Beginenhof

Inspired by the beguines of the Middle Ages, who chose to live and work in communities exclusively made up of women, an initiative was born in 1995 to found a beguinage. After several attempts, the possibility arose in 2006 of converting the former Essen-Süd tax office, built in 1927/ 28 by the Prussian financial administration in the district of Rüttenscheid, into a beguinage. The women participated in planning and implementing the reconstruction.
The four-storey, brick building was badly damaged during the war and all that remains is the corner entrance area and the staircase behind it. The two destroyed building wings are the result of reconstruction. The extensive present-day building alterations are particularly noticeable inside the building. The 24 rental flats and two housing groups, with 14 flats for assisted living, are largely barrier-free, providing living spaces varying in size from 45 to 125 m². Some flats were built using social housing funds while others were privately financed. The complex also houses 12 commercial spaces including offices, practices, a studio and a café. The communal housing is further enhanced by recreation and utility areas (e. g. fitness room, a cellar workshop and laundry room), a large common room and a leafy inner courtyard with play areas for children.

Author: Route der Wohnkultur
Last changed on 21.04.2023

Categories:
Architecture » Residential buildings » Multiple Housing