Urban planning for renovation and extension of the Meisterhäuser Complex, Dessau - Germany [Open Competition 2008, 4th Price]

An analysis of the existing building stock revealed its character as structures dominated by the addition and subtraction of primary geometric forms.
The purpose of the plan was to trace the structures back to their original form by means of abstraction and to enhance their effectiveness through this newly-gained simplicity. The original design vocabulary is being readopted but taken on a new level of abstraction, which creates a tension but no rivalry between old and new. This concept extends to the materiality. The new structures are also "white architectures" but due to their smooth and reflecting surfaces, they are dissolving in the context.
The documentation center adopts the maximum volume of the two predecessor buildings and creates a neutral and flexible exhibition space. It re-addresses the exceptional position of the former director’s house within the row of buildings, making it the logical venue for an attractive documentation center.
The library and parts of the administration are housed in the completed Meisterhaus side. The new application readopts the contours of the lost Meisterhaus but does not reconstruct its architectural appearance.
As a reminiscence to the location of the former "Trinkhalle", a café facing the park landscape is to be found on the corner of the property. The materiality of the property enclosure supports the issues of integration and mediation, it reflects and permits perspectives.

Architect: M. Stankovic + T. Jortzick [Marina Stankovic Architekten BDA]