Quellhaus Kaiserbad

The history of the historic Kaiserbad (emperor’s baths) reaches back into ancient history, but bathing was stopped here in 1984 for economic reasons.
The new buildings from the 1990’s are characterised by three multiply interleaved structures completely disparate in terms of shape and materials.
Arranged around a central place (“Quellplatz“), however, one still perceives the buildings as an ensemble.
The modern architectural arrangement with its varied roofs cape and various stairs kind of stages the eyelines and views of the surrounding buildings, especially the cathedral.
As heterogeneous as the outer shape of the ensemble are the various uses to which it is put: The historic “Kaiserquelle“ (emperor’s spring) and remains of the historical city walls in the basement, the complex buildings accommodate an event room (“Aachen-Fenster“) plus stores, offices, a catering area and dwelling units.
Situated right at the heart of the historic old town of Aachen, a stand-alone modern new building has developed which both respects and accentuates its surroundings.

Awards:
Architekturpreis NRW 1998 (BDA NRW), Preisträger

Author: Editorial baukunst-nrw
Last changed on 29.05.2007

Categories:
Architecture » Public Buildings » Cultural (cinemas, theatres, museums)