Inside and outside Archaeological window at the minster in Herford

In the time of the Herford Damenstift there was an inner and an outer enclosure. The inner space consisted of the enclosