A unique archetype. Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten
24/01/2024.
[Neuenburg am Rhein] Germany
metalocus, ADELA BONAS
metalocus, ADELA BONAS
The Berlin studio MONO Architekten has designed a new parking building that connects the Stadtpark am Wuhrloch public park with the city center, becoming a new access point to Neuenburg am Rhein, Germany, a city bordering France and Switzerland.
The project makes use of the unevenness generated by the topography to improve access, building a tower that connects the lowest level of the land with the upper one, this element becomes the most visible piece, becoming a functional architectural landmark within the park, that connects the natural space with the city center.
The project makes use of the unevenness generated by the topography to improve access, building a tower that connects the lowest level of the land with the upper one, this element becomes the most visible piece, becoming a functional architectural landmark within the park, that connects the natural space with the city center.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Site plan. Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten.
Site plan. Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten.
Site plan. Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten.
Ground floor plan parking garage exit level. Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten.
Ground floor plan parking garage entry level. Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten.
Ground floor plan parking garage level 3. Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten.
Section plan. Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten.
Axonometric plan. Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten.
Scheme plan. Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten.
Area in Kronenrain designed by MONO Architekten is a unique urban solution, consisting of a parking lot, a public space, a bridge, and a tower, which fills the void caused by a 9-meter slope that was generated by the slope that leads to the river. The parking structure is generated from three floors with 231 parking spaces.
The parking deck is an extension of the city with the Münsterplatz. The tower, with a square plan, serves as a connection between the park and the square through a bridge, thus creating an additional connection without natural barriers.
The materials sought to build the project had to be durable and robust, so the architects decided to use rammed earth and Corten steel, which through a perforated factory in the façade allows natural light to shine inside.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
The parking deck is an extension of the city with the Münsterplatz. The tower, with a square plan, serves as a connection between the park and the square through a bridge, thus creating an additional connection without natural barriers.
The materials sought to build the project had to be durable and robust, so the architects decided to use rammed earth and Corten steel, which through a perforated factory in the façade allows natural light to shine inside.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
Project description by MONO Architekten
Due to its exceptional location in the tri-border region of France, Switzerland, and Germany, the city of Neuenburg am Rhein has always been of special importance. As part of the State Garden Exhibition 2022, the town had the opportunity to reorganize urban areas. The site known as "Am Kronenrain", located between the city center and the redesigned green space "Stadtpark am Wuhrloch", played a significant role in this endeavor. The preliminary urban situation proved to be dissatisfactory with hardly any usable space and a height difference of around nine meters.
MONO created a distinctive ensemble – consisting of a parking garage, public space, bridge, and tower – which fills the gap and serves as a link between the green space and the town center. Simultaneously, a striking city entrance has been created: the tower can be seen from afar and engages in a dynamic dialogue with the adjacent parking garage. In combination with the connecting bridge structure, it forms a clear landmark.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
The areas behind the parking garage serve as a base for the new public space: the Münsterplatz. From here, one can access the Bertholdturm via the bridge or continue the journey further down to the park and the Rhine. In addition to being an access point to the park, the tower offers an observation platform with views of the picturesque landscape.
The parking structure is designed as a three-story parking garage with 231 parking spaces. The balanced proportion of open facade elements provides the interior with daylight and allows a natural ventilation concept. Due to its central location, it helps alleviate inner-city traffic. The Münsterplatz was created on top of the parking garage. The previously abruptly ending street layouts now merge into a well-proportioned plaza. At the same time, the city plan accrues harmonious completion with the new western edge. In the future, densification through small parceling and mixed-use is planned.
Area at Kronenrain by MONO Architekten. Photograph by Gregor Schmidt.
The approximately 36-meter-high tower stands on an almost square footprint. The elevator running through the core ends with a final stop just below the viewing platform. Visitors can reach the very top via the stairs. From here, you can explore spatial relationships with a 360° panoramic view. In the future, the bridge is planned to be extended as a ramp down to park level, providing an extra barrier-free connection in addition to the elevator, which is also sized for bicycles.
The use of durable, robust materials such as rammed earth and Corten steel creates conditions synonymous with an ensemble designed for the future. Defining elements include the perforated facades, uniformly made of sedimentary layers of red-tinted rammed earth, which are inspired by the traditional use of red sandstone in this region and the former riverbank of the Rhine. This construction method is simple and craftsmanship-oriented, including layer-by-layer compaction of a moist mixture. Similar to the formation of natural sedimentary layers, this creates a versatile facade pattern that emphasizes the buildings’ simple and robust character.
More information
Architects
MONO Architekten. Lead Architect.- Daniel Schilp.
Project Team
André Schmidt, Jonas Greubel, Mariana Varela, Zsofia Mester, Peter Heckeroth, Eric Zapel, Lisa van Heyden, Noah Ehlers, Dorit Schneider-Maas.
Collaborators
Landscape Architecture.- Planorama Landschaftsarchitektur.
Project Management.- Drees & Sommer.
Construction Supervision.- Guggenberger & Ott.
Structural Engineering.- WTM Engeneers.
Facade Planning.- wh-p Ingenieure.
Project Management.- Drees & Sommer.
Construction Supervision.- Guggenberger & Ott.
Structural Engineering.- WTM Engeneers.
Facade Planning.- wh-p Ingenieure.
Dates
Start.- 2015
Completion.- 03/2023.
Completion.- 03/2023.
Location
79395 Neuenburg am Rhein, Germany.
Photography
Daniel Schilp, Jonas Greubel, André Schmidt. MONO Architekten
MONO Architekten is a German architecture studio based in Berlin that was founded by Daniel Schilp, André Schmidt, and Jonas Greubel, in 2013.
Awards.-
Awards.-
Winner of the Fritz Bender Prize for Construction 2020 for the Waldorf School in Berlin.
Winner of the federal HolzbauPlus 2018 competition for Berlin Waldorf School.
Winner of the federal HolzbauPlus 2018 competition for Berlin Waldorf School.
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