2_1_DiscoverGermany_March2014_Issue12:Scan Magazine 1
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Creative Germany 2014
Investor related planning and building with high aspirations For about 15 years the architects at willwersch architekten have dedicated their work to office- and residential building projects, working closely with real estate developers and investors. Uniting sustainable planning, which in turn ensures a reduction in expenses, with high quality architecture is their main focus. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: WILLWERSCH
For Stefan Willwersch and his colleagues, architecture begins with a thorough planning process: a profile of future users is included, as is an analysis of the budget and a plan for the intended aesthetics. Additionally, each project has to consider an urban building context.
contemporary way is the inspiration for the architect’s work. While willwersch architekten do construct new buildings according to this context and rules, they also work on converting old buildings and renovating listed buildings. Sustainable and aesthetic architecture
When considering an urban building context, architects have to include more than one aspect, for example the topography of the location in which the building is intended to be constructed. Interpreting the context and the use of local materials in a
74 | Issue 12 | March 2014
In this process sustainability is a key word explains Stefan Willwersch: “This means a project has to stick to the planned budget but should contain aesthetic characteristics as well. Functionality – according to the demands of rental as well as owner-occupied
Main image: Rosenberghöfe, apartment buildings in Stuttgart
flats – advertising effectiveness, profitability and its own identity are part of this sustainability.” Considering these factors creates an additional value for builders and is therefore vital for modern housing architecture. Formal aspects play as an important role as “functional, contextual, economic and technical requirements.”And as Willwersch says: “That is the foundation of our work.” Architecture starts with the planning process, and for the architects at willwersch architekten this includes not only creating a draft, but also preparing assessments and plans for conducting the official licensing of buildings as well as the planning of details. Often enough, this means taking part in competitions. The architectural office around Stefan Willwersch has long-term experience in con-