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MONO architekten builds a tower of red-tinted rammed earth
CategoriesArchitecture

MONO architekten builds a tower of red-tinted rammed earth

By Zarkon Group,

areal am kronenrain: earth architecture in germany

 

The German town of Neuenburg am Rhein sees the completion of the ‘Areal am Kronenrain’ complex, designed by MONO Architekten. The development, including an observation tower for viewing the vast landscape, marks a transformative moment for the city, which is found in the tri-border region of France, Switzerland, and Germany. As part of the State Garden Exhibition 2022, the project aimed to reorganize urban areas, with a particular focus on the site between the city center and the redesigned green space ‘Stadtpark am Wuhrloch.’ The architecture prioritizes durable materials, and takes shape with red-tinted rammed earth and Corten steel, inspired by the region’s red sandstone and the former Rhine riverbank.

MONO architekten areal kronenrainimages © Gregor Schmidt

 

 

mono architekten takes on a complex site

 

MONO Architekten notes that the initial urban situation at the site of Areal am Kronenrain site posed challenges, characterized by limited usable space and a substantial height difference of around nine meters. In response, the architects conceived a distinctive ensemble, comprising a parking garage, public space, bridge, and tower, effectively bridging the gap and establishing a connection between the green space and the town center. The design further contributes to the city’s identity. The tower, a prominent feature of the ensemble, serves as a striking city entrance, visible from a distance. Its dynamic interaction with the adjacent parking garage and the connecting bridge structure forms a clear landmark, setting the tone for the revitalized urban space.

MONO architekten areal kronenrain
Neuenburg am Rhein’s ‘Areal am Kronenrain’ development is completed as a pivotal urban space

 

 

the observation tower over neuenburg am Rhein

 

The thirty six-meter-high tower, with its unique design and materials, stands out as a focal point. Offering an observation platform with a panoramic view, the tower becomes an essential element in connecting visitors with the picturesque landscape. Future plans for extending the bridge as a ramp to park level enhance accessibility, providing a barrier-free connection for all. The Münsterplatz, situated atop the three-story parking garage with 231 parking spaces, introduces a new public space. This plaza, which blends outward to integrates with the city plan, alleviates inner-city traffic due to its central location. Future plans for densification and mixed-use further emphasize its role as a hub for public engagement.

MONO architekten areal kronenrain
part of the State Garden Exhibition 2022, the design bridges gaps and redefines connections MONO architekten areal kronenrain
visible from afar, the tower establishes a landmark, engaging in a dialogue with the adjacent parking garageMONO architekten builds a tower of red-tinted rammed earth in germany
the urban ensemble comprises a parking garage, public space, bridge, and observation tower

Reference

Mono Architekten tops perforated concrete car park with public plaza
CategoriesArchitecture

Mono Architekten tops perforated concrete car park with public plaza

By Zarkon Group,

Berlin studio Mono Architekten has combined a perforated concrete viewing tower with a car park topped by a public park to create a new entrance to the town of Neuenburg am Rhein, Germany.

Located close to the border with France and Switzerland, the project is situated between the town itself and the recently redeveloped green spaces a Stadtpark am Wuhrloch, a meeting point which was previously difficult to traverse due to a nine-metre height difference.

Bridging these two conditions, Mono Architekten sought to complement the functional need for a 231-space car park with more public facilities, including a new public plaza and a 36-metre-high viewing tower.

Carpark interior in Germany by Mono ArchitektenCarpark interior in Germany by Mono Architekten
The connecting tower and carpark offer a new entrance into the nearby town

“The aim was to develop independent typologies from the functional requirements of parking and barrier-free access to the city park,” Mono co-founder André Schmidt told Dezeen.

“Together they create an identity-forming urban ensemble,” he continued.

“The parking garage roof was thus designed as a public square – Münsterplatz – and the vertical access structure to the city park was designed as a tower – Bertholdturm – with a publicly accessible viewing platform.”

Interior view of carpark with public park in GermanyInterior view of carpark with public park in Germany
Spiralling ramps provide vehicle access to the carpark

Using the site’s level change as an advantage, the new car park meets the level of the town to allow it to connect seamlessly to the new public square, which is finished with planting and paved seating areas.

Two spiralling ramps at either end of the carpark provide access for vehicles, while the perimeter of the structure curves to meet the existing road with its perforated concrete facade.

In the nearby viewing tower, an elevator core links the ground floor entrance with the rooftop, where 360-degree views of the landscape are accompanied by corten steel panels on the parapet that detail landmarks and their distances.

A bridge of corten steel links the car park roof with an upper entrance to the tower, and in future there is a plan to extend this bridge to create a ramp down to the adjacent parkland, creating a step-free, accessible route between it and the town.

Mono Architekten top carpark with public park in GermanyMono Architekten top carpark with public park in Germany
Both structures were made using blocks of tamped concrete

The two structures were united by their matching exterior finish, with blocks of tamped concrete arranged to create square perforations that allow air to flow freely.

“The sedimentary tamped concrete layers at the entrance to the city are inspired by the city’s former location on the banks of the Rhine,” explained Schmidt.

“The reddish pigmentation harmonizes with the sandstone traditionally used in this area,” he continued. “The monolithic construction emphasizes the archaic character of the buildings.”

Exterior view of perforated tower and bridge by Mono ArchitektenExterior view of perforated tower and bridge by Mono Architekten
A corten steel bridge provides expansive views of the landscape

Mono Architekten took a similar approach to blending infrastructure with public facilities in their design for a service station in Thuringia, which also includes an exhibition space about the site’s nearby bronze-age burial mound.

The photography is by Gregor Schmidt. 

Reference