The square in Frankfurt uniquely combines historical heritage with its contemporary role as a central hub within a vibrant urban axis stretching from the bustling commercial quarter to an exclusive shopping street. The transformation of the existing natural stone into a new, elegant facade with a representative character honors the site’s historical significance while creating a dialogue between past and present. Subtle references to tectonic building traditions give rise to a reinterpretation developed in two design variants, both respecting the protected context. Each approach integrates harmoniously into the urban ensemble while strengthening the building’s representative function within the central city structure in a contemporary manner.
A detailed analysis of the existing structure and its uses revealed that the core building fabric is retained. Its structural integrity, functional qualities, and established use offer significant economic, spatial, and ecological advantages, which can be optimally enhanced through careful adaptation. The prominent entrances along the adjacent streets are preserved in both variants, ensuring urban continuity.
With calm, balanced proportions and elegantly curved arches, the hotel presents itself as an inviting and representative new address at the square. Except for the section housing the bookstore, the existing structure is partially dismantled. Floor plans are optimized and two prominent cores with spacious elevator lobbies are introduced. The top floor is expanded to accommodate wellness and fitness facilities. A continuous roofline creates a calm and representative facade facing the square. The symmetrically designed maisonette floor aligns with this concept and requires careful adjustment to comply with setback regulations.
The maximum-preservation variant focuses on a sensitive enhancement of the existing building. The historic staircase is highlighted as a nod to the original function and forms an identity-defining core. A transparent facade with café and entrance emphasizes the building’s address and imparts lightness. The tectonically articulated facade visually elongates the volume. Mixed uses, including commercial spaces, co-working, co-living, and seminar or workshop areas, create a lively urban space for exchange and interaction.
Both variants embrace the concept of material reuse. The existing natural stone is set into steel frames, giving it a fresh, contemporary value. The familiar material remains visible and preserves its memory, now in a more elegant expression. The reseda green color, traditionally used in industrial contexts, evokes familiar associations with metal elements. Existing windows are refurbished and reused. The existing steel structure is carefully dismantled and prepared for reuse. Supplemented by lightweight timber floors and selective columns and beams, the structure is adapted to the new uses.
Both variants follow a lightweight skeleton structure, allowing high flexibility and adaptability. As the existing framework is predominantly steel, its condition can be accurately assessed. The aim is to reuse as many elements as possible. Dismantled steel components can be welded, shortened, or reinforced to meet new requirements. In the existing mosaic variant, the grid of the existing structure is continued in the extension. Where additional loads arise, the structure is selectively reinforced or supplemented with new columns, positioned so as not to interfere with the building’s uses.