Freiburg

Freiburg Documentation Center on National Socialism – Renovation and Modernization of a Historic Building

The Documentation Center on National Socialism has been established in the former municipal transportation office building on Rotteckring as a central place of remembrance and learning. The historic building complex, which dates back to the 18th century and the 1930s, underwent extensive renovation and technical upgrades leading up to its opening in 2025. The goal was to combine architecture respectful of the building’s historic character with modern museum and event technology, as well as high energy efficiency. wpw completely redesigned the HVAC and electrical systems. This included connecting the building to the district heating network, installing a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery, and implementing an air-conditioned HVAC system for the “Place of Silent Remembrance.” In addition, new restroom facilities were installed, and a central technical plant located beneath the inner courtyard was integrated. In the field of electrical engineering, the design included energy-efficient LED installations, DALI-controlled lighting, security and fire alarm systems, as well as high-performance data and media systems.

The work on the historic, protected building posed particular challenges, especially the integration of the HVAC system into the historic building structures and the exposed installation in the basement. The result is a space where the historic building fabric and modern building technology are seamlessly combined.

As part of this project, the public restroom facilities on the ground floor of the building were also renovated. The result is a state-of-the-art facility with unisex restrooms.