Not only the lettering, but also the artworks on site that characterize the new appearance of “Hall 3” of the barth company hints at what lies behind the subtly black facade. With the expansion of their premises, barth follows the company philosophy and complements the ensemble of architecture, art, and craftsmanship.
Together with the architects Julian Tratter and Markus Hinteregger the entrepreneurs Max and Ivo Barth realize their vision of an identity-defining place for their employees. Ivo Barth, an enthusiastic art collector, fulfills a long-cherished dream by opening his own art space and opens the rooms also to the art-interested public.
The repurposing of the former industrial hall creates new space for common meeting areas and changing rooms for employees, as well as a private art gallery. The centerpiece of the revitalized “Hall 3” is the bar, which is intended to be used both by employees after work and for art gallery openings.
The architectural concept is based on the idea of preserving the old building structure as much as possible. Structural elements are accentuated through selective demolition and complemented by essential, subtle interventions. The architecture, as well as the interior design, are intended to equally express the craftsmanship quality of the company and Ivo Barth’s passion for art and design.
In addition to an iron sculpture by Antony Gormley, which perches on the outermost roof edge, Eva Schlegel’s installation “Lasso” forms the “sister tower” to Esther Stocker’s work from 2006. Five steel rings dance around the silo of “Hall 3”, creating the impression of defying the law of gravity. The work “Out of Earth, in a Silver Cocoon” by Mischa Sanders and Philipp Putzer marks the entrance to „Hall 3“. Text description by the architects.
Source: www.barth.it Photography by: Gustav Willeit + Jürgen Eheim
