ContextLocated in the direct vicinity of the Semperoper and castle, the Zwinger represents the historic centre of Dresden and is one of the most-visited sights of the city. The architecture of the building is characterised by a clear horizontality, which can be traced back to its original use as an orangerie and as a stage for festivities.
Planning concept
The unique panorama opened up to visitors to the Zwinger courtyard prohibits the addition of any kind of vertical interruption. Orientation
is provided exclusively via four horizontal site plans in the courtyard, located at the corners of the grass parterre.
Design concept
The site plans consist of dark green coloured concrete with white and turquoise lettering, corresponding to the copper-coloured roofs of the surroundings. The materiality and proportions of the steel-edged frame establishes a natural link to the lawn edging.
Construction
Water inlets located beneath the site plans re- sulted in the construction of a railed design that facilitates the effortless movement of the 350 kg concrete slabs for cleaning and maintenance purposes. The floating effect of the site plans highlights the intention of treating this almost sacrosanct location with the utmost care.Awards
Nomination for the Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany 2009, iF communication design award 2007