Kunstgebäude Stuttgart

Refurbishment and modernisation of a historic building

The Kunstgebäude Stuttgart is a central place for art and culture in the heart of the city. Since opening in 1913 it has served as a venue for the presentation of modern art and has become an established and significant exhibition space – an architectural testament of its time that simultaneously offers space for contemporary content.

In the course of the comprehensive refurbishment and modernisation, particular focus was placed on selecting and precisely integrating door elements that had to meet the highest demands both in terms of design and security. On behalf of blocher partners we delivered a wide range of door systems that meet fire and burglary protection requirements in line with applicable building regulations and at the same time integrate into the listed building fabric.

A central design element was the portal doors in the entrance hall, integrated flush into large fire-protection glazing. In addition, individually crafted door solutions were also used in the Marble Hall, the Domed Hall and on the gallery – embedded in lamella walls or white wall claddings, sometimes discreetly concealed, sometimes deliberately staged.

Anyone restoring historic buildings such as the Kunstgebäude quickly hits the limits of purely modern processes. What is decisive for a successful revitalisation is therefore not only technical know-how but also a thorough knowledge of traditional craft methods – for example in the working of materials or the application of specific joinery and fitting techniques.

Back in 2018 blocher partners won the Europe-wide two-stage architectural competition for the redesign of the building. As part of this, all levels were made barrier-free, the spatial structure was opened up and a new atmosphere of openness and flexibility was created through targeted natural light.

Even during the first construction phase we were involved in delivery. The existing doors installed back then have now also been refurbished as part of the current refurbishment and harmoniously integrated into the new architectural concept.