Designed by German civil engineer Ulrich Müther and completed in 1969, the Hyparschale Magdeburg became a modernist icon. The hyperbolic paraboloid structure underwent a significant conversion and refurbishment by the architectural firm Gerkan, Marg & Partners (gmp), culminating in its ceremonial reopening on June 20, 2024. The ambitious project reinvented the building as a versatile space for events and exhibitions, demonstrating a commitment to conservation and contemporary utility.

Hyparschale was one of Müther’s most ambitious projects. Often celebrated as East Germany’s architectural visionary, Müther was known for his mastery of shell structures. Located on the eastern bank of the Elbe River in Magdeburg, the Hyparschale Magdeburg features four hyperbolic paraboloids that form a visually striking roof without the need for interior columns. Measuring 48 x 48 metres, the structure was, at its completion, one of the largest of its kind.

Characterised by their fluid, organic forms, Müther's illustrious body of work is a testament to the innovative use of concrete in architecture. It is influenced by earlier modernist movements and the structural possibilities offered by reinforced concrete. Despite its bold design and engineering feats, the Hyparschale faced a precarious future. After serving as a popular venue for events and exhibitions, the building was shuttered in 1997 and fell into disrepair. Nonetheless, its listing as a historic monument in 1998, ensured its preservation and subsequently led to the recent restoration efforts.

The project, devised with a deep respect for Müther's original vision, spanned from 2019 to 2024 and aimed to address the building’s deterioration while enhancing its functionality for modern use.

One of the primary challenges faced by the architects was repairing and strengthening the building’s unique concrete shell roof. gmp achieved this by using carbon-fibre reinforced concrete, a material known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and durability. This not only restored the structural integrity of the roof but also improved its load-bearing capacity. The original roof lights, which were sealed due to leakages shortly after the building's completion, have been reopened. These roof lights, previously filled with glass bricks, now allow natural light to flood the interior, enhancing the building's atmospheric quality and reestablishing one of Müther’s key design elements.

Similar to the outside, the firm’s respectful and innovative approach continued inside. The design integrates four cubic structures, each with a 15 x 15-metre floor plan, into the hall’s corners. These cubes serve as flexible spaces for events, seminars, exhibitions and eateries and, are connected by a network of pedestrian bridges that traverse the open space beneath the expansive, undulating roof. This layout preserves the Hyparschale's original sense of openness while accommodating modern functional requirements. The interior design reflects the building's original aesthetics through the use of steel and glass materials, resonating with Müther’s original facade.

Lighting design for the Hyparschale Magdeburg also plays a crucial role in enhancing the building’s spatial experience while maintaining its historical integrity. Formulated by Berlin-based Lichtvision Design, it combines modern lighting solutions with the building's iconic design elements, ensuring both aesthetic harmony and functional performance. Speaking about this approach, the studio told STIR, "Drawing inspiration from the existing historical luminaires, Lichtvision designed a custom pendant fitting that provides optimal general lighting with minimal fixtures, ensuring both lighting quality and well-being while preserving the building´s design language."

"The handrail-integrated lighting," the studio added, "is a recurring design element that enhances orientation and creates a human-scale quality. Given the space's openness and geometry, which exposed the light source from multiple angles, the installation detail was meticulously refined to minimise glare, ensuring a visually comfortable experience for visitors on different levels."

The façade was meticulously updated to improve its functionality while maintaining its historic character. The building’s original translucent industrial glazing has been replaced with transparent glass, offering unobstructed views of the adjacent Rotehorn Park. This change not only enhances the visual connection between the building and the park but also modernises the structure’s appearance while respecting its historic form.

gmp's refurbishment of the Hyparschale Magdeburg is a poignant example of how modern architectural practices can honour historical designs. The project underscores an architectural philosophy that values historical preservation while integrating contemporary needs. According to Stephan Schütz, an executive partner at gmp, "A basic prerequisite of any successful conversion is an appreciation for what others created in the past.” This philosophy guided the design team in reopening the ribbon-shaped roof lights and preserving the sweeping roofline, which continues to define the building’s character.

Müther’s work, including the Hyparschale, is a remarkable legacy of 20th-century architecture. His buildings, often referred to as "hyperbolic paraboloids" or "hypershells," are notable for their elegant curves and efficient use of material. As one of Müther’s largest remaining structures, the Hyparschale represents a significant part of Germany’s post-war architectural heritage. Its successful refurbishment by gmp sets a precedent for the preservation and adaptation of modernist buildings, blending historical respect with contemporary functionality and ensuring that the Hyparschale Magdeburg will continue to be a landmark and venue for cultural and public events.

Project Details

Name: Conversion and refurbishment to conservation standard of Hyparschale Magdeburg
Location: Magdeburg, Germany
Client: The state capital of Magdeburg, Eigenbetrieb Kommunales Gebäudemanagement (Department for Communal Facilities Management)
Architect: gmp Architekten
Collaborators:
Structural Engineering / Fire Protection: Prof. Rühle, Jentzsch & Partner, Dresden
MEP: Haupt Ingenieurgesellschaft, Leipzig; Ingenieurbüro Elektrotechnik Dipl.Ing. Andreas Kist, Burg
Lighting Design: Lichtvision Design, Berlin
Acoustics Engineering: ADA Acoustics & Media Consultants, Berlin
Guide System: Moniteurs GmbH Communication Design, Berlin
Highways, Civil Engineering, Drainage Technology: IKM Ingenieurkontor Magdeburg
Building Physics: Kriegenburg Consulting Engineers, Magdeburg; ITG Energieinstitut GmbH, Magdeburg
Carbon Concrete Technology: CARBOCON, Dresden
Area: 3,948 sqm
Year of Completion: 2024