reiner john links historic building to new extension with glass façade

artist reiner john has been asked to design the more than 300sqm glass façade to create a connection between a historic school house, built in the late 1900’s, and its new extension made by jäcklein architects.

the new project is located in the well-preserved medieval city of iphofen (germany), close to the main river and surrounded by vineyards. both buildings belong to the city of iphofen and house municipal service entities.

the artwork’s design shows sections of grape leaves that remarks the location and combines them with large reflective pixels in a subtle printed color pattern. the mirror-like surfaces allow the city center to become part of the art through its reflections. depending on the angle of the sun and on the time of the day, the printed pattern appears in slightly different colors. thus, an ever changing, yet delicate design solution has been created. to continue with the mood, reiner john has designed for the other entrances colorful prints that reference the façade. he also uses glass and the imagery found in the surrounding vineyards to link the different art components. this project showcases how contemporary art can be combined with historic structures.

 

the building of the old school now joined to the recently developed extension with the glass façade

 

the contemporary design of the glass façade contrasts with the historical site

 

the detail shows the pixelated design over the glass

 

the reflective material incorporates the new site to the historical location

 

the main entrance has been intervened with the same aesthetics of the façade, creating a unity between them