1st Prize for Sustainable Transformation

Revitalization of the Rupprecht-Haus in Gevelsberg, DE

The design by ATP architects engineers has won 1st prize in a Europe-wide competition. The award-winning contribution transforms the partially vacant former department store into a vibrant hub for culture and community in the heart of the city.

A new identity for an old department store
The Rupprecht-Haus, with its characteristic department store facade and prominent location in the centre of Gevelsberg, is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Having lost much of its significance and appeal, it is now being converted to bring together previously decentralized public, social, and cultural facilities under one roof. ATP’s revitalization approach integrates extensive sustainability measures, providing a crucial impetus to invigorate the city centre.

With this ambitious urban development project, ATP sets an innovative example for the future-oriented repurposing of vacant department stores. As an integrated design office, ATP leverages its comprehensive expertise in designing multifunctional buildings and sustainably revitalizing and renovating existing structures. This expertise is also brought into the interdisciplinary initiative “NEW LIFE”.

“As part of our New Life initiative, we focus on revitalizing inner-city department store properties. The transformation of the Rupprecht-Haus provides the building with an entirely new identity and – more importantly – a special benefit for the daily lives of the city’s residents.” Matthias Koch, Architect and Managing Director in Frankfurt.

Holistic sustainability in focus
The building sets new standards with its comprehensive ecological, economic, and social qualities. Innovative measures to reduce energy consumption, efficient use of resources, generous green spaces, and a well-thought-out functional organization of areas contribute to lifecycle costs that are sustainably optimized. Overall, the design provides the best conditions to transform the Rupprecht-Haus into a central hub for the cultural and social life of Gevelsberg’s residents.



Facade design with a narrative touch
Connection is the guiding principle behind the design, creating multifunctional links both inside and out that offer optimal conditions for services, interaction, and exchange. The roof slopes echo the forms of neighbouring buildings, while vertical wooden slats and horizontal metal profiles structure the facade, offering selective glimpses inside. The design narrates the building's use: the idea of a musical score intertwines with that of a bookshelf with filled, partially filled, and empty sections, communicating the functions of the music school and library transparently to the outside.

NEW LIFE: “New Life for Department Stores”
As part of the initiative, ATP is developing future-proof revitalization concepts for vacant department stores. The goal is to breathe new life into urban architectural relics through creative repurposing and innovative planning. This results in attractive, multifunctional, and user-oriented spaces that benefit the population and provide significant added value for the city.



