Building of the Federal Culture Foundation

Halle/Saale, Germany

Photo © Jens Passoth

Architects: Dannheimer & Joos Architekten

Location: Halle/Saale, Germany
Year: 2012

Newly constructed Federal Culture Foundation on the area of the Franckeschen Stiftung

The Federal Culture Foundation's new headquarter is located on the grounds of the Franckesche Stiftungen. It is elegantly integrated in the historic surrounding, underlining the goals of the foundation - promoting, initiating and funding art and innovative cultural projects.

The gap of a once closed row of houses is not filled entirely. The building rather incorporates the eaves and ridge lines of the neighbouring houses. It stands on its own as a solitary building, thus keeping the balance between adaptation and symbolism.

The architectural style of the surrounding can be found in the building's structure. The white facade and framework adapt historical elements. They are filled with flush glass. Facing the square, a folded, white coated stainless-steel structure veils the glass front. Depending on the perspective, the facade changes from seemingly closed to transparent.

Inside the foundation the architecture is straightforward and reduced. The building has an open office concept, also the employees are offered communication spots and “thinking cells”.

competition
2009, 1st prize

built
2009 -2012

client
Kulturstiftung des Bundes

award
German Architecture Prize 2013
Architecture Prize Sachsen-Anhalt 2013
laudatory speech by Sabine Müller for the German Architecture Prize (german)
BBR Deutscher Architekturpreis 2013