The Hauptstrasse in Dresden is one of the most prominent addresses in town, owed to its baroque structure and position, opposite the historic center. The structures were designed and constructed by Wolf Caspar von Klengel by 1730. The largest section of the construction was destroyed in the bombings of 1945. The new buildings, were constructed using pre-cast concrete panels, a system commonly used at the time. Both these urbanistic and conceptual approaches, are still valid to this day. The reconstruction, beginning in 1997, was realised in five steps (phases). The aim of the reconstruction, was to be able to offer, affordable housing and retail space, at this extraordinary location, thus creating a vitalization of the district. Materiality and chromaticity were changed, but remaining within given frame and design rules, resulting in a vital and distinguished overall ensemble. A specific solution had to be sought for the buildings at the beginning of the street as there were no windows in the gable walls of the pre-cast system. On the east side, a shimmering veil is used to cover the existing structure. Large windows accent the veil, these are a reference the renowned “ Canalettoblick”, recreated by many famous painters.
The final section, Hauptstraße 2 is situated in the visual axis to Neustadt from Brühlsche Terrasse. The slanting side panels of the new construction of the loggia are not only creating an interesting geometry but also a visual shield for the residents. To illustrate the value of the site the building was meant to get a golden glow.
Hauptstraße 1 was exhibited as part of the contribution “Convertible City for the German Pavillion in the 10. Biennale in Venice.
The projects have been widely published and recognized with Bauherrenpreis für
Modernisierung 1997, Gestaltungspreis der Wüstenrotstiftung, Best Architects 08 Award in Gold.
