Today more than ever architecture faces the challenge of rethinking existing structures and adapting them for new uses. Instead of tearing down and building anew the aim is to work with existing buildings – in a resource-saving, functional and visionary way. Our quarterly theme of transformation in existing buildings highlights precisely this approach and in addition to the changes within our office shows how architecture can make existing buildings usable for new requirements through targeted interventions thereby developing new (spatial) potential.
The decisive factor here is the ability to think beyond the reflexive impulse “demolition would be easier”. After all, it is often major functional changes that can uncover unexpected architectural qualities.
One outstanding example is the Fraunhofer IBMT in Sulzbach. Back in 2014 a project of ours was developed here that anticipated many of today’s key issues in the construction industry – sustainability, decarbonization and flexible use. In conversation with Prof. Markus Hammes founder of hammeskrause architekten I gained an insight into the challenges and opportunities that arose during the transformation of a former industrial complex into a highly installed research building and the findings that can be derived from this.
The transformation of existing buildings is one of the most exciting and important architectural challenges of our time. This is because it makes it possible to convert existing buildings into completely new functions, among other things – with minimal structural intervention and maximum conservation of resources. An outstanding example of this approach is the conversion of a former shirt factory into the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering (IBMT) in Sulzbach.
Markus Hammes describes transformation in existing buildings as a process in which primary structures are retained while the use of the building can change radically. “In this project we were concerned with the further development of what already exists. In such a way that we enable major changes in functionality – without having to change the structural substance unnecessarily.”
Experiments and surprises in the planning process
Converting an industrial building into a highly installed research and laboratory building poses particular challenges. “When building in existing structures you never know exactly what to expect” explains Hammes. Older buildings in particular are often incompletely documented meaning that unforeseen circumstances only become apparent during the construction phase.
For example: The removal of screed in a small section of the basement unexpectedly led to the sudden ingress of groundwater. Up to seven layers of bitumen were also discovered on the roof during the opening for skylights. In addition load-bearing steel connections had to be upgraded as they no longer complied with current regulations. “Buildings must also comply with current standards when building in existing structures.”
Architecture as a precise intervention
The planning for the IBMT was based on the principle of “retain as much as possible, change as little as necessary”. The primary structure was retained while new elements were added in a targeted manner. The new access corridor in front of the building which connects the individual parts of the building and creates a clear functional structure was particularly striking. Height differences between the floors were intelligently bridged by air spaces and stairs enabling short distances between laboratories and offices. The lighting, choice of materials and spatial organization show that a strong architectural identity can be achieved without demolition and new construction.
Insights from Prof. Markus Hammes
The IBMT project impressively demonstrated back in 2014 that construction within existing buildings not only makes ecological sense but also makes functional and design sense. However Hammes emphasizes that two widespread assumptions are not correct: To construct in existing buildings is neither faster nor is it automatically cheaper than building anew.
“It requires careful planning as interventions are often more precise and complex than with a new build. Surprises must always be taken into account which can affect time and costs.”
At the same time however the project shows the enormous potential of existing structures – both architecturally and in terms of resource conservation and decarbonization. Projects like the IBMT make it clear that the future of construction no longer lies in radical new starts but increasingly in the intelligent further development of existing buildings.
Thanks to Prof. Markus Hammes for the interview
Conducted by Vanessa Sabrina Allgeyer
