Cafeteria Aalen

The cafeteria continues the linear, urban development motif of the overall design of the campus, made up of sequences of buildings and squares, northwards. Situated on a terrace, numerous supporting larch planking and a wooden roof form an open space on the front side of the building. The play of light and shadow modulates the appearance of the facades during the course of the day.

The line formation of the supporting larch planking constitutes the light longitudinal walls. They combine both the outer reaches of the space and protection against the sun in a walls that are 50 cm deep. The roof support structure is mounted between the prefabricated walls so as to obtain a fine, horizontal line as a finish to the roof. A building with restful structures, which harmoniously combine both the requirements of the program and the location.

The huge panorama terrace provides a fixed foundation for the wooden building and protects the wooden construction against the elements. A core made out of concrete is positioned in this wooden and support-free room which encompasses the kitchen and adjoining rooms. Both inside and outside the building, the robust wooden planks determine the atmosphere of the space.

Due to the serial repetition of the wooden facade planking, changing vistas are created between the campus and the adjacent greenery. Depending on angle of view, the building appears to be either open or closed. A translucent exterior wall is created, which directs the viewer’s gaze to the entrance and terrace. The simple geometry of the elements and their interplay create a beautiful spatial atmosphere.