JUNG

With the "Erich Loest" Municipal Library in Mittweida, the Dresden architectural practice Raum und Bau has created a showcase project for the preservation and sympathetic conversion of historic structures. Covering over 2,000 m², the library in this small town, in addition to 30,000 media in the reading room, now also offers rooms for events, exhibitions and a reading cafe.

The building, whose origins go back to 1860, has experienced numerous renovations and changes of use - as a restaurant and hotel called "Stadt Chemnitz" with a concert hall and ballroom and most recently as a cinema. The building has stood empty since 1993 and fell into disrepair until it was acquired by the town of Mittweida in 2013 to give it a new use. An open architectural competition was launched with the task of respecting the historic essence of the former hotel while enabling a modern, functional library design. The winning design from Raum und Bau convinced the jury due to the skilful integration of new and old elements, which preserve the historic flair of the building, although ultimately little of the building structure could be reused.

The building is located centrally on Technikumplatz, an important hub in the town's landscape, and takes on a decisive role in the public realm. The renovated library is an important component of the urban development of Mittweida: it plays a part in enhancing the town centre and creates a new cultural meeting point for the residents with its open design and its spacious and inviting entrance area.

Neither the facades nor the mansard roof could be retained. The design is characterised by a new roof shape with extensive, glass openings across floors which provide optimum daylight to the central reading room. Wherever possible, original materials such as bricks, wooden beams and natural stones were recycled and integrated in the new room concept. The staircase could be rebuilt in its original form while numerous building details such as door and window frames, parts of the wood panelling and decorative elements were reutilised in a different place in the refurbished building. This targeted recycling not only reduced the use of resources but also significantly contributed to retaining the character of the building.

For the technical equipment, particular value was placed on aesthetically reserved elements. A large part of the technology is concealed under an open, triangular ceiling grid: it fulfills acoustic functions and enables the hidden installation of ventilation systems, cables and fire alarm systems. The unpretentious LS 990 range from JUNG in black was used for switches and sockets. The clear lines and the reduced design blend conservatively into the design concept. The lighting concept skilfully combines daylight and artificial light. An intelligent lighting controller enables both zoned lighting for work and reading places as well as atmospheric accents in the event area.

The renovation of the "Erich Loest" Municipal Library in Mittweida was an important step for the town. The building creates a new cultural centre, it boosts the local infrastructure and contributes to the further development of the urban landscape.