(RE)CONNECTION - Embrace the existing

A former mensa served the Hochschule Merseburg, is located in the outskirt of Merseburg, and had been sadly forgotten by the people.

(RE)CONNECTION is a concept to transform this beautifully existing former mensa into a remarkable Innovation Hub. The existing eye-catching burgundy facade has an unique characteristic which make it pop-out from the neighborhood. This concept is to reconnect the building itself, VERTICALLY between floors and HORIZONTALLY to it's abandoned backyard while still maintaining its completely useable structure, remarkable burgundy facade and existing Rudolf Sitte's artwork throughout the site.

A courtyard is extracted from the center of the building to allow more day light to enter the building and an retractable roof is added on top of the courtyard. Meanwhile, the burgundy facade on the outside is reflected to the interior thru the burgundy ducts to bring out a more playful environment for the users. The zig-zag pathway in the backyard is a seamless extension of the ramp connecting the ground floor to the backyard.

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Here are some site pictures that are took by my classmate during our site visit in Merseburg, to show the current states of the project and to get a more understanding with the real situation.