Hyparschale Magdeburg

Building wayfinding system

The Hyparschale in Magdeburg is a meticulously renovated new event location on the banks of the Elbe River. The exhibition and trade fair hall, built in 1969 in the former GDR, was designed by structural engineer Ulrich Müther. Flexible use was a key requirement of the client, leading the international architecture firm gmp to develop a new spatial concept with various usage scenarios. This requirement is reflected in the design of the wayfinding system.

Hyparschale Magdeburg
Building wayfinding system

Magdeburg 2024

Client
gmp International GmbH

Project owner
Landeshauptstadt Magdeburg
Eigenbetrieb Kommunales Gebäudemanagement

Architecture
gmp International GmbH

Area
3.948 sqm

Photos
Stefan Schilling
Müther constructed the concrete shell using four hyperbolic paraboloids, which span an area of more than 2,000 square meters as a roof — an innovation at the time.

The result is a system of numbers and pictograms that integrates elegantly into the monochromatic architecture. Some elements are illuminated, while others are printed on large fabric surfaces. This creates an intriguing interplay between technically inspired symbols and words that occasionally move through the space.

The wayfinding system is fully integrated into the architecture and does not require any sign carriers. All elements of the system stand out clearly while enhancing the aesthetic quality and unique atmosphere of the building in a distinctive way.

Silver, retractable, printed curtains divide the space. When opened, the continuous air space remains perceptible, which is a significant enhancement to the spatial experience of the shell structure.
The use of different surfaces such as glass, metal mesh, and fabric creates shimmering color tones.

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