Stuttgart Citizen and Media Center by Henning Larsen Architects

Henning Larsen Architects, the international firm of the late Henning Larsen, was selected to build the new Citizen and Media Center in Stuttgart, Germany this past July. In collaboration with engineering firm Knippers Helbig, the new Center will be located in Stuttgart’s Castle Park and is described to be a distinctive entrance to the listed parliament building in Baden-Württemberg, which attracts over 65,000 visitors a year. It will also provide access to exhibitions and press conferences.

The Citizen and Media Center is one of the acclaimed firm's many wins that we've previously posted, including a new research building also based in Stuttgart.

Learn more about the company's latest competition win right below.

"Citizen and Media Centre, Stuttgart
Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Client: Land Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart
Team: Henning Larsen Architects, Knippers Helbig
Gross floor area: 2,800 m2
Type of assignment: 1st prize in interview competition

Team at Henning Larsen Architects: Louis Becker (Partner), Werner Frosch (Project Director) Daniel Baumann, Sonny Holmberg, Juliane Demel, Luísa Paiva, Eileen Dorer."  

"The new Citizen and Media Centre in Stuttgart forms a distinctive entrance to the listed Baden-Württemberg parliament building.  The parliament attracts 65,000 visitors each year, and the new building will provide access to exhibitions and press conferences.

The new entrance is shaped like a large amphitheatre, sunk in the ground. The round shape creates an agora in the centre, ideal for political meetings and public cultural events alike.

The shape stands as an emblem of the democratic process: in ancient Greece the agora formed the centre of political and public life, as a scene for debates, meetings and theatre..."  

"...The Citizen and Media Centre is primarily situated below grade, and is subordinate to the listed modernist parliament building. The new building fits in as a part of the landscape, preserving the prominence of the existing landmark.

The new centre consists of a foyer, conference spaces and exhibition area, all visually connected to the outside agora. For security purposes, these areas can be closed off from the parliament building itself. This separation also makes it possible possible to host larger events at late hours, without compromising the parliament building.   

The new Citizen and Media Centre is located in Stuttgart Castle Park and creates a new public space in the urban park. The surrounding landscape and ample daylight have provided inspiration for the design of the new building. Special cylindrical windows create a bright and friendly atmosphere, and filter the daylight, giving visitors the impression of walking under a big tree."

"The Parliament Building in Baden-Württemberg

The modern parliament building in Baden-Württemberg from 1961 was the first parliament building to be built in Germany after World War II. The square building stands alone among other historic buildings in Stuttgart Castle Park. The building is highly decorated with many of the ornaments made by high-profile artists."

Click the thumbnails below to see plans and sections.