archwerk: jahrhunderthaus ig metall bochum

‘jahrhunderthaus ig metall bochum’ by archwerk located in bochum, germany image © peter lippsmeier

german practice archwerk has created the headquarters for ig metall located in bochum, germany. the structure’s form responds to the region’s industrial character with a cubic motif that is evident in the fenestration arrangements. a central space is created within the void left between the two separated volumes. a glass roof spans between them creating an enclosed atrium with abundant natural light and sustained vegetation. clinker masonry of varied hues defines the exterior appearance while a metal and glass curtain wall borders the interior spaces.

view from the street image © peter lippsmeier

communal gathering and socializing occurs within view of the transparent entry hall while the office spaces are placed on higher levels overlooking the nearby urban center. the design offers an undefined floor plan which can be easily transformed for the working methods of various tenants. four steel stepped terraces bordering the neighboring westpark provide an outdoor experience while also mediating for the seven meter change in elevation.

view from the street image © peter lippsmeier

view from the westpark image © peter lippsmeier

night view entrance image © archwerk

office space image © archwerk

entrance hall image © archwerk

aerial image © archwerk

project info:

client: igmet treuhandverwaltung architect: archwerk generalplaner kg, bochum site area: 3,835 m2 built area: 1,850 m2 building costs: 9,735,000 € structural engineering: brendebach ingenieure gmbh, bonn building service engineering: weber und partner ingenieurgesellschaft mbh, cologne profile of glass-roofed hall: variolux iso 26 specifications of the stone: bockhorner klinker gmbh, rk alt-ditzum ws nf-format