a whole,
the overhaul often coincides with an altered use – as was
intended to infuse it with identity and character. The
the case for the “Rotunda” office building in Birmingham,
French architects Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal
a listed icon of 1960s architecture. In May 2008 following
always call for more space rather than more content and
a complete overhaul and extensive modernization work
equipment. “Never tear down, never take away or replace
the building re-opened as an apartment tower and
but always add, transorm sections and put them to new
06
Strategy of adaptation:
Merkx + Girod transformed
an old Dominican Church in
Maastricht into a bookstore
(above); for the project
”Alvéole 14” a former submarine bunker was converted
into a center for new art
forms (right). Architects:
LIN Finn Geipel + Giulia Andi.
pulse 03 | 2008
use”. Many of their projects can be perceived as the programmatic realization of this motto – irrespective of
whether the project in question is the conversion of cultural buildings such the Palais de Tokyo in Paris or residential high-rises in the banlieue. This category also
includes the conversion of the Dombuschkirche from the
1960s in Frankfurt, which received the Wüstenrot design
award in 2006.
Adaptation strategy
In the adaptation strategy the conceptional and design
solutions derive their legitimacy from the massive nature
develop their unique charm. Typically, this approach also
involves putting the building to new use, contrary to the
obstacles posed by the sheer size of such large buildings,
their specific use of space and austere materiality. Given
Jan-Oliver Kunze, LIN
of the building fabric, from which in successful cases they
that it would have been too expensive to demolish, the
town of Nazaire decided to equip parts of a submarine
bunker (comprising 14 halls and a total of 20 berths) for
cultural use. First of all, part was converted to create the
Transatlantic Museum, and then in 2007 the chamber
“Alvéole 14” was converted into a center for new art forms –
with a submarine chamber as an enormous event space and
a smaller room with a stage, both for experimental theater,
dance and music performances. The architects restricted
themselves to sparse architectural interventions, which do
not detract from the massive, overpowering impact of the
chambers. The art gallery ads1a in Cologne is situated visibly in an old “machine shell”. With just a few architectural
modifications the onetime transformer station has been
transformed into an exhibition building for contemporary
art. The concrete finished parts in the façade were complemented by transparent acrylic glass domes and a new, unusual interpretation is created in the juxtaposition of the
two industrial products.
Nesting strategy
There is a fluid transition from the strategy of adaptation
to the strategy of nesting. It entails new users putting surplus space to their own use. One thing the projects have in
common is the pronounced recognition and grasping of
opportunities that the available space offers. In some cases the projects include lasting architectural interventions,
in others the arrangements are restricted and reversible.
Consequently, the old building remains so dominant in its
Dietmar Tollerian
said interventions are clearly pushed into the background.
Scale is not a relevant issue for the nesting strategy.
Originally, cargo lifters were to be installed in the world’s
largest self-supporting hall in Krausnick, 60 km south
Christian Richters
physical features that the alterations occasioned by the
AFF Architekten
Schloss Freudenstein in
Freiberg – AFF Architekten
applied the house-within-ahouse principle to install the
Sächsische Bergarchiv and
the Mineralogical Collection
in the castle.
of Berlin. Today, the assembly plant accommodates Tropical Islands – the largest covered leisure landscape in
Europe. Rather than airships setting the tone it is colored
by rainforest, a tropical village, Bali lagoon and the longest
waterslide in Germany. In directly adopting sub-cultural
design codes the exclusive fashion label Comme des
Garçons practises nesting on a much smaller scale: Since
2004 it has also sold its high-quality clothes in so-called
guerrilla stores, stores that are set up for the duration of a
DIALux
year at unusual locations and with a minimum of expense.
The marketing concept is based on the philosophy that
places cannot be infused with ideas or atmospheres but
must formulate a statement of the authentic from out of
itself. The first temporary stores were opened in Berlin in
an old bookstore, others have meanwhile followed worldwide, in Copenhagen in an ice-cream parlor, in Helsinki in
a former chemist’s, in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Outlook
This cursory overview of conversion in Germany and
Europe shows that the decisive change in recent years
was the turning to existing architecture from the 1950s
to 1970s. In the coming years it is likely that almost every-
„Let there be light.“
thing that was constructed during this period as an outward sign of economic boom and a generous welfare state
will be modernized, converted or torn down and rebuilt
owner-occupied: low-cost housing and property, industrial
and office buildings, kindergartens and senior citizens’
homes, swimming pools and sports halls, elementary
schools and universities, hospitals and churches, bridges
and tunnels. Throughout Europe you can find remarkable
projects of conversion and putting to new use. It already
represents a large area of work and business for architects
and the construction industry– and it is likely to expand
dramatically. This shift in conversion architecture to largely everyday fabric brings a new conceptional and creative
liberty that makes it possible to largely transform the
existing fabric and to employ it and transform it as is
needed and desired.
> DIALux is a lighting design software
for calculation and visualization of indoor
and outdoor lighting.
> DIALux is an all-inclusive free software
for importing from and exporting to all
CAD programs and for photorealistic
visualization with the integrated ray tracer.
Prof. Johann Jessen lectures in the Institute for Urban Planning and Design at
Stuttgart University, specializing in regional planning.
Jochem Schneider is a partner of bueroschneidermeyer | Planung.Forschung.
Kommunikation in Stuttgart and since 2005 a member on the board of the
German Academy for Urban Development and Regional Planning.
DIALux Seminars:
London
Lüdenscheid
Madrid
Milan
Paris
> Get your free copy at
www.dialux.com
09
Zooey Braun
» Micro
Inspired illumination that sets
the mood. Joussen Karliczek
agency in Schorndorf: conversion of a former leather
factory, ippolito fleitz group, –
when modernizing old buildings, careful planning of the
electrical installations is
crucial.
Electrical installations in
modernizing old buildings
Exemplary modernization of buildings involves not only rejuvenating the
structures, but integrating state-of-the-art technology into them. Beforehand, user needs should be assessed to ensure optimal exploitation of the
opportunities innovative technologies offer. Our author gives an insight into
the design scope of modern electrical systems. And outlines what you need
to bear in mind when including electrical installations in the modernization.
