The new exhibition hall of the Kunsthochschule Kassel neither has a front nor back. It is completely enclosed by a facade consisting of larch wood siding painted black. In its lower part, the dark enclosure is interrupted by glass doors in unfinished oak frames. Above it, circular glass lenses developed specifically for the project draw the attention of passers-by. Depending on the weather and the position of the sun, their appearance changes from black metallic to brightly gleaming. Slim, yet deep beams and posts structure the building envelope, following a strict grid that the architects from Vorarlberg employ as a playing field for subtle design variations. For instance, the width of the siding in the upper area is greater than in the area closer to the ground. Doors are set flush between posts, while the closed facade areas are slightly recessed. The lesenes, arranged into squares, convey geometrical strictness and visual playfulness at the same time.
© Nicolas Wefers