In the heart of Brühl, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany, an interesting building has been realised that combines historic tradition with a modern approach to architecture. The reconstruction of the historic town hall and its modern extension is an example of how ancient architecture can be integrated with the requirements of modern administrative and cultural functions. The main challenge was to preserve the value of the historic building while at the same time ensuring high standards of functionality and aesthetics, which was achieved through a precisely executed design.
The new Brühl Town Hall is an interdisciplinary project whose main axis is the impression of a monolith – a building made of light-coloured clinker that, right up to the tops of the parapets, appears to be consistent with the historic character of its surroundings. The designers from the JSWD studio opted for a concept in which the traditional proportions of the old building were maintained in the new volume. Thanks to the shifting of the individual parts of the building and the subtle combination of gabled roofs, the form of the new structure gains lightness and a dynamic appearance, despite its solid mineral structure. The details have not been forgotten either – the precisely positioned large façade openings, characteristic of the office floors, or the clearly defined entrances to the administration house, give the building a legible and modern character.
Multifunctional public space
One of the key elements of the new town hall is the space, which is intended to be welcoming for both residents and tourists. The design incorporates not only traditional administrative functions, but also new social and cultural functions. The building includes an integrated library, accessible via a modern foyer. Right from the threshold, visitors are greeted by an imposing wooden counter which, in addition to acting as a reception desk, also provides a place for tourist and civic information. The layout of the individual rooms allows them to function independently, which works well in the context of varying opening hours and traffic intensity.
Modern library concept
The city library, an integral part of the extension, is a space like no other. In the design, the library space was laid out on multiple levels, taking into account the specific requirements for both acoustics and aesthetics. The first floor houses the main information desk. Particular attention has also been paid to the space dedicated to the youngest – a children’s library has been designed in the underground level, with colourful furniture providing opportunities for interactive play and learning. This thoughtful arrangement, complemented by natural lighting from the adjacent courtyard, creates a friendly, inspiring environment for developing reading passions.
Integration into the city
The transformation of the existing car park into a modern, multifunctional square is one of the most innovative aspects of the project. The resulting space is ideal for cultural and social events as well as outdoor relaxation. The designers took care to ensure an intuitive separation of pedestrian and vehicle traffic, which promotes safety and comfort for residents. In addition, the designation of part of the square as a car-free zone has created ideal conditions for local restaurants and cafés.
In view of increasing energy requirements, the design of the new town hall was not without modern, ecological solutions. The building has been designed with high energy standards in mind, including triple-glazing, advanced daylight control systems and an external solar shading system. Another innovative solution is the use of so-called active concrete, which allows heat storage and contributes to optimising energy consumption. Thanks to the well-thought-out technological solutions, the building not only impresses with its form, but is also an example of ecological and economical construction, which translates into benefits for both the city budget and the environment.
Integration of old and new
The challenge the architects faced was the close relationship with the existing, protected building. The designers made an effort to preserve the original structure of the historic town hall, while introducing modern elements that do not impose on its traditional character, but complement it. In the new body of the town hall, the locations of the entrances towards the market square, Steinweg Street and Janshof Square have been clearly marked. Every detail – from the shape of the roofs to the treatment of the clinker facade – has been carefully considered so that the building can function as a modern public institution without losing its historical ethos.
The new Brühl Town Hall is not just an administrative building, but above all a space that becomes the heart of the town’s social and cultural life. Thoughtful development, attention to detail, state-of-the-art technological solutions and integration into the existing historical buildings make this building an example of the perfect symbiosis between tradition and modernity. As a result, the investment not only introduces new standards of functionality and aesthetics, but also becomes an inspiration for further spatial activities in cities where history and the future can coexist harmoniously.
design: JSWD(https://jswd.de)
source: V2COM
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