Opening, Carmen Würth Forum, Künzelsau by David Chipperfield
21/07/2017.
Starting on July 18th, 2017 [Künzelsau] Germany
metalocus, INÉS LALUETA
metalocus, INÉS LALUETA
Description of the project by David Chipperfield
The new building is embedded in the landscape, with the chamber-music hall and the lower level of the event hall hidden beneath a natural mound. Incisions in the hillside establish two framed external spaces. These are flanked by retaining walls, made of concrete, poured in-situ and in layers that make reference to the sediment strata of the site. The larger southern forecourt leads to the main entrance and serves as a forum for diverse outdoor events, such as open-air concerts. The multi-purpose event hall, which is accessed from a naturally lit foyer, provides space for 3,500 people, and has a trussed-steel roof that obviates the need for internal columns. While the lower half of the hall is sunk into the ground, the upper gallery level rises above the highest point of the site and is glazed on all sides.
The foyer also provides access to the more intimate chamber music hall, which from the outside is only perceptible as a modulation of the landscape. This hall seats up to 600 people and is completely clad in walnut. The company’s corporate colour of red runs throughout the design of the interior spaces, appearing in the seating of the chamber music hall as well as in the flooring of both the foyer and the event hall. Sculptures from the collection of Reinhold Würth enrich the green spaces surrounding the building. A conference centre and a museum for the Würth art collection are to follow in a second construction stage.
Sir David Chipperfield CBE. AA Dipl., RIBA, RDI, Hon.FAIA, BDA, RA, Hon Doc (Kingston). David Chipperfield studied at Kingston School of Art and the Archtectural Association in London. After graduating he worked at the practices of Douglas Stephen, Richard Rogers and Norman Foster.
In 2004 he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to architecture. in 2006 he was appointed Royal Designer for Industry (RDI), and in 2007 he was made an Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (Hon. FAIA) and an Honorary Member of the BDA (Bund Deutscher ARchitekten). In 2008 he was elected a Royal Academician (RA) and awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Kingston University.
In 2009 he was awarded the order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany - the highest tribute that can be paid to individuals for service to the nation - and in the UK New Year Honours 2010 was named Knight Bachelor for services to architecture in the UK and Germany.
1984 Office of David Chipperfield Architects established in London