Barkow Leibinger

The Visitors and Information Center (BIZ) for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Weissenhof Estate in Stuttgart presents itself as a distinctive urban element that harmoniously mediates between the varying scales of the surrounding neighborhoods: on one side, the smaller, lower-rise buildings of the civil servants‘ housing and Weissenhof Estate, and on the other, the campus of the State Academy of Fine Arts to the north and west.

The architecture of the BIZ responds externally with restraint and rationality to the urban context. Three cubic volumes of varying heights articulate the interstitial spaces in-between them creating spaces for exhibition, a café, bookstore, offices, and workshops. Inside, a consistent grid structure and compact organization provide a flexible system that allows for the effortless combination of various contents. The design creates an open, light-filled building with spacious, well-proportioned, and interconnected rooms that, with their natural surfaces, create a welcoming atmosphere. It is a forward-thinking yet timeless response to the ideas of Modernism and the history of the Weissenhof Estate, giving contemporary themes a clear form.

The building‘s striking roofline gives it a subtle presence in the urban space. Large, storefront-like openings connect the exterior and interior, inviting visitors to explore the building. The calm facade arrangement and minimalist material choices reflect a respect for the cultural heritage while emphasizing ecological sustainability.

We won the competition in early 2024, and the building is scheduled for completion in time for the IBA 2027 in Stuttgart, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the Weissenhof Estate.