The new "Jugendherberge" (Youth Hostel) is situated in an old quarter of Bremen that stretches out along the river in narrow streets. Damaged in the war, the quarter nowadays is characterised by post-war rebuilding. As in many cities, the urban planning intents to revitalise the waterfront after a period of neglect.
The project is an extension of the old "Jugendherberge" dating from 1955. The competition brief called for more guest rooms as well as conference facilities, a public café and a more spacious foyer that could be used for public events.
The urban situation on the riverbank is quite prominent. The building is seen across and along the water from many directions. By virtue of its massing the extension manages to house the additional program while yielding vistas out of the old building. In addition, it forms the third side of a long triangular square to the west.
The old building is being complemented by two new volumes which are separated from each other by void spaces or receding glass infills. The plinth houses the communal spaces while the slab accomodates 24 new guest rooms.
Internally, a circulation spiral creates a spatial continuum along the two lower floors up to the large roof terrace of the third floor. A small patio on the second floor admits natural light to conference rooms in the old part of the building that was equally restructured.
The two new volumes are differenciated in color, material and surface treatment. The flat volume of the second floor is clad in aubergine coloured aluminum with the large panoramic window slightly set back. The facade material are aluminum composite panels that can be used for reveals, window sills and parapets likewise. The panels of 150 cm width are riveted and painted high-gloss. Louvers for sun protection of the large glazed areas are integrated.
The concave curve of the receding first floor facade follows the sidewalk. The volume of the second floor above it cantilevers over the public space, protecting the outside seating of the café. Its underside, clad in glossy aluminum likewise, mirrors the people walking on the sidewalk.
The yellow slab is clad in enameled glass in five different hues, with point fixings, mounted in front of the insulated concrete wall. The custom-made aluminum window frames are set flush with the glass surface and painted in the same color palette. The elements cover the frames of the floor-height operable window-doors. A stainless steel handrail in combination with a glass pane is integrated in the window frames.
The extension is developed according to the interplay of contrast and likeness with the old. In a city whose mentality is traditionally a little reserved, it sets a colourful counterpoint. The yellow palette of the building resonates with the ship signs in the river, making it another kind of signal in the urban landscape.