By Dietmar Half
If you ask inhabitants what benefits a building’s electrical
on” is coupled to the flow of power that causes the lamp to
installations offer, many will immediately reply: “They
glow. In an automated system, information transmission
supply power …” For example for the countless electrical
is separated from the power supply. When activating a
appliances or for electrical light. These are not only the
switch, an additional component, called the actor, receives
classical functions of the electrical installations, but form
this information. The actor then completes the power cir-
the indispensable basis for our standard of living today. I
cuit – and the lamp lights up. Information is transmitted
shall here term this set of classical functions “the energy
by sensors, for example by a switch. This, for example,
network” (low voltage 230V|400V), and installing and
enables all the lights in a building to be switched on or
operating this network will in future be tied to the ever
off using a single switch. This simple principle can be
more pressing question of energy usage. On closer inspec-
transferred to all facilities technology. Here, all the func-
tion, alongside this classical “energy network”, a kind of
tional sides to facilities technology are no longer
second, highly dynamic network has emerged which I
considered in isolation, but network with the help of so-
shall term the “information network” and which will
called bus systems (e.g., KNX). Bus systems serve primarily
become increasingly important as part of electrical instal-
to transmit information and, like the human nervous sys-
lation work. The concept of “information network” seems
tem, in themselves hardly provide a tangible benefit. The
very suitable here, as its key property is the transmission
purpose of each individual technical system is first opti-
of digital information.
mized when they all interact automatically: The light in
In conventional electrical installations, data transmission
a room is then no longer turned off/on using a simple
occurs simultaneously to energy provision. This means
switch, but, thanks to the inclusion of a bus system, differ-
that when activating a light switch the power circuit is
ent light scenarios can be activated and automatically
completed and power flows. The information “switch light
combined with different shading/media systems. If we
11
Fotografie Ziora (l.), Rolf Fuhrmann (a.r.) Bottega und Ehrhardt Architekten (b.r.)
Barrel vaults and barrel roofs – to preserve
the old building, the electrical installations
were laid under the floor. Left: Transformation of the former Körnermagazin Rastatt
fortress into apartments; architecture: Rolf
Fuhrmann. Right: Zollinger Halle in Ludwigsburg, Bottega und Ehrhardt Architekten, conversion of an industrial facility into offices.
were to functionally classify the sum total of all automat-
Installation strategies
ed processes within a building in terms of their meaning-
To make full use of the design scope afforded by modern
ful benefit for the inhabitants, then three groups would
electrical systems for existing buildings, too, this entails
suggest themselves: physiological, preventative and social
a differentiated set of electrical installation requirements
functions. The physiological functions include, for exam-
specifically if as part of modernization work the entire
ple, conditioning a pleasant climate within the room by
electrical facilities are replaced (full modernization).
adjusting the ambient temperature, air quality and light-
The “energy network” can be installed in a conventional
ing levels. The second group, the preventative functions,
form, but installation of the “information network”
includes among other things monitoring the building as
should be strategic in thrust: It is readily understandable
regards efficient energy consumption or safeguarding
that the increased benefit from the “information net-
against pending dangers, such as lightning, fire or theft.
work” goes hand in hand in many cases with great in-
The third category covers social function such as techni-
stallation outlays. The space customarily required for
cally supported, audio-visual interpersonal communica-
the electrical installations today will increase further in
tion, the audio-visual transmission of information and
the future. Given the dynamic technical development of
automatic comfort (user controls). Various interfaces
the “information network”, it is, moreover, necessary
enable information exchange between the individual
that the installations’ flexibility is enhanced by making
technical systems or a link to the Internet, which itself
them better accessible and thus enabling upgrading at
is becoming increasingly important of electrical installa-
any time.
tions and forming the basis for the entire “information
To the extent that the existing building’s structure allows
network”. The Internet rests on a uniform network proto-
for this, the necessary space for installation on each story
col regulating world-wide data exchange between differ-
should at least be planned in advance in terms of one of
ent computers and networks.
the following installation levels: the floor installation level
12
pulse 03 | 2008
David Franck
(hollow floors), the wall installation level (flush-mounted
(low voltage 230 V) can additionally be used to transmit
ducts) or the ceiling installation level (suspended ceiling).
information, without disturbing the network itself. Infor-
Good installation concepts are the ones that can be tech-
mation transmission by radio (wave) is the other alternative
nically upgraded with a minimum of material inputs in
in this regard.
line with actual, momentary needs. As part of full mod-
The opportunities modern electrical systems afford us also
ernization, new installation of all cable networks in most
provide seemingly limitless possibilities when converting
cases is by far the best solution.
and modernizing existing buildings. Yet it is, I believe, imperative that these technologies be integrated intelligently
Power lines and radio
into the existing settings in order to exploit the essentially
That said, it is not always possible to install new cables
broader scope and penetrate new areas of construction.
throughout. Precisely listed buildings often call for different
options to be used. Two other installation strategies for
installing an “information network” bear mentioning,
namely power lines and radio. Their respective suitability
has to be decided depending on reach, data security, resistance to interruption, and compatibility with human health.
In the case of power lines, data transmission functions the
same way as in the existing “energy network”. Should a
building or sections thereof be outfitted with new functions
without opting to install new cable networks, the information can be transmitted via frequencies moduled to fit an
existing infrastructure. For example, the “energy network”
Dietmar Half studied architecture at Bergische Universität in Wuppertal. He has worked as an architect since 1998 and has been with DIAL
GmbH in Lüdenscheid since 2005 as a project manager for the course
on Buildings System Design (www.gebaeude-system-designer.de).
13
» In Practice
Bach in the arena
In September 2008, the 22nd Bach Festival
was held in Köthen. Several years ago local
residents had a new venue built for the festival as well as for other concerts. Architects
Busmann + Haberer designed the plans,
which involved the former riding arena being
converted into a concert hall. They included
adding a cube-shaped fiber-cement clad
story to the existing building.
By Jakob Schoof Photos Werner Huthmacher
In 1717, Bach was appointed Court Director of Music of
Anhalt-Köthen by the then 23-year-old Prince Leopold. In the
following years he composed some of his key works in the
Anhalt residence such as the six Brandenburg Concertos. Six
years later he left, taking on a position as choirmaster and
organist in nearby Leipzig, where he spent the remainder of
his life.
