“Haus des Wissens” Bochum | CROSS Architecture

Maximum permeability, linking of urban spaces

The city library, VHS, UniverCity and Markthalle were to be brought together on an area of around 11,400 m² GFA in the l-shaped existing building and additional use of the inner courtyard.

CROSS was concerned with creating an architecture that would be understood as an inviting gesture to linger, for everyone.

In order to meet the challenge of the topography for the interior, the different levels were "pushed" from two sides into the building at the same level: the urban space extends directly into the building.

In addition, CROSS opens the façade of the existing building in the area of the entrances through single-storey, wide incisions, which open the view into a generous, wide interior space, draw attention to itself and invite the public.

Selective interventions, multi-faceted Open Space

In the interior, the new room concept will be integrated into the existing structure - the preservation of the existing building is essential for CROSS, also from the point of view of sustainability.

Interventions are limited to selective interventions, such as the opening of ceiling panels, the addition of escape routes and the integration of a new roof construction. The major design theme is interleaving: uses are spatially interlocked and pushed one on top of the other. The result is a multi-faceted open space that extends up to the upper floor. Sometimes two floors become one large, open area and alternate with smaller rooms and low ceiling heights. In this way, exciting and new lines of sight are created again and again, from which the visitor has an overview of all uses. They are invited and inspired to explore all areas of the building. On the ground floor there are direct passages between the Open Space and the market hall.

Outdoor Learning on the Rooftop

The interior of the new building develops upwards over generous and inviting stairs in several levels and finally merges into the open roof landscape, which offers a new urban open space for the people of Bochum - in the middle of the city!

In this way, CROSS creates a place that celebrates sensually collaborative learning, exploring and experiencing  in a digital world.