Soziokulturelles Zentrum Gempt-Halle

Situated right in the middle of Lengerich, the foundry of the former wire rope works Gempt built in 1917 was supposed to be converted into the town’s new cultural centre.
The building in the industrial wasteland had been used as nothing more than a warehouse since 1991. In view of the then forthcoming “Regionale 2004“ it was redeveloped and converted, with the surrounding open areas having been redeveloped into public places.
The listed industrial stack with its prominent water container has been retained and the three-bay factory building converted into a multi-functional building.
The factory building’s historical features have been revitalised and augmented in an appropriate modern way. The existing skeleton of reinforced concrete was nogged and enclosed with Corten steel and sheet lead. In the entrance area, the construction has been partly left unfaced and now forms a covered part where the public area meets the factory building.
The participation of citizens in this project is worth mentioning. For example, there had been a preparatory citizens’ report by about 130 citizens and a citizens’ foundation for the operation of the centre was also founded.

Award: Vorbildliche Bauten in Nordrhein-Westfalen 2005 (Land NRW/Architektenkammer NRW) [Exemplary buildings in North Rhine – Westphalia 2005; Land NRW/chamber of architects NRW]

Awards:
Exemplary buildings in North Rhine – Westphalia 2005; Land NRW/chamber of architects NRW

Author: Editorial baukunst-nrw
Last changed on 17.06.2024

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