The conversion adopts and accentuates the existing architectural vocabulary. So that the diligently restored band facade must not be darkened for exhibitions, repetitive bays with natural daylight will be developed on the upper levels. The walls installed in the exbition spaces do not connect to the structural beams so as to maintain the the spatial ambience. A new centrally located stair-ramp construction connects all exhibition levels.
The building was brilliantly restored by Auer Weber Architekten in collaboration with Knerer und Lang Architekten, whereas Atelier Brückner was in charge of the museum's exhibition planning.
Description of project by its architects
The reconstruction of the Schocken department store in Chemnitz and its conversion into an archeological museum is based on the requirements of a modern museum and exhibition industry. This goes along with the willingness to reinforce Erich Mendelsohn's original architectural features.
The large exhibition areas span between the radial lines of a circular arc which has in its centre the main circulation element formed by a stair-ramp. The exhibition walls with built-in cabinets and projection surface obliquely converge on this ramp and disconnect the exhibition space from the adjoining rooms designed for special public uses. The exhibition walls are easy to assemble and completely independent from the structural grid.
On the facade, Mendelsohn's original effect of a cantilevered space with no visible pillars is mantained. It is for public experience and can be used for educational purposes with daylight needed. The delicate original fully glazed facade literally becomes a museum showcase, together with the foyer exhibits.
CREDITS. TECHNICAL SHEET.-
Architects.- Auer Weber / Knerer und Lang.
Exhibition designer.- Atelier Brückner, Stuttgart.
Structure.- Erfurt+Mathes, Chemnitz.
Systems.- Obermeyer Albis-Bauplan GmbH, Chemnitz. Elektroplanungsbüro Künzel, Chemnitz.
Iluminación.- Light Design Engineering Belzner Holmes, Stuttgart.
Building physics.- Müller-BBM GmbH, Dresden.
Competition date.- 11/2008.
Start date.- 01/2009.
Construction start.- 06/2010.
Completion dates.- May 2014.- 12/2013 (conversion), 05/2014 (museum).
BGF: 16.980 m2.
Area.- 9.800 m2.
Cost.- 32,6 Mio. Euro.
Owner.- PVG Projektierungs- und Verwaltungsgesellschaft Schocken mbH.
User.- Staatliches Museum für Archäologie, Chemnitz (smac) /Staatsbetrieb, Landesamt für Archäologie Sachsen.
Location.- Stefan-Heym-Platz 1, 09111 Chemnitz.