On the path of curiosity
In future, a "path of curiosity" will invite visitors to explore all levels of the building via spacious staircases. Within the central atrium, which is flooded with light, the path links together the various facilities, from comfortable seating areas to play and work areas, workshops, course rooms and gymnastics rooms to the Artothek on the fourth floor.
© kadawittfeldarchitektur
A forum staircase on the second floor invites you to sit, browse and linger - and also to enjoy an unobstructed view of the (preferably blue) sky, which directs light into the building via the glazed forum roof and therefore also characterizes the color of the stairs: blue like the sky or blue like the rose spring that originates under the building.
Learning in groups or alone? State-of-the-art media guarantee a good working atmosphere throughout the building, from sufficient power sockets in the freely accessible areas to work and course rooms whose offerings are transmitted via video. The details are currently being planned. The interior design, lighting design and guidance and orientation system are also already being developed.
If you want to know exactly, you will find numerous details in the presentation (PDF, 55 MB) by kadawittfeldarchitektur, including information on specific functions, processes, needs and space requirements. In March, the main committee of the City of Aachen approved the basic direction of the design (PDF, 11 MB) with selected colors and materials.
FAQ
Is the spring under the house accessible?
The spring cannot be made accessible to the public. It is surrounded by a technical facility and is subject to strict hygiene regulations.
Is the roof also used as a recreation area?
The roof of the building is already extensively covered, leaving little usable space: with the glass roof over the forum, with greenery, with technical elements and with the photovoltaic system. It is therefore not suitable for further use.
Will there be a café?
A café is planned for both the first floor and the top floor. The terrace on the top floor offers a view of the cathedral and town hall. However, a traditional restaurant cannot be set up on the top floor. It would take up too much space due to the necessary additional rooms such as kitchen and storage, pipes, elevators and supply ducts, which would then no longer be available to the Haus der Neugier.
