This new cafeteria and media center is located adjacent to the recently renovated Darmstadt Vocational Training Center. The open space in front creates a shared courtyard, serving as an inviting entrance to the campus. The two-story, standalone square building plays a key role in defining the park’s entrance and overall atmosphere.
The design concept is based on structuralism, featuring a 45-degree rotation of the building’s floor plan. This approach is expressed through a 3 x 3 meter square grid that structures the layout. The cafeteria’s wooden load-bearing frame, foldable glass facade, and black corrugated perforated metal cladding combine to create an open and refined architectural expression.
The ground floor houses the cafeteria and media center with an outdoor terrace, alongside seminar rooms and offices for the adult education center. At the heart of the building, a sculptural circular staircase connects to the second floor, which contains a dining area and service facilities with seating capacity for up to 300 people.
The building’s structural framework plays a defining role in shaping the spatial experience. It features glued laminated wooden beams arranged in an orthogonal 3 x 3 meter grid, forming the basic modular units of the structuralist design. Each module corresponds to a seating arrangement with a table and six chairs, fostering communication and embodying the character of a restaurant space.
The building’s overall geometry is rotated 45 degrees relative to its edges, creating a jagged outline both inside and out. The use of wood, glass, metal surfaces, and exposed concrete contributes to a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere throughout. Additionally, a surrounding balcony offers extra seating for outdoor dining.
Project Drawings
△ Base Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architectural Design: wulf architekten
Area: 3,530 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: Brigida González
Manufacturers: Alucobond, FSB, Merkle Holzbau GmbH, Wicona, planlicht GmbH & Company KG
Responsible Partner: Ingmar Menzer
Project Manager: Camilo Hernandez
Architectural Designers: Lisa Eppel, Stanislaus Ruff, Kateryna Shelegon, Janka Vizdak
Construction Management: schneider+schumacher Bau-und Projektmanagement GmbH
Landscape Design: Jetter Landschaftsarchitekten Stuttgart
Building Physics: Brüssau Bauphysik GmbH Fellbach
Kitchen Design: Inglus Ingenieurbüro Sindelfingen
Lighting Design: WISAG Elektrotechnik Hessen GmbH & Co. KG Frankfurt am Main
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up