The competition’s task required an exploration of a part of European history which is not undisputed. The Ordensburg Vogelsang was considered the ideological training centre for the national socialist regime’s future party cadre. The emerging visitor centre consciously opposes the original building structure; visually contrasting contact areas between old and new underline the new structure’s independence. Only the reception area and the adjacent shop are situated in the new structural element. All other required functions such as an exhibition hall, restaurant, seminar area and administration offices were housed in the existing “Adlerhof” building.

The purposeful path layout stages the arrival in this unique natural landscape, yet challenges its visitors’ sensual perception through its materiality. Vitreously, airily, dazzlingly and metallically is how the new structure as a matter of course absorbs its historical and scenic surroundings, only to then fragment, dissolve and multiply them in their surfaces – like an alchemistic reinterpretation.

Apposite to the complexity of the design is the variably mounted, slightly sloping metal access catwalk. Its subtle oscillation upon entering demands the user to confront the visible and the experienced; step by step, the immateriality of the reflecting path has to be reconciled with the sensual, tangible experience. Oscillating between fascination and irritation, the structural solution reinforces these sensory stimuli which are triggered by this place’s landscape and history for every visitor.