Reconstruction of the service building in Bielefeld by Müller Reimann Architects

In the West German city of Bielefeld, there are a number of examples of modern architecture by international creators (MARTa Hertford by F. Gehry or Kunsthalle by P. Johnson), but also quality German examples from the 1950s. One such building is the 'Kreishaus' (Round House built between 1952-54 by local architect Thiel), which was reopened after a two-year renovation as a Center for Technical Services under the municipal administration. The reconstruction was commissioned to the Berlin office of Müller Reimann Architekten, which won the project in 2010. The valuable structure from the 1950s was carefully restored and complemented by a new wing, which closely resembles its older neighbor. The two stages of development are difficult to distinguish from each other, which the authors explain by stating that “the mass of the existing building was supplemented to form a more coherent figure that better responds to the diverse surrounding situation and more strongly integrates into the existing city.” Although the architects remained true to the original expression and material during the expansion, they hope that both phases can be distinguished through expression and the way they relate to their surroundings: “The newly designed mass carefully adapts to the urban structure and lends the place a more appropriate scale.”
The central element of the entire structure is a longitudinal atrium that spans the height of the entire building. Sculpturally shaped arms of a circular staircase are placed in the open space. While the original part of the building preserved the classic office layout, the new wing features offices grouped into open and more transparent combined zones. Special attention was paid to the renovation of the two-story hall with a gallery, where lectures and discussions will take place. The reconstructed 'Kreihaus', with a budget of 26.5 million euros, offers 600 employees a space of 17,000 m² in 400 offices.