As the "memory of the city“, the State Archive holds record and preserves important historical documents from ten centuries in its store rooms. The adjoining administration building provides space for editing, research and reading. Both parts of the building complex are connected by small bridges. Prints of historic written documents on the façade of the archive building give an indication of its valuable contents. Shimmering or reflective glass panels in various bright shades of blue evoke associations with an iceberg in which the records are stored. The storage building – the actual archive – is freestanding, its clear shape correlates with the special climatic requirements for the preservation of archive documents. The highly insulated façade is windowless, air circulates around the building and under its foundation. This sophisticated passive air conditioning ensures a constant, self-regulating indoor climate without any technical support.

Photos: Oliver Heissner