Johann Sebastian Bach himself never saw the building
which was converted for the performance of his compositions. The riding arena belonging to Köthen castle is a classicist work of the early 19th century; the first which court
“construction supervisor” Gottfried Bandhauer built at
Köthen court. In 1941, the building was ravaged by fire - not
however in connection with World War II, but owing to a
fuse blowing. It survived the GDR era as an open ruin. Not
until 2003 was there an architectural competition for its
modernization. The reason: an alternative venue was needed
for the Bach Festival after the customary venue in the Hall of
Mirrors of Köthen castle had to be modernized.
14
No elimination of history: The
outer walls of the ruined riding arena, which were repaired
very sparingly, remain visible
through the wooden slats.
The upper section of the wall
and the ceiling of the auditorium consist of undulating
wooden panels six mm thick
(left).
Layouts of the first floor and
ground floor (right).
History remains visible
levels almost makes a large-scale cubist sculpture of the
The design by architects Busmann + Haberer won over
building, which in its internal structure rigorously cites
the jury thanks to its natural dialog between the old and
the axis of the old windows. To protect the acoustics these
new: The new, two-story concert hall was inserted as a
windows were conceived as casement windows, while
wooden “sound object” inside the ruin and though it tow-
near to the stage the fixed inner glass pane was tilted 5
ers well above it from both outside and inside the old
degrees in the vertical to achieve a more even distribu-
shell remains visible. No attempt was made to “elimi-
tion of sound. The new Bachsaal with seating for some
nate” history, not even inside the hall: Here the central
400 is part of an overall ensemble, which also encompass-
wall area consists of horizontal slats, behind which the
es the modernized, adjoining former outbuildings. Visi-
wall of the old riding arena is visible and through which -
tors enter via a two-story foyer in the northern intermedi-
unusually for a concert hall – daylight enters. The hall
ate building, which aside from the large concert hall (on
floor lies 1.30 meters below the outside level, and up to
the upper floor) also houses its gallery seating 36 and a
this height its walls are clad in a zig-zag pattern of cedar
multi-functional room in the north wing. The south wing
veneer panels. The upper building towering above the old
contains the stage, performers' dressing rooms, store
walls is conceived as a tipped up “box” of reinforced con-
rooms and a rehearsal room.
crete that rests on slim steel supports, while positioned in
16
Building technology for a variety of uses
shell. The exterior was given a small-format fiber-cement
Measuring 25.30 meters long, 13.70 meters wide and
cladding, which is the same color as the outer plaster of
around 11.50 meters high Köthen's Bach Concert Hall has a
the old building and precisely for this reason it enters
“classic” rectangular shape considered acoustically favor-
into a fascinating dialog with the latter. The alternation
able. Seating in the auditorium is freely configured but the
of horizontal and vertical fiber-cement panels in different
rear 10 to 20 rows rise gradually up to the outside level.
Wimberly Allison Tong and Goo
front of them for acoustic reasons is a curving wooden
pulse 03 | 2008
What looks like a two-storey
composition is in reality a single, high room: The lower
section of the old walls was
covered in pale plaster while
the upper section of the auditorium was clad in fibercement panels.
17
» In Practice
A two-story foyer takes in the
concert auditorium and the
rooms in the north wing
(left). Entry to the large auditorium (in the rear of the
image) is conceived as an
acoustic lock.
Longitudinal section, ground
plan and cross section (right)
On the ground floor of the
north wing a free-standing
structure accommodates a
bar, toilets and cloakroom
facilities for guests.
Stage lifts platforms allow a different room configuration
for soloist concerts: In the center of the room there is a
small, separate stage surrounded by the rows of seating.
Project participants
There is a false ceiling to the room for the stage equip-
Client
ment and machinery and the maintenance of the lighting
Stiftung Dome und Schlösser in Saxony-Anhalt, Leitz-
system. Equipment includes a light adjustment system
kau, Germany
with a control unit, a sound system for electro-acoustic
amplification, a highly sound-sensitive infra-red system
Architects
and a basic set of media equipment cabling. The ventila-
BUSMANN+HABERER, Gesellschaft von Architekten
tion technology for the auditorium and rehearsal room is
mbH Berlin, Busmann, Haberer, Bohl, Vennes, Tebroke
housed in the basement below the auditorium. A second
technical equipment system in the otherwise unused
Building technology
attic of the outbuilding serves the foyer and the multi-
skm Haustechnik GmbH, Munich, Germany
function hall.
Integrated products by Busch-Jaeger: Switch series
future® and Busch-Duro 2000® AP, emergency call system Busch-Infoline® and Busch Wächter® presence tech
Light planning
Studio Dinnebier, Berlin, Germany
19
» In Practice
A fairytale castle on the Bosphorus
Çiragan Palace rises up proudly on the banks of the Bosphorus in
Istanbul. Over the course of time, the building has experienced highs
and lows, demolition and reconstruction, destruction by fire and
refurbishment. Today, restored and transformed into a luxurious
hotel, the former sultan’s palace is like a fairytale castle, the past
and the present combined as one.
By Hale Yaylali
Çiragan Palace looks back on an eventful history, dating
prime example of the Oriental style. It made clear refer-
back to the reign of Sultan Murat IV in the 17th century. A
ences to North African architecture and the eclectic style
waterside villa on the Bosphorus strait, built for the sul-
prevalent in late Ottoman architecture. Alongside classi-
tan’s daughter Kaya Sultan, once stood at the site. At the
cist elements, the design of the façade featured neo-Gothic
time the area was known as the Kazancioglu Gardens.
