Hypar Shell Magdeburg: Renovation to become a cultural sensation after 20 years!

Hypar Shell Magdeburg: Renovation to become a cultural sensation after 20 years!

Exciting things are happening in the vibrant city of Magdeburg: the legendary Hypar Shell, an architectural masterpiece by the civil engineer Ulrich Müther, shines in new splendor after extensive renovation. This striking building was opened in 1969 and has played a central role in the cityscape as a listed building since the 1990s. After more than 20 years of slumber, the city of Magdeburg completed the renovation in December 2019 under the direction of the renowned gmp architects commissioned. On June 20, 2024 the time had finally come: the Hyparschale opened its doors to the public.

The renovation work not only included preserving the unique architecture, but also redesigning the interior, including innovative elements such as four cubes with gallery levels and bridges. The floor covering on the ground floor, made of exposed screed, and the rubber floor on the upper floor combine functionality and aesthetics. The Noraplan uni rubber flooring used in an elegant gray tone was laid in such a way that a homogeneous surface is created and at the same time ensures high durability and low maintenance requirements.

Multifunctionality meets historical substance

The Hypar Shell has now been redesigned as a multifunctional venue for meetings, conferences and exhibitions. The new use offers space for 200 to 500 guests and includes a foyer, a large hall, seminar rooms, a café and modern sanitary facilities. This transformation is also seen as a contribution to strengthening cultural life in Magdeburg, especially considering that the first public event with an exhibition of works by the famous artist Banksy is scheduled to take place on July 19, 2024.

The renovation itself presented those responsible with several challenges. The Hypar shell, as an important example of GDR post-war modernism, was, among other things, closed to building regulations until the necessary modernization could be averted in the 2000s. The special requirements of monument protection also required extensive planning and compliance with strict regulations in order to preserve the city's cultural heritage. “Historic buildings are not just structures, but cultural assets with great importance for identity-creating cityscapes,” reveals an expert in monument preservation.

The numbers speak for themselves

The renovation costs amounted to an impressive 16.9 million euros, of which 5 million euros were funded by the Federal Ministry. Close collaboration between builders, architects and engineers from Dresden and the Swiss construction company Implenia was essential for the success of the project. The integration of these elements into the existing building structure not only increased the attractiveness of the Hypar shell, but also strengthened the economic basis through the income generated from the event activities.

The Hypar shell not only represents a continuation of Magdeburg's architectural history, but also offers a platform for future events and creative projects. The success of the renovation is a sign that the old substance does not have to be lost, but can be combined with the most modern requirements while preserving the cultural heritage.

Further details about the Hypar shell and the challenges in the area of ​​renovating historic buildings can be found here Wikipedia and in a specialist analysis of renovation projects BPD Leipzig.