DIA - Dittel Architekten puts city and people in the focus of the new interior design concept of the city library in Esslingen and convinces the jury with a multifaceted and innovative interior design. As the literary center of the city and an indispensable part of the urban infrastructure, the library is one of the most important public institutions and a valuable place for social encounters and communication.
The redesign breaks with familiar structures and frees the space for a modern interior design that narrates the culture of an entire city. Urban elements are the inspiration for the concepts of use of the new zoning, which is presented on more than five floors. Thus, the entrance area "marketplace", a workshop, cinema, museum and event hall serve as a place of gathering, while the reading lounge and literature café unfold as a place of retreat. Impulse zones encourage visitors to go on an interactive journey of discovery, while more intimate areas present themselves in a quiet atmosphere for relaxed recreation. A third, independent place is created, which puts people in the center and creates a new place to stay for young and old in the heart of the city.
Striking places of the urban fabric and the abstracted translation of the colorfulness of the facades, materiality of the building fabric and structures of the city center tell the culture and diversity of Esslingen along the new interior design. The exciting identity of the city is transferred to the interior and can be experienced both haptically and visually. Each floor is given a tonality associated with the theme area - derived from the existing buildings of the historic old town. The guidance system is subtle via gradations of saturation within the respective color tone. The active and communal zones are accentuated with strong colors. The more private and secluded the respective area, the lighter the color.
With dignified handling, the listed building stock is harmoniously combined with the modern elements and staged by modern lighting systems and furnishings. The resulting naturalness of the overall concept creates a warm and calm ambience of well-being with a high quality of stay. The openings in the building structure, transparent glass elements and free lines of sight create an open and friendly atmosphere. The landscaped inner courtyard is the heart of the public library and, as a reading garden, creates a natural and calming oasis of silence in the middle of the city.
The new city library becomes a place of experience and community with history, which invites development and participation.