motifs, the interior boasted horseshoe arches, doors inlaid
However, the building’s actual heyday did not begin until
with mother of pearl and furniture in which Eastern and
the so-called Tulip Era of the Ottoman Empire between
Western stylistic influences met. Çiragan Palace was an
1718 and 1730. The name of the palace comes from this
impressive example of Ottoman architecture – strongly
period, during the reign of Sultan Ahmed III. Extravagant
influenced by Western art and demonstrating the use of
parties were held in the extensive gardens while oil lamps
Oriental motifs. Sultan Abdülaziz’s successor, Sultan Murat
lit up the night sky – “Çiragan” or “Çeragan” means light or
V, was deposed in a military coup and held captive in the
lamp in Persian. In the following period, until 1859, the
palace until his death in 1904. The palace was then de-
palace was repeatedly extended and modified. In 1835,
clared the new parliament building and was reopened on
under Mahmud II, the buildings were destroyed and a new
November 14, 1909. Unfortunately, just two months later,
wooden palace was built by Garabet Balyan. In 1857 Sultan
on January 19, 1910, a fire broke out in the attic which
Abdülmecid had the whole complex torn down and com-
swiftly engulfed the entire building and destroyed it with-
missioned a Western-style palace.
in five hours. All that was left of the palace were the ruins
The atrium shows the magnificence of the Oriental
architectural style. Architect Hande Tözün led the
renovation works, while art
historian Nurhan Atasoy
assisted her as adviser.
of charred walls – which the Istanbul soccer club Besiktas
Between Orient and Occident
JK later used as a stadium. It was not until 1986 that this
The new palace was not finished until 1871 under Sultan
bleak situation changed. The international hotel chain
Abdülaziz, at a cost of 2.5 million gold pieces. It was a
Kempinski was awarded a 49-year lease contract to restore
20
pulse 03 | 2008
Today Çiragan Palace is
resplendent as a five-star luxury hotel. The façade was
authentically reconstructed in
1992 (above), the interior
was extensively renovated in
2007 (below).
the building and use it as a hotel. The renovation works
proved to be very complicated. The burned walls were
reinforced with steel supports, new stakes were driven
into the raft foundation and a completely independent
building made of steel and concrete was also built. Two
mid-levels were added to the first and second floors to
expand the useable area to five floors. The interior space
was redesigned according to its new intended use and the
façade was restored, strictly in keeping with its original
appearance. A marble workshop was set up on site to produce replicas of the original façade columns. The Turkish
bath, one of the palace areas with the least damage, was
reconstructed according to the original. Rock wool was
used as insulation material in the steel roof and other
parts of the building because of its fire-retardant properties. The extensive renovation work was completed in 1992
and the palace hotel opened. Today, natural gas is used to
heat the 60,000 square meter complex. Thanks to a trigeneration system, Çiragan Palace Kempinski can generate electricity on its own.
Renovation of the luxurious palace rooms
2006 saw the palace interior redesigned once again, following a preparation period of three years. Hande Tözün
led the renovation team, while Nurhan Atasoy, professor
of art history, assisted her as adviser. The new palace design blends the original Oriental design with an eclectic
On January 19, 1910, a fire almost completely destroyed Çiragan
Palace. The ruins were left untouched for a long time until renovation
work commenced in 1987.
19th-century style. The team renovated the suites, the public areas, the conference rooms and the ballroom, until
finally, in 2007, the whole palace had been given a makeover. White is the predominant color, designed to convey
a sense of openness and brilliance. Fabrics and rugs boast
Project participants:
Ottoman patterns. Each room is furnished with specially
designed upholstered furniture and curtains. The Orientalstyle rooms of Beylerbeyi Palace served as the template for
Client
the design using typically Oriental colors. The porphyry
Çiragan Palace Kempinski
decorations and murals were made by a team of 50 Turkish and Bulgarian artists. Today the palace, steeped in his-
Architecture
tory, serves both as a five-star hotel and a guest house for
Turgut Alton, Birlesmis Mimarlar Co.
the Turkish government. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the Kempinski Group hotel leaves nothing to be
Interior design
desired in terms of comfort. The building technology has
Rooms: Ezra Atya, EAA
been fully updated with products by ABB, the technical
Palace: Hande Tözün, Çiragan Palace Kempinski
infrastructure of the building, with large LCD screens, projection walls, electric blinds, remote controlled lighting
Building technology
and air conditioning, adds modern high-tech innovations
Integrated products by ABB/Busch-Jaeger:
to the glitz and glamour of the Palace.
KNX system, Controlpanel and operating elements from the switch series carat® Gold
23
» In Practice
Hotel with lifestyle factor
Hotel Daniel in Graz – built in the 1950s – needed a makeover in
order to survive on the market. a2 hotelconcept realized a design to
modernize a building that was getting on in years and transform it
into a budget design hotel. It targets young people, who attach great
importance to urban chic and streamlined, stylish design.
By Jürgen Eicher
The Hotel Daniel in Graz can look back on a truly long
tion efforts in the 1980s. However, a few remain in the foy-
tradition. Even though today’s building was designed as
er, and these were carefully restored and incorporated into
recently as 1955-56, as early as 1887 a hotel in the style of
the new design concept. They do not, though, act as muse-
the “Gründerzeit” stood here. The founder and builder was
um exhibits but rather are an integral part of and inspira-
called Alois Daniel, which accounts for the name the hotel
tion for the overall design. While access to the rooms and
is still known by today. After it was destroyed in World
their arrangement remained the same the existing instal-
War II Viennese architect Georg Lippert designed a new
lation technology and electrical systems were replaced.
building in the elegant style of the 1950s. Even today it
The Vienna-based office a2 hotelconcept was engaged for
has lost none of its architectural quality. Located in a
the planning. As for the rooms, they were styled by Berlin
prominent position the Hotel Daniel marks the end of
based design studio aisslinger. Today, the building pres-
Annenstrasse when you come from Graz’s old town. Since
ents itself as a design hotel in the low budget area. Enter-
the narrow loggia front faces the town, from a distance
ing the foyer you get a sense of journeying back in time.
the building almost resembles a high-rise. The broad side
Vespas and a Mini stand in front of the entrance – for
facing the main railway station is concealed behind mas-
guests to rent. Terrazzo floors, curving stairways and origi-
sive trees and dense climbing plants such that the sheer
nal wooden doors exude the charm of bygone days. The
size of the 107 room hotel is not immediately apparent.
