With the charm of days gone by
Maierhof Education Center, Passau Clinic
The former Maierhof Hospital and St. Josef’s Church have been refurbished, modernized, and given a new use: The historic walls now house a modern, hospital-related educational center for 120 students with teaching spaces, a training and simulation center, administration and office spaces, and a ceremonial hall.
Transforming a former hospital into an educational center was an exciting and appealing task for the educational building experts in Nuremberg. Given that the hospital was subject to strict listed building requirements, particular “tact” was required.Given that the hospital was subject to strict listed building requirements, particular “tact” was required: Without detracting from the historic charm, the ATP design team gave the internal spaces a highly modern atmosphere that meets the needs of the students. In addition, the floor area was subtly extended towards the interior, the various usage units were transferred to the room organization and the “old” and the “new” were linked together in terms of design.
Old & new
The renovation included the conversion of the Maierhofspital into a modern education center and the relief of the main building by transferring the functional offices of the staff council and technical administration. St. Josef’s Church was transformed into a banquet hall. The building's floor plan and façade were preserved, with only minimal structural alterations. The old vaulted cellar of the main building was given a new function and is now used as an underground, weather-protected connecting tunnel to Passau Hospital.
Façade
New external windows were created in line with those of the earlier building. These not only improve the lighting in the spaces but also meet very high energy-efficiency requirements. The richly ornamental plaster façade and, hence, the historic appearance have been retained. In order to unify the internal courtyard, with its numerous additional structures, and to guarantee a clear built form, the balcony objects were removed.
From church to ceremonial hall
The interior design is characterized by bright rooms with a modern ambience. However, the charm of days gone by can still be found in the stairwells and the stained glass windows. The highlight of the BZM is the new ceremonial hall, which was originally St. Josef’s Church. Even after refurbishment, the space still has a sacred aura. As one takes one’s seat one can see the silhouette of the altar shimmering through a projection screen. The historic vaulted ceiling was also restored and now lends the space a unique character.
