Max-Planck-Institute

Client: Max-Planck-Institute

Location: Hamburg

Realisation: 2020

Architects: NPC Architekten

Photos: Joachim Grothus

Invigorating redesign

The Max-Planck-Institute for Comparative and International Private Law Hamburg has the largest specialised library in this field in Europe. The institute is dedicated to basic research and international knowledge transfer. For the institute building near the Outer Alster Lake, brandherm + krumrey were commissioned to redesign three public areas. In addition to a spatial and functional makeover, the brief requested an upgrading of the atmosphere.

The redesigned spaces are centrally located on the ground floor of the building. They serve as a lounge and communication zone and are used by both staff and international guests. The aim of the interior planning was to take up the existing material and colour scheme and enhance it with a new, contemporary use of forms. The multimedia area of the institute marks the beginning of the new zone. An open counter at the entrance to the library and new height-adjustable workstations now invite users to do research using the rich collection of books. The reading corner, rarely used before, has been transformed into a lounge-like quiet area. The textiles of the seat cushions and wall coverings in mottled grey, green and orange shades enliven the existing colour scheme, while adding their own accents. A former office directly adjacent to the multimedia area was gutted and replaced by a new lounge for exchange and meetings. A platform element with various seating options structures the new space and promotes informal conversations. An open side of the podium leads to the newly created Café Max, which welcomes guests with its homely ambience. Filigree white chairs with a tubular steel frame and a large pendant luminaires made of bright textile mesh are reminiscent of the summery lightness of a garden pub. The redesign of the institute’s areas has created a communication zone that combines functional optimisation with a high-quality atmosphere of the interiors. By incorporating existing design elements achieved a modernisation of the interior design without compromising the timelessness of the building.