Evangelical Church Campus Nuremberg

Instead of simply demolishing an old concrete block from the 1970s in the heart of the city, we gut the old high-rise and transform it resource-friendly into a communicative campus – a testimony to a lasting responsibility for the environment and the urban fabric, very true to the spirit of the client.

A decision that made headlines: the former Nuremberg postal headquarters – a.k.a. Betonburg (“Concrete Castle”) – is to become a campus of the Protestant churches in Bavaria. As opposed to simply demolishing the hermetic office building along the old city wall, the Evangelical Church launched an architectural competition for a resource-friendly reuse of the existing substance. An attractive, future-oriented project should enhance its image, achieve presence in Nuremburg, and guarantee accessibility for all. The church was in search of an expression of faith and respect for creation beyond the boundaries its own congregations – in the form of a sustainable, responsible stance towards the city and its inhabitants.

»Clear and open, eye-catching, inviting and transparent for urban society.«

The Evangelical Church on the design by Franz&Sue

»From an urban development standpoint, this is a natural-seeming interpretation that honors the pre-existing 1970s complex while giving it a new, modern face.«

From the competition jury’s comments

Open, Welcoming and Communicative

The complex has an open and airy feel. The campus welcomes visitors to the large forecourt with its seating steps and, via an inviting glazed entrance, leads them to the café and library. The event hall and canteen form a multifunctional central hub, flanked by two green atriums. All around, on the ground floors, the public life of the educational campus unfolds. The entire ground floor area becomes a space for social interaction and gathering. The courtyards and roof terraces of varying heights create attractive open spaces on every level, offering room for urban gardening, outdoor lessons, relaxation and sport. A Sky Lounge offers a breathtaking view over the city’s rooftops.