rene van zuuk architekten: visitor center in niederwalddankmals

‘visitors center in niederwalddankmals’ by rene van zuuk architekten, niederwalddankmals, germany images courtesy of rene van zuuk architekten

dutch practice rene van zuuk architekten has sent us images of their latest design, a competition entry for a new visitors center in niederwalddankmals, germany. located at the entrance of the osteinische park in the rhine valley, the proposal seeks to merge built and existing environments until the boundaries between the two are unidentifiable.

hidden in the landscape

integrated into the landscape, the design is void of recognizable and exaggerated expressions, so not to be in competition with the historical towns, castles and vineyards that characterize the area. reduced in scale and contoured around the landscape, the structure appears as a seamless continuation of the prevalent stone retaining walls, from which it takes its form and material attributes.

entrance

horizontal windows and curved walls lead visitors to the main entrance, positioned in the middle of the largest bay.

the gift shop and information are to the left and the cafeteria to the right. a large terrace extends off of the cafe,

providing unobstructed views across the rhine.

terrace

cafeteria

information center

site plan and floor plan

elevation