Car Park At The Bollwerksturm
- locationHeilbronn
- year1999
- clientStadtwerke Heilbronn
Multi-storey car park
Standing in a green, undeveloped area on the edge of the inner city of Heilbronn near the Bastion Tower, this parking block is surrounded by large old trees. The building, which is long and narrow on plan and does not rise above the tips of the trees, is distinguished by its clear lines and outer surfaces. Since large quantities of timber were used in the construction, the development harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
The parking block is clad on all faces with a skin of stout vertical timber members that the sun turns brown and the rain washes to a stone grey and that is drawn lightly round the curved narrow ends of the building. The fine lines of these spaced timbers afford an indistinct view of the interior.In the open internal space, the narrow gaps between the wooden strips create a subtle play of light. Fresh air and hints of colour penetrate this fine outer screen, which thus mediates between inside and outside.
The wooden volume, rising as high as the trees, has the appearance of a large free-standing sculpture. With the delicate linear structure of its translucent skin softly hugging the curved form, it makes a powerful impression without appearing heavy. Visitors pass through the park before entering the building. Access to the individual decks is via an external staircase. On ascending to the level of the treetops, one has a panoramic view of the city. The parking block is enclosed on all sides over its full height by a very fine outer layer of wire mesh, which is drawn round the building like a veil and divides it from the park.
