thesis - technical university hannover
the town 'wennigsen' was founded next to a 13th century monastery. the planning area is situated south of the main street. the new center is raised three steps on a platform following the existing elevation. it is placed in the 'axis of sight' between the old town center and the southern mountain chain. the u-shape arranged houses with the guiding trees and the square in the middle, are recognizable from the main street. parks and playgrounds are used to distance neighboring apartment houses.
a community center develops from the social need for exchange and communication, as well as the mixture of functions like trading, teaching and celebrating. the public use of the ground floor level, including multi-purpose hall and library, makes the center a place to meet, stay and assemble. the functions that require silence are situated on the first floors. the division in different buildings assures that the heights and masses are adequate to the surrounding structures and the various outside spaces are connected.
the materials used are charcoal colored concrete, wood, glass and steel. the dark appearance of the buildings is in contrast to the light color of the polished concrete stones of the square. the library appears as a 'wooden box' which gives it a special importance. the wooden bars in front of the windows allow different views to the outside, while also assure the intimate atmosphere inside.