Carmen Würth Forum by David Chipperfield Architects

Description of the project by David Chipperfield Architects

The headquarters of the company Adolf Würth is situated to the south of the German  town of Künzelsau. The Carmen Würth Forum, designed by David Chipperfield  Architects, is to be built within its direct vicinity. During a first stage of construction,  an event hall and a chamber music hall are due for completion in 2017.

The building is embedded in the landscape, characterised by expansive meadows  and fields, which it integrates as an architectural theme. Two retaining walls made of  bush-hammered, in-situ concrete frame a forecourt in front of the main entrance to  the building. This square serves as a forum for diverse outdoor events, such as open- air concerts. The main entrance leads into the naturally lit foyer, from where the large  event hall is accessed. While the lower level of the hall is sunk into the earth, the  upper gallery level, which is glazed on all sides, rises above the highest point of the  terrain. The event hall provides space for 3,500 people and can be used for a diverse  range of events, including sporting events. The trussed steel construction of the  ceiling spans column-free over the entire length of the hall.

The more intimate chamber music hall seats up to 500 people. From the outside this  smaller hall is only perceptible as a modulation of the landscape. As is the case for  the event hall, the chamber music hall likewise features a gallery level with audience  seating.

A conference centre and a museum for the Würth art collection are to follow in a  second construct ion stage.