"Multi-Center" for Culture and Community
Revitalization of the Rupprecht-Haus in Gevelsberg
Our design, awarded first prize, embodies the ATP "NEW LIFE" initiative. Through sustainable transformation, a former, partially vacant department store is turned into a vibrant centre for culture and community in the heart of the city.
A new identity for an old department store
The Rupprecht-Haus, with its characteristic department store facade and prominent location in the centre of Gevelsberg, is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Having lost much of its significance and appeal, it is now being converted to bring together previously decentralized public, social, and cultural facilities under one roof. Our award-winning design, developed in close cooperation with ATP Zero, transforms the partially vacant building into a thriving socio-cultural hub that contributes significantly to revitalizing the city centre with its diverse offerings.
Connecting, adapting, transforming
In addition to general areas and a coworking space, the former Rupprecht department store will house a music school, library, city archive, and family office. To ensure short distances and optimal connectivity between these functional areas, they are centrally located in the northern part of the five-storey existing building. At the heart of the design is the dual-flight staircase, a generous vertical connector symbolizing the concept of connection. This sculptural element extends in front of a green wall from the first floor to the top level, creating spaces for interaction.
The main access on the ground floor is via a single-flight staircase with platforms and seating steps, which can be flexibly converted into an indoor stage for evening performances. The rooftop has also been reimagined: instead of car parking spaces, it now features a city park, offering additional recreational space for residents.
The rooftop park integrates seamlessly into the building’s existing uses and enriches the surrounding area, providing a public playground and event space not previously available in Gevelsberg.
Andrés Gómez
Architect, Head of Design in Frankfurt
Facade design with a narrative touch
Just as the interior fosters connections, the exterior of the building engages with its surroundings. The roof slopes echo the forms of neighbouring buildings, while vertical wooden slats and horizontal metal profiles structure the facade, offering selective glimpses inside. The design narrates the building's use: the concept of a musical score intertwines with that of a bookshelf, symbolizing the functions of the music school and library through filled, partially filled, and empty sections visible from the outside.
As part of our New-Life initiative, we focus on revitalizing inner-city department store properties. The transformation of the Rupprecht-Haus provides the building with an entirely new identity and –more importantly –a special benefit for the daily lives of the city’s residents.
Matthias Koch
Architect, Managing Director in Frankfurt
ESG in focus
The building is characterized by optimized lifecycle costs. Numerous measures to reduce energy consumption meet the highest thermal standards (EG 40EE). A hermetically sealed envelope, a reversible air-to-water heat pump, and a PV system ensure efficient energy supply. Eco-friendly materials and recyclable constructions promote resource conservation and circular economy principles.
Green roof surfaces for rainwater retention, along with biophilic elements such as the rooftop city park and green south façade, emphasize the sustainable nature of this revitalization project. A green interior wall, featuring plants and echoing the diamond-shaped elements of the existing facade, serves as a striking design feature.
