Architecture between classicism and contemporary administration
The renovation of the listed Witten Town Hall has comprehensively modernised and further developed a historically and urbanistically significant building ensemble for the future. The classicist town hall is a listed building and was renovated with the aim of preserving its historical substance while creating a modern, functional and citizen-friendly administrative environment.
The entire project was carried out in two construction phases under the project management of the assmann group, based on designs by Kemper, Steiner & Partner Architects and Urban Planners. It included both the renovation of the façade and roof and the comprehensive modernisation of the interior areas, including the technical building equipment in the south and north wings. In addition to energy efficiency measures, a particular focus was placed on accessibility, functional reorganisation and the integration of contemporary digital infrastructure.
In the south wing, the new RathausForum was created in the former inner courtyard. This central, open-plan area brings together important citizen services such as information and advice and strengthens the town hall as a meeting place. Modern workplaces are available in individual, group and multi-person offices, as well as meeting rooms, technical areas and barrier-free access. This creates contemporary working conditions for employees.
In the second phase of construction, the north wing, including the historic council chamber, was renovated. Particular attention was paid to the careful preservation of historical details and the sensitive integration of modern materials and components.
The analogue guidance system was implemented by meng based on the quintessenz signage system. In the north and south wings, QUAM modules in various formats are used as main signposts, floor signposts and next to lifts. The module combinations consist of permanently labelled metal panels and self-labelling interchangeable modules for flexible, replaceable information. For clear orientation, the systems are equipped with coloured accent strips made of matt foil: yellow marks the south wing, blue the north wing. The head and foot panels are painted in RAL 7016 grey and additionally finished with a matt protective coating. In addition to directional arrows as foil plots, the permanently labelled head panels feature location information in Braille and pyramid writing. The main signposts are supplemented by tactile information boards with site plans that support barrier-free orientation. Additional elements such as quintessenz ceiling signs QD, flag signs QFA, door signs QTEAK with fixed text and tactile base panels, and tactile QTE room number signs next to the meeting rooms complete the signage system. Together, they create a uniform appearance with a high level of user-oriented functionality.
The result is a citizen-friendly town hall that combines modern working environments in a listed, classicist building ensemble and offers an open space for all citizens of the city of Witten.