1st Prize for sustainable transformation
Revitalization of the Rupprecht-Haus in Gevelsberg
The competition-winning design exemplifies the ATP “NEW LIFE” initiative, which focuses on revitalizing vacant department stores. With a clear emphasis on ESG factors, the former Rupprecht department store is transformed into a vibrant “multi-centre” for the city’s residents.
With this ambitious urban development project, we set an innovative example for the future-oriented repurposing of vacant department stores. As integrated designers, we leverage our comprehensive expertise in designing multifunctional buildings and sustainably revitalising and renovating existing structures. This expertise is being applied with particular focus as part of the “NEW LIFE” initiative.
The award-winning revitalization approach incorporates extensive sustainability measures and provides a vital impetus for reinvigorating the city centre.
Facade design with a bibliophile touch
Connection is the guiding principle behind the design, creating multifunctional links both inside and out that offer optimal conditions for services, interaction, and exchange. The innovative facade design – inspired by its future use as a music school and library – evokes the image of a musical score combined with a bookshelf. The building’s future functions are thus transparently communicated to the outside.
Holistic sustainability in focus
The building sets new standards with its comprehensive ecological, economic, and social qualities. Innovative measures to reduce energy consumption, efficient use of resources, generous green spaces, and a well-thought-out functional organization of areas contribute to lifecycle costs that are sustainably optimized. Overall, the design provides the best conditions to transform the Rupprecht-Haus into a central hub for the cultural and social life of Gevelsberg’s residents.
“The design […] offers an approach that is highly qualitative and functional throughout all levels of the interior. The so-called ‘City Foyer’ is rightly oriented and accessed from the north, flanked by a café and multipurpose rooms available to diverse community groups. The transparent glass facade on the ground floor provides clear views inside, showcasing the building’s internal functions positively to the outside world. The jury welcomes the placement of the event area in the central section of the building, which opens onto Mauerstraße, thus contributing to the vibrancy of this area.” – Excerpt from the jury statement
NEW LIFE: “New Life for Department Stores”
As part of the initiative, ATP is developing future-proof revitalization concepts for vacant department stores. The goal is to breathe new life into urban architectural relics through creative repurposing and innovative planning. This results in attractive, multifunctional, and user-oriented spaces that benefit the population and provide significant added value for the city.
