Industrial Archeology Germany: Hildenbrandsche Mülenwerke

Abstract

This Thesis deals with the theme of a disused and ruined building of the Gründerzeit period in the Saxony region, an urban void that could become a center of territorial attraction. The building, called Hildebrandsche Mühlenwerke, is an industrial watermill of 1875 and situated in the town of Halle (Saale). It is located in a suggestive area of the Böllberg district and all the industrial complex overlooks the river Saale and the nature reserve Rabeninsel und Saaleaue. The whole industry covers an area of about 10,000m² and the most significant building is the watermill, today in a state of ruin after two recent fires. After urban analysis, on the services offered in the district and on the catchment area it was possible to identify a functional program for the recovery of the building. The presence of the nature reserve, the proximity to the river and the national cycle path (Saale Radweg) has led to reuse program focused on a tourist-receptive functions: classrooms for conferences, “bett und bike” and cultural spaces with library. The idea behind the restoration work is to reconstruct the lost volume, making it light, simplifying its forms, seeking continuity with the old parts and restoring the impact in the landscape; all maintaining the enchantment of ruin. In the design intervention the main element is the steel lightweight structure which remains a continuity sign of the entire project, contrasting it with the existing wall and the new parts. It is a complex project, where the different levels of intervention and dialogue with the ruins lead to a progressive restoration. The full effect obtained is a perfect harmony with the naturalistic context, in which the mill preserves the charm of incompleteness and romantic ruin. Through the restoration project the entire building, regains its importance in the urban setting as a landmark and as a place to serve the citizens. The new transversal functions of the building allow it to be fully experienced, emerging as a place of being.