BDA ESSEN AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC CHOICE AWARD

In 2014, the Folkwang Library received the outstanding buildings award from the BDA Essen and the public choice award.

Jury statement:
With remarkable self-assurance the architect succeeds in fulfilling the stipulated urban planning challenge posed by the Episcopal residence, which is today used by the Folkwang School. A precisely placed trapezoidal structure, built at a suitable distance to the preexisting buildings, complements the historic courtyard, from which it is also and rightly accessed. With its cubic solidity, the library building presents a contrast to the existing, baroque structure. Its poise is derived from a simple, two-dimensional glazed façade structure, which consists of printed glass panes with stone block motifs, a proposal that was hotly debated.
Its overall lively impression harmonises outstandingly with the yellow stucco buildings and the lively cobbled courtyard.
Although the library’s interior will already be familiar in terms of structuring and materiality from the architect’s previous library buildings, this by no means detracts from the suitability and focused atmosphere of the reading room and surrounding library areas. Almost all the details have been formulated to the same, high architectural standard and meet the demands of timeless design.