With Finesse

Reimagining Forum Velbert—preserving its architectural identity

In autumn 2023, after three years of renovation, Forum Velbert reopened as the cultural and civic heart of Velbert. The 1979 building, designed by architects Bernward von Chamier and Prof. Heinz Behrend, was thoughtfully transformed into a new community forum that honors the original vision. "We had the rare privilege of collaborating directly with the original designers," explains architect Christian Kohl, who led the project on behalf of Velberter Kulturloewen and oversaw its execution with Vinci Facilities Solutions. "Our approach was to make substantial modifications while maintaining the building's harmonious character."

While the building's architectural details initially captivated the team at Christian Kohl Architects, closer inspection revealed the underlying challenges: aging technical systems and outdated operational layouts. The redesign had to preserve what made the building architecturally and emotionally significant while making it fit for the future. The western entrance was repositioned and given new vertical circulation. The foyer now spans two stories, anchored by an integrated stair tower clad in exposed concrete and Weiberner tuff stone. To the north sit the expanded multipurpose halls, achieved by adding a floor to the existing two-story theater shell. Though the exterior appears virtually unchanged except on the north-west facade, the interior has been fundamentally reorganized. The theater and multipurpose halls remain, as do the gallery walkways, but the library, adult education center (VHS), music and art school studios, family center, and cafeteria have been newly integrated or repositioned. Evening light installations in the foyer and across the roof landscape create striking accents. Interior materials and colors strengthen the original character, while the foyer's rear wall and multipurpose room entrances now echo the flooring and facade details, emphasizing the glass-roofed gallery circulation. Modern fire safety requirements were met through minimal structural and design interventions—from new escape routes and elevators to accessible theater seating—ensuring the upgrades enhance rather than compromise the original design intent.

www.kohlarchitekten.de
www.kulturloewen.de