Architecture / Poland / House of Brodnica
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Architecture
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
David Chipperfield Architects
www.davidchipperfield.com
Photography
Simon Menges
www.simonmenges.com
Location
Berlin, Germany
Selected Gira product solutions
Gira F 100
Gira motion detector for outdoor use
Architecture / Germany / Neue Nationalgalerie
But the building
was starting to age
and was in dire
need of thorough
redevelopment.
To carry out this
project in the
best spirit of the
original designer,
David Chipperfield
Architects had
stepped in.
“As much Mies as
possible” was the
motto of what was
ultimately a six-year,
concentrated,
elaborate and detailed
undertaking.
Working with the original was a priority
throughout the project – and the patina,
as well as traces of use, were not to be
completely eliminated. Although more than
10,000 granite floor tiles, among other
things, were removed, restored and replaced
in the foyer, they still show traces of visitors
from the past. The utility shafts, clad in
exquisite Tinos marble, were also preserved
true to the original. Any damage to original
materials was merely concealed. The historic
lighting fixtures were also preserved, but
were converted to energy-saving LED
technology.
Gira F 100
The Gira F 100 design line provides an extra-
large operating surface, making it extra
easy to turn the lights on and off in passing.
As part of the efficient organisation of
space, an old picture storage area has
become the new museum shop. The design
there, however, is true to the original style:
oak veneer, black granite and exposed
concrete. And matching switches from
Gira – simple and elegant. Presumably in
the spirit of Mies van der Rohe.
The enormous foyer (photo: Simon Menges)
Gentle additions.
The foyer at street level: clear lines, unobstructed view (photo: Simon Menges)
Still deserted: the new museum shop (photo: Simon Menges)
01 Pure white glossy
01
Surface-
mounted
Standard
installation
Colour variants
