Master's Thesis AR · Summer Semester 2025 · Annabel Matzdorf / Anna Lüssmann

The master's thesis examined the transformation of the former Kaufhof department store in Ingolstadt into a vibrant place for communication and social interaction. Its objective was to redefine the vacant building as a key urban destination while providing new impulses for resilient urban development. Viewing the department store as an interface between the city and the building itself, the thesis addressed the project from both the urban and architectural scales. At its core was the question of which spaces can serve as future drivers of urban regeneration in city centres.

A comprehensive urban and socio-economic analysis formed the basis of the design. In response to homogeneous land-use structures within the historic centre, a socially diverse population, and a growing number of residents, the thesis developed strategies for greater functional and social diversity. The proposal understands the building as a "patchwork" of different periods, user groups, and programmes. The former department store is reimagined as a 24-hour destination with multifunctional, adaptable, and community-oriented uses. As a "Citizens' House 2.0," it encourages social interaction while providing much-needed housing.

The existing building itself can also be understood as a patchwork of different historical layers. Three construction phases define its structure and form the basis of the transformation strategy. To address existing shortcomings and create new spatial qualities, targeted demolition measures are proposed. The two uppermost floors are removed, while parts of the oldest building section are selectively demolished to improve daylight conditions and the overall spatial quality.

Most of the existing façade elements are retained and adapted to meet contemporary requirements. The existing circulation cores are preserved and supplemented by new ones to establish a clear separation between public and private areas. A three-storey timber extension is added on top of the existing structure, accommodating residential uses exclusively.

The functional organisation follows a clear principle, dividing the building into a public base and a private residential section above. At the heart of the lower floors, a central atrium serves as the main circulation and distribution space, surrounded by flexible areas for movement, communication, and social interaction. A performance space and generous communal areas encourage encounters and support a wide range of activities.

The building programme is organised vertically. The ground floor forms an open and highly public level that connects directly to the surrounding urban fabric. A central stepped seating area links the ground floor to the basement, which accommodates sports, recreation, and event spaces. The degree of public accessibility gradually decreases on the upper floors. Flexible office spaces and medical practices complement the programme, while the upper levels provide a diverse mix of apartments for different user groups, ranging from students to accessible housing for older residents.

The floor plans build upon the flexible structural grid of the existing building, which is consistently continued in the new extension. While the public floors are organised radially around the atrium, the residential levels feature compact and efficient layouts with community-oriented circulation elements such as access galleries and roof terraces, creating additional opportunities for social interaction.

Overall, the thesis contributes to the sustainable revitalisation of large-scale inner-city building structures. It demonstrates how targeted transformation strategies, a diverse mix of uses, and spatial flexibility can create a future-oriented place for communication and community within the former Galeria Kaufhof building in Ingolstadt.