new design makes references to the period in which the
Fortunately, no major alterations were made to the exteri-
hotel was built and echoes the style of the time without
or, but the rear walls of the loggia were painted in the
imitating it. The bistro tables and chairs, the fireplace wall
hotel colors that run through the entire hotel as part of
of narrow, layered natural stone slabs and pastel-colored
the overall design concept. At night they are floodlit to
porcelain in the hotel’s pastel tones (green, turquoise,
great effect. Inside, little has remained of the original
orange, pink) produce a harmonious overall effect. They
1950s furnishings; most were removed during moderniza-
lend the hotel precisely what sets it apart from many oth-
24
The façade of the Hotel
Daniel brightly illuminated
at night. The central location
is an ideal starting point for
exploring the city.
pulse 03 | 2008
www.hoteldaniel.com
Veronika Stabinger, Peter Riedler
er design hotels. Since it is a budget hotel the foyer and
there is a cell the for shower and WC. Both can be closed
rooms are kept simple with a streamlined design. That
with one and the same sliding door so that one cell
said, this reduction does not affect quality but rather
remains open at any time. The design of the shower fol-
quantity. The motto in the Daniel is ”the most important
lows the same principle of openness: it is divided from the
furniture: air”. Rather than a prestigious reception you
sleeping area by a glass screen allowing two-way views.
find a stylish bar from which the hotel is managed. In
place of a lobby with couches and sitting groups there is a
A clever concept
loft-style area with fireplace and pond. Various materials
Weitzer Hotels Betriebsges. mbH has successfully created
and floor coverings mark areas for chatting, drinking cof-
a hotel of outstanding design quality on a low budget.
fee, relaxing or surfing the Net. Similarly, in the rooms the
Evidently, the coherent concept down to the last detail
motto is: Less is more. There is no wardrobe but instead a
appeals to guests. The occupancy rate is high at over 80
shelf unit and a clothes rail. Instead of a table, rooms stan-
percent, and six additional rooms were created last year
dardly feature a trolley that can serve as a desk used with
by converting rooms previously used by staff. But the
a felt-covered bench. There is a large proportion of wood,
hotel concept is also attracting attention in hotel circles.
felt and other natural materials creating a cozy atmos-
In 2006, the Hotel Daniel was declared to be ”Hotel build-
phere rather than a design-heavy cool feel. Guests can
ing of the year” – effectively the Oscar of the hotel trade
choose between two room types: The ”daniel.loggia” is a
in Europe.
In designing the rooms
Werner Aisslinger relied on
warm colors and cozy
materials such as felt
(left). The foyer features
open sitting areas in pareddown design (right).
fairly spacious room with a view of the city, while the
“daniel.smart” is a more compact and inexpensive room.
Both room types offer open-plan bathrooms. Washbasins
are mounted on a black natural stone wall behind which
26
pulse 03 | 2008
Project participants
Developer
Weitzer Hotels Betriebsges. mbH
Architect
a2 hotelconcept, Vienna
www.a2hotelconcept.com
Interior design
a2 hotelconcept, Vienna
Room design: studio aisslinger, Berlin
www.aisslinger.de
Building technology
Integrated products by ABB/Busch-Jaeger:
KNX system, Controlpanel and operating elements
Despite the modernization work the general layout remained unaltered –
the conversion into a budget hotel seemed logical given the small size of the
rooms. A new concept was devised for the spatial arrangement of the rooms.
from the future® switch series
27
» Visions
Old buildings –
new concepts
A bull ring is converted into a shopping center
and a dry dock into a museum: conversion
projects sometimes present architects with
extraordinary challenges. But even when the
assignment is to modernize public buildings
while leaving their use unaltered, great sensitivity is needed as the following examples show.
Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners: Las Arenas in Barcelona
Shopping rather than killing – this is the change of use stated for the
former bull ring in Barcelona. The majestic brick structure on Plaça
Espanya was originally built in 1898 but had stood empty since 1990,
bullfighting having become increasingly unpopular in Catalonia. For
conversion purposes the building was completely gutted and given four
underground levels. The magnificent mudéjar facade was the only original element retained. That said, it no longer has a load-bearing function
and is now supported by a ring of forked props, between which visitors
enter the building.
When it re-opens in a few months the arena will to provide 45,000 square
meters of usable space and an underground garage for 1,200 cars. Four
ged between like the pieces of a cake. There will be an event space at the
center of the arena, surrounded by a mixture of stores and leisure activities. The third and fourth floors will be given over to a multiplex cinema.
A six-story new building on the east side of the arena contains additional
store and restaurant space with four floors providing offices.
28
Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
tree-like columns support the steel roof with the individual facilities wed-
Bjarke Ingels Group: Danish Seafaring Museum in Helsingør
“To be or not to be, that is the question.” The Danish Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) opted for not being in response to
this famous Shakespeare question: It completely sank its design for the new Danish Seafaring Museum into a
disused dry dock in Helsingør. The relic from the industrial age lies on the approach road to Kronborg Castle, a
UNESCO World Heritage site and scene of the Hamlet saga. As such, it was only logical to design a new building
with a striking exterior. However, the architects rejected the strategy chosen by the client of simply filling the dock
as it were with museum rooms. Instead, BIG arranged the exhibition areas around the dock and used three glazed
pedestrian bridges to negotiate the inner courtyard, which was shaped like a ship's hull. The exhibition areas are
organized in the shape of a continuous endless loop; as the gradient is only 1:50 it is consequently hardly noticed
by visitors to the museum. Here, too, the architects can supply an analogy: The Earth is after all a sphere but before
Bjarke Ingels Group
people ventured out onto the open sea in ships they saw it as a flat surface.
Höweler + Yoom
Höweler + Yoon: City Hall in Boston
It is an eyesore for many locals: Boston City Hall – built between 1963 and 1968 based on designs by architect
Kallman, McKinnell and Knowles - this pre-cast concrete structure in the brutalist modern style. Accordingly, last
year the Boston Chamber of Architects launched an ideas workshop for the redesign of the building. The proposal
by J. Meejin Yoon and Eric Höweler is based on a clear case history: The building was too isolated, too dominant and
IaN+: The revitalization of historic
simultaneously too awkward for people to access. The two architects conceived a translucent shell folded several
city centers
times, which not only wraps itself around the building but on the back of which there is an access ramp to the roof.
In an entry for this year’s Venice Biennial,
Rome-base architecture studio IaN+ clarified its vision for reviving historic city centers. The City Recycle concept is designed to
kick off an urban renewal process. This idea,
crafted by IaN+, acts as a dialog between the
past and future: vacant buildings are gutted
and filled with newly designed residential
units while retaining the historic façades.
The prototype is autarchic and sustainable.
In order to permit a high degree of flexibility and individuality the individual units are
based on a modular system. Thanks to the
open structure in the lower stories housing
parking and shopping facilities open to the
public, workplaces, as well as open public
spaces, the building effectively interacts
IaN+
with its surroundings.
pulse 03 | 2008
Diller Scofidio + Renfro with FXFowle: Alice
Tully Hall in New York
In 1969 Alice Tully Hall was the final building
in the original Lincoln Center in New York to
be completed. In terms of use the building is
divided into two levels: below is the concert
hall (built with donations by benefactor Alice
Tully) seating 1,100, and above it the rooms of
the Juilliard School, one of the city’s major
dance and music schools. The renovation plan
foresees opening the existing opaque pedestal
of the building by Pietro Belluschi and replacing it with a glass façade extending over several stories with a cable network construction.
hall will be visible for the passersby on West
65th Street. In addition to a much larger foyer,
new rehearsal rooms, more dressing rooms
and a new freight elevator, the concert hall
will be overhauled as regards acoustics to
equip it for chamber music concerts. To this
end, the hall and all fittings such as the boxes
will be given new inner paneling of African
Moabi wood. The lining panels are made of
translucent artificial resin with a Moabi
veneer. They are backlit and supply the hall
with enough illumination so that other visible illumination is not needed.
FXFowle, Diller Scofidio + Renfro
As a result, the curving shape of the concert
» Interview
“I have become disrespectful
over the years”
Anderhalten Architekten have attracted much attention over the past
few years with their circumspectly executed refurbishment work. Their
projects represent a successful dialog between old and new. With great
care and, at the same time, the requisite disrespectfulness, a new whole
emerges that draws on the assets of the old building and puts them in
the right light.
By Britta Rohlfing
The Anderhalten Architekten office is located between
into a form of symbiosis, such that each allows the other
Köpenicker Strasse and the southern banks of the River
to live and both benefit.
Spree in the Mitte district of Berlin – surrounded by industrial wasteland and commercial premises in the building
Last year you completed the Museum Dieselkraftwerk in
complex of the German Architecture Center. Through its
Cottbus. What were the challenges there?
courtyard-like character and white and green ornamental
The starting point was an old building that was scarcely
tiles the former factory of a tool manufacturer develops a
more than a show façade. With regard to the
charm all of its own – and it was one of the first projects
outer walls there were no special energy-related require-
that Anderhalten Architekten realized. With the conver-
ments to enable the entire residual heat from the diesel
sion work, which was completed in 1995, the studio made
power station to dissipate. Furthermore the building had
a name for itself; there followed a whole series of sophisti-
enormous windows, as the modern technical equipment
cated refurbishment projects, each and every one of which
was deliberately meant to be on show. Converted into a
illustrates the architects’ sensitive approach. ”pulse” met
museum, there is indeed a need for natural daylight, but
Claus Anderhalten, recently appointed to Kassel Universi-
only to a certain extent. And of course we needed a façade
ty, for a chat.
that could control the climate on the inside – and not one
Old sheath – new core. By
means of the “building in a
building” principle the former
production hall becomes
home to the University of
Applied Science in Wildau.
A transparent glass carcass
– positioned in the middle of
the hall – houses a lecture
theater and seminar rooms.
that was linked to the outside climate.
Mr. Anderhalten, how do you start work on a refurbishment project, and what do the first plans look like?
What was it about your concept that won over the jury?
To begin with we analyze the old building in great detail.
I think two things were impressive about our concept, first
Our motto is take yet another look at it, so we really get to
of all the entrance. Here we quite clearly ignored the para-
know what we are working with. Then the question arises
meters of the listed building authorities. What you see
as to whether old and new suit each other? – or do they
completed today was the smallest common denominator.
not go together and clash? The approach that I for the
The entrance is in a prominent spot. Actually, according to
most part pursue involves old and new elements entering
the listed building authorities, the wall – a delicate check-
32
pulse 03 | 2008
Ursula Böhmer (o.), Werner Huthmacher
Werner Huthmacher
Impressive transformation: A listed 1950s building is stunningly extended and given extra stories. The golden, relief-like façade provides
the Academy of Art and Design in Halle with a landmark and is a play on industrial design.
Claus Anderhalten, Hubertus Schwabe, Wolfgang Schöning and Petra VondenhofAnderhalten have made a name for themselves with refurbishment and conversion projects: The German Architecture Center, the Hanns Eisler Academy of
Music, the Academy of Sciences at Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin, and the conversion of the University of Applied Science in Wildau speak for a sensitive and yet
determined treatment of historical fabric.
er brick wall, was not allowed to be altered. As far as I was
concerned, however, the wall was the only right place in
the building. We cut four openings for doors to create an
entrance. Secondly, we developed a “building in a building” concept that consistently moves the exhibition furniture away from the inner wall of the old building. This
enabled us to design rooms that also boast the requisite
parameters to be able to showcase sensitive exhibits such
as prints, photographs and oil paintings.
You are also using a “building in a building” concept
for the University of Applied Science in Wildau. What
was the deciding factor here?
With this particular project the reasons for the decision
were of a functional nature. The former production hall,
in which heavy machinery was manufactured, has a surface area of 4,000 square meters. With large halls such as
Andreas Meichsner
this you have the problem of a spacious area having to
be divided up into small segments. The approach we took
was to insert an almost entirely transparent carcass, housing a lecture theater, seminar rooms and laboratories and
to open the production hall upwards to natural daylight.
pulse 03 | 2008
» Interview
In this way on the one hand a contrast emerges with the
in between. Nowadays that is no longer an issue. I try to
brittle aesthetic appeal of the outer sheath, which we did
show respect on the one hand, while on the other at the
not restore but left as it was and in which one can gen-
same time revealing a certain disrespectfulness towards
uinely sense how the people slaved away there, and on the
the old building, which ultimately makes it more powerful.
other hand we used smooth steel and glass architecture
Such that the contrast between old and new becomes even
that stacks the spatial layout on two levels in a highly
greater – but at the same time I am concerned that the new
functional manner. Today you sit in this inner glass house,
element created transforms the whole entity into a homo-
looking though the glass façade to the old façade and in
geneous, harmonious unit. That may sound schizophrenic
turn through this to outside. It was our clear intention to
but in my experience it works.
preserve anything with character that gives the industrial
building an aura.
The Academy of Art and Design in Halle could be cited as
an example of your “new shamelessness”...
You have now gained a wide range of experience with
Indeed, the contrast with the old building is very pro-
refurbishment projects. In your opinion where are there
nounced there. The difficult thing here was having to take
still frequent problems?
two buildings into consideration, because the main build-
Keeping the costs of a project under control is always diffi-
ing, an Art Nouveau villa, had already had an extension
cult. At the end of the day everything we work on is a one-
added in the 1950s, which we in turn were meant to extend
off. In our daily work we are called on to come up with spe-
even further. The structured façade on the new building
cial and individual solutions. Furthermore we need to be
parts, a highly noticeable gold façade, which covers up
able to deal with developers’ expectations, who frequently
the stories, encloses the edifice from the 1950s, thereby
expect a building to be capable of everything. In my opin-
approaching the Art Nouveau villa. The new façade con-
ion you have to accept an old building’s shortcomings and
sciously seeks to communicate with the villa. Two worlds
be prepared to live with them. I am not in a position to
meet head-on.
bring an old building up to the standard of a new building.
Do you have any interesting conversion projects lined up
Ursula Böhmer
Successful transformation
in Cottbus: An old downtown
diesel power station was
transformed into an attractive
exhibition hall for contemporary art.
Has your approach changed over the course of time?
in the near future?
After 15 years working I have acquired a certain disrespect-
A current topic I find very interesting is converting church-
fulness I did not have ten years ago. Before I always kept
es. These are special places, which are very sublime, which
a distance, a sort of respectful gap between old and new.
have something transcendental about them. Being able to
I was happy if a transparent stairwell fitted in somewhere
convert a place like that is indeed something special.
» Workshop
AIT WORKSHOP
HOUSE-TECHNOLOGY-FUTURE
“The House-TechnologyFuture” Workshop
Before our very eyes we see how
technology and the diverse programming possibilities are developing with incredible speed.
Nobody can fully grasp this technological development but people
must be able to use it. The key
Over forty architects, interior designers
and professional planners joined up with
ABB/Busch-Jaeger during the workshop
series “House-Technology-Future” to explore just what potential modern building
installation technology has to offer. pulse
presents a project in every issue.
to the technology's success lies
in the interface between man and
technology … the switch.
Displayed here is an example of
how tomorrow's switches might
develop over the coming years:
A glass pane, which evolves over
time into a mini screen and
which enables switches and settings to be operated by voice
Design Heidi Fletcher Bothe Richter Teherani
control. This one switch would
assume several switch functions,
from lighting, ventilation, heating,
music and security, to all elec-
Rapidly developing technology forms the basis of all Heidi
tronically controlled appliances.
Fletcher's ideas. The idea behind her design concept
involves also making intelligent technology available to
Ultimately users will also be able
the elderly and those with little experience of technology
to carry the control panel around
in general. The Hamburg-based architect sees one way of
with them, enabling them to
achieving this in the gradual introduction of a switch
operate elements of a building
which constantly evolves independently. Fletcher's series
even when they are not in it.
of switches starts with a rocker switch, which is based on
the familiar switch and innovative merely in its material;
it has no frame and is made entirely of glass. The product
evolves over the course of the years: New functions are
introduced and the switch can be adjusted individually to
suit the relevant surroundings. In a further step, it turns
into a screen which can be operated using the touch
screen or via cell phone. The ultimate aim of Fletcher's
idea is a control element with which one can operate
things such as heating, temperature and blinds by means
of voice control alone. The current Busch ComfortPanel
shows just how far she has actually come with her idea. It
already has the link to all the desired qualities as a central
control element, only the voice control needs more work ...
36
GLASS ROCKER SWITCH WITH NO FRAME.
GLASS ROCKER SWITCH – ILLUMINATED FROM
BEHIND.
ROCKER SWITCH - LARGE SIZE AS MINI SCREEN WITH GROUPED SWITCH
FUNCTIONS AND INDIVIDUAL DESIGN.
GLASS ROCKER SWITCH – WITH DIMMER FUNCTION
AND VARIABLE DESIGN.
GLASS ROCKER SWITCH – DOUBLE SWITCH WITH
GROUPED FUNCTIONS.
ROCKER SWITCH – LARGE SIZE AS MINI SCREEN WITH GROUPED SWITCH
FUNCTIONS, INDIVIDUAL DESIGN AND INTEGRATED RADIO TECHNOLOGY.
ROCKER SWITCH – AS MINI SCREEN WITH TOUCH
CONTROL AND INDIVIDUAL DESIGN.
”HELLO, I AM HERA. I AM YOUR VOICE CONTROL SWITCH FOR ALL ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED APPLIANCES IN THE ENTIRE BUILDING.“
» Materials
Glass
Materials are the soul of architecture. They lend
character to buildings and atmosphere to rooms. But
what do architects think of classic materials today?
pulse sought their opinion.
Answers by Eike Becker
What do you find so fascinating about glass, what role do you
assign the material in your architecture?
Like no others glass buildings stand for our time and are an expression of my feeling about life. Thanks to the developments it has
undergone in the last decades this particular building material
offers us architectural options today that no other generation of
master builders and architects ever had before us.
Glass is a transparent material and it would be inconceivable to
think of architecture without the properties it offers. Will it come
to be used in even more areas?
Glass is both the materialization of the immaterial and the immaterial rendering of the material. I assume that glass as a building
material will undergo many further developments, that its thermal, acoustic and changeable qualities will be optimized.
What properties would you wish for glass that it does not yet
have?
We are still waiting for glass that can also be used over large areas
and is able to adapt its physical properties to the weather conditions both from the outside but also to what is needed inside. We
are waiting for photochromatic construction glass and glass that
can morph into computer screens. Why cannot glass be illuminated on a large scale, alter its color, warm, cool, inform, be a medium
Transparent façade design: Headquarters of
Stadtwerke Neuss by Eike Becker_Architekten
Jens Willebrand (l.),raumprobe
for films, images and texts, be flexible and light?
Building systems technology – thought through to the very last detail
Intelligent building management creates free space for
tion alerts and alarms. Yet what is more, the Busch- Com -
a building’s residents and increases comfort, energy effi-
fortPanel features a considerably wider range of func-
ciency and safety. With its Busch- ComfortPanel, ABB/
tions: ABB/Busch-Jaeger consistently links infotainment,
Busch-Jaeger provides a new tool that expands the func-
entertainment and intelligent building management and
tions of the control panel even further. Based on the KNX
integrates them into a central control unit. In this way,
building systems technology the Busch- ComfortPanel
entirely new perspectives open up to users. Thanks to this
acts as a central control element. As usual, users can easi-
technical innovation, you can now design your private
ly control all areas of “intelligent living”, from heating
sphere not only functionally but also with a firm orienta-
and air conditioning, lighting and sunshades to malfunc-
tion on experience.
40
pulse 03 | 2008
» Insights
Intelligent control and communications center
One of the innovations the Busch- ComfortPanel offers
cept which allocates a color to each function, for example,
is the option to display and manage IP and LAN or WLAN-
lighting, blinds, heating or a lighting mood. This color cod-
based applications from home entertainment and IP-
ing makes the labeling of the operating areas unnecessary,
based communications. The Busch- ComfortPanel can thus
for color is a label which is internationally understood. In
be seen as an intelligent addition to the private Internet
terms of design, the Busch- ComfortPanel is based on the
PC – and it can even partially replace it. Residents not only
multiple design prize-winning Controlpanel. The enlarged,
have a control unit for the entire building systems tech-
high-resolution 9-inch LCD screen in a 16:9 format shows
nology, but at the same time have a user-friendly commu-
all representations and the structure of the building in
nications control center. Checking the current weather
layout form and clearly discernible as a stereogram.
forecast or the stock exchange ticker on the Internet, read-
Another special feature of the Busch- ComfortPanel is the
ing e-mails, playing your favorite music from the integrat-
energy monitoring. The panel can visualize information
ed MP3 player via the connected active speakers, watching
on energy consumption and current electricity consump-
video clips – all this is possible with the new Busch- Com -
tion in the form of diagrams and thus makes an essential
fortPanel. In addition, the operating concept behind the
contribution to improving the energy efficiency of build-
Busch- ComfortPanel is so simple that even children are
ings. It is available in the finishes glass white and glass
able to use it safely. It is based on an innovative color con-
black in combination with chrome or brushed aluminum.
With the Busch-ComfortPanel, users can centrally manage applications from the
areas of home entertainment, internet and video surveillance. The high-resolution 9-inch LCD screen can be used simply and intuitively.
41
» Food for Thought
Which soccer team played in the
ruins of Çiragan Palace?
pulse asks a competition question in every new issue. The
winners receive a box of “Stadtplaetzchen” (City Biscuits) –
baked treats in the shape of buildings, including an architecture guide on the buildings featured.
Please complete, copy and fax to:
+49 (0)1805-66 99 09
Email: [email protected]
Yes, please. I would like to recieve 'pulse' regularly,
postage free.
Preview, pulse 04-2008:
Home living
Reply
Generous space in a city loft, minimalist in a tiny
The name of the soccer team which played soccer in the ruins of Çiragan
ment – pulse 01-2009 highlights the latest
Palace is:
trends and projects on the theme of home living.
space or stylish in a renovated industrial monu-
Name
Christa Lachenmaier
Office
Street
Home living in an industrial monument – Carl Colliery, Astoc Architects & Planners
Postcode/City/Country
Phone
Imprint
pulse
Movements in architecture
Fax
Editor:
ABB/Busch-Jaeger Elektro GmbH
Freisenbergstr. 2
D-58513 Lüdenscheid
www.busch-jaeger.de
Email
The Prizes:
All correct entries are put into
Publisher:
Gesellschaft für Knowhow-Transfer
in Architektur und Bauwesen mbH
D-70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen
www.gkt-publishing.de
a hat from which Busch-Jaeger
selects two sets of five winning
entries. The winners receive
a box of City Biscuits – “Baked
www.stadtplaetzchen.de, Kempinski (l.)
buildings” from German cities.
Editorial team:
Dieter Lautz, Thomas K. Müller,
Britta Rohlfing, Jakob Schoof,
Christiane Schulte, Mirko Simon
Each box contains an architec-
Translation:
Dr. Jeremy Gaines, Frankfurt/Main
ture guidebook. The winner will
Printed in Germany – Imprimé en Allemagne
be published in the next issue of
“pulse”. The winners of the last
competition are Michael Naß
from Gelsenkirchen, and A. and
M. Buchen from Remscheid.
© by ABB/Busch-Jaeger
All rights reserved. In particular the rights of circulation,
reproduction of text and pictures, translation into foreign
languages or other reproduction of any kind be it by
means of photocopy, microfilm, radio or TV programs for
all published contributions including all illustrations are
reserved. Subject to changes and errors.
MOVEMENTS IN ARCHITECTURE
Refurbishment
pulse 03 | 2008
Show your colours.
For your customers.
A new lease of life
Hotel Daniel in Graz
The Busch-a x c e n t switch
by A2 HOTELCONCEPT
and STUDIO AISSLINGER
range brings colour into your
life. Inspire your customers with
powerful colour tones in red,
blue, yellow, green or sophisticated white. Present the
uncompromisingly straight-lined
design and set new accents.
Busch-a x c e n t
Fusion architecture – on how we treat
existing buildings
Electrical installations in modernizing
old buildings
Concert hall in Köthen
by Busmann + Haberer
Interaction between old and new –
a visit to Anderhalten Architekten
www.BUSCH-JAEGER.com
03 | 2008