Hyparschale Magdeburg / Gmp Architekten

Architects: gmp Architekten
Area: 3948 m²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Marcus Bredt, Müther-Archiv an der Hochschule Wismar
Client: The state capital of Magdeburg, Eigenbetrieb Kommunales Gebäudemanagement (Department for Communal Facilities Management)
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
City: Magdeburg
Country: Germany

Hyparschale Magdeburg, a modernist structure originally designed by Ulrich Müther and completed in 1969, has been transformed by gmp Architekten into a multifunctional venue for exhibitions and events in Magdeburg, Germany. Located on the eastern bank of the Elbe River, the 48 × 48 m hyperbolic paraboloid roof structure was preserved and reinforced using carbon-fiber reinforced concrete to restore integrity and improve load-bearing capacity. Müther’s roof lights, originally sealed due to leakage, were reopened to allow natural light back into the interior. The refurbishment integrates four 15 × 15 m cubic volumes into the building’s corners, connected by pedestrian bridges, preserving the sense of openness while meeting modern functional demands. Lighting by Lichtvision Design enhances both spatial experience and visual comfort, referencing historic fixtures and integrating elements like handrail lighting. The facade has been updated with transparent glass in place of industrial glazing, opening views to Rotehorn Park and aligning historic form with modern transparency. The five-year restoration project exemplifies an approach that honors architectural heritage while addressing current use, reaffirming Müther’s significance in post-war architecture and establishing the Hyparschale as a revitalized cultural landmark.

The Hyparschale Magdeburg, designed by German civil engineer Ulrich Müther and completed in 1969, became a recognized icon of modernist architecture. The hyperbolic paraboloid structure was later subject to an extensive conversion and refurbishment by the architectural firm Gerkan, Marg & Partners (gmp), which concluded with its ceremonial reopening on June 20, 2024. The project transformed the building into a flexible venue for events and exhibitions, reflecting a strong commitment to both preservation and modern functionality.

The Hyparschale was among Ulrich Müther’s most ambitious works. Widely regarded as an architectural visionary in East Germany, Müther gained recognition for his expertise in shell structures. Situated on the eastern bank of the Elbe River in Magdeburg, the Hyparschale consists of four hyperbolic paraboloids that create a visually distinctive roof structure without the use of interior columns. With dimensions of 48 × 48 meters, it was one of the largest structures of its type at the time of its completion.

Defined by fluid, organic forms, Müther’s extensive body of work demonstrates the innovative application of concrete in architectural design. His approach was shaped by earlier modernist movements and the structural potential of reinforced concrete. Despite its architectural significance and engineering innovation, the Hyparschale eventually faced an uncertain future. After years of use as a venue for exhibitions and events, the building was closed in 1997 and began to deteriorate. However, its designation as a historic monument in 1998 ensured its protection and ultimately led to the recent restoration project.

The project, developed with strong respect for Müther’s original vision, was carried out from 2019 to 2024 and focused on addressing the building’s deterioration while improving its functionality to meet contemporary needs.

One of the main challenges encountered by the architects was the repair and reinforcement of the building’s distinctive concrete shell roof. gmp addressed this by employing carbon-fiber reinforced concrete, a material valued for its high strength-to-weight ratio and durability. This solution restored the roof’s structural stability while also increasing its load-bearing capacity. The original roof lights, which had been sealed shortly after completion due to leakage, were reopened. Previously filled with glass bricks, these openings now allow natural light to enter the interior, improving the building’s spatial quality and reinstating one of Müther’s fundamental design features.

The firm’s respectful and innovative design approach extended into the interior. Four cubic structures, each measuring 15 × 15 meters, were integrated into the corners of the main hall. These volumes function as adaptable spaces for events, seminars, exhibitions, and eateries, and are linked by a system of pedestrian bridges that span the open area beneath the wide, undulating roof. This configuration maintains the Hyparschale’s original sense of spatial openness while fulfilling contemporary functional needs. The interior design reinforces the building’s original character through the use of steel and glass, echoing Müther’s original facade.

Lighting design for the Hyparschale Magdeburg plays an essential role in elevating the spatial experience while preserving the building’s historical character. Developed by the Berlin-based studio Lichtvision Design, the concept merges contemporary lighting technology with the architectural identity of the original structure, ensuring both visual coherence and functional effectiveness. In reference to this approach, the studio explained, “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 studio further noted that “the handrail-integrated lighting 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 facade was carefully updated to enhance functionality while preserving its historical character. The original translucent industrial glazing was replaced with transparent glass, allowing clear views of the adjacent Rotehorn Park. This modification strengthens the visual relationship between the building and its surroundings and also brings a contemporary clarity to the structure’s appearance without compromising its historic identity.

gmp’s refurbishment of the Hyparschale Magdeburg serves as a clear example of how contemporary architectural practice can respect and preserve historical design. The project reflects a design philosophy that prioritizes conservation while addressing present-day functional requirements. Stephan Schütz, executive partner at gmp, stated, “A basic prerequisite of any successful conversion is an appreciation for what others created in the past.” This perspective informed the team’s approach, which included reopening the ribbon-shaped roof lights and maintaining the building’s distinctive sweeping roofline that remains central to its identity.

Müther’s body of work, including the Hyparschale, stands as a significant contribution to 20th-century architecture. His buildings, often described as “hyperbolic paraboloids” or “hypershells,” are distinguished by their refined curves and material efficiency. The Hyparschale, as one of his largest surviving projects, embodies an important chapter in Germany’s post-war architectural legacy. Its successful restoration by gmp establishes a model for preserving and repurposing modernist structures, balancing historical integrity with contemporary use and securing the Hyparschale Magdeburg’s role as a lasting cultural and public venue.