DIA Dittel Architekten is responsible for the high-quality refurbishment and redesign of the Heilbronn City Library in the lively cultural and shopping centre Theaterforum K3. After a two-year restructuring phase, the library has been given a new lease of life and provides a forum for communication and encounters with modern, contemporary architecture.
DIA has extended and modernised the Heilbronn City Library, creating a representative venue for interaction and intergenerational learning. The overriding aim of the conversion of the existing building was to create a modern appearance and a high sojourn quality through functional zoning and a variety of uses.
Situated in the centrally located cultural and shopping centre "Theaterforum K3", the design concept by DIA meets today's requirements for conveying knowledge and for hybrid usage possibilities. Around 3,500 square metres spread over two floors offer ample space for both quiet and communal areas, multimedia learning, events, as well as office and meeting rooms. An integrated children's and youth area with an online programme, games and magazines is an experience for the whole family, bridging digital and analogue worlds. The library fulfils an important social and cultural function by providing a platform for interaction and networking for the wider public.
The project was carried out as part of a collaborative partnership and using the BIM method, in which the project participants were involved in the design process from the outset. This ensures long-term use and a needs-orientated design.
DIA Dittel Architekten is responsible for the high-quality refurbishment and redesign of the Heilbronn City Library in the lively cultural and shopping centre Theaterforum K3. After a two-year restructuring phase, the library has been given a new lease of life and provides a forum for communication and encounters with modern, contemporary architecture.
The atrium represents the communicative centre of the city library:
A high-quality design concept has created a place with a strong identity that enables communicative, personal gatherings and space for creativity and interaction. The integration of elements that shape the space, functional walls and digital media responds to the changing reading and communication culture and the needs of a range of target groups.
The centrepiece of the library is the staircase, which combines a variety of usage scenarios and allows different experiences of the library landscape. On the ground floor, it provides a framework for posters, flyers, a signage system and an info screen. On the upper floor, it forms an atrium as a visual highlight of the City Library, with seating that invites people to spend time there, for book presentations, film screenings and readings, as well as encouraging social interaction. Dittel Architekten found a creative and efficient solution by enabling the area to be separated off with a curtain and used for events with up to 50 people. The atrium can also be transformed into a multimedia presentation area with a screen integrated into the ceiling.
In contrast to the communicative centre, the other areas create a focussed learning and reading atmosphere, with room-in-room cubes and semi-open, comfortable lounge areas for those seeking peace and quiet. People with individual needs can therefore come together and, depending on their requirements, withdraw or interact with each other. The integration of multimedia technologies such as AV media, CDs and docking stations with headphones provides innovative features for visitors and significantly enhances the cross-media experience.
The City Library has become a social meeting place that stands for lifelong learning, high-quality information sources and interaction. The design concept by DIA combines different usage scenarios for individual target groups, gives the space a personal touch and invites you to spend time in an informal atmosphere.
