The central campus of this art school is located in the former Abbey of St. Ludger (Verdun Monastery). The main building dates back to the 18th century, and the buildings flanking its courdoner - to the 19th century. One of them, a military hospital, was demolished in 1969, and the library took its place, giving the ensemble an integral look again. Regular division of its facades, dimensions and decoration of the main entrance with a staircase echo the historical surroundings.
Dudler based the project on the metaphor of the "museum showcase" as a repository of values. The façade he developed in collaboration with the photographer Stefan Müller played a significant role in conveying this idea. Its glass panels are covered with photographs of natural stone at a scale of 1: 1; a total of 12 different motifs are used on the facades. As a result, the impression of perfectly polished stone slabs is created, but through the facade you can see the shadows of people moving in the interior, and in the dark it shines through, as if made of alabaster.
The supporting structure of the library is a reinforced concrete frame. Its pillars and pillars containing the ventilation system are sheathed in cherry wood, as are the bookcases that set a clear rhythm for the interior. The reading room is located in the center of the building, on the second floor; not only the shelves, but also the tables and chairs there are made according to the design of Max Dudler.
On the first level of the building there are counters for the subscription department, booths where you can listen and watch media materials, administration offices and a cloakroom. The archive is located in the basement.
N. F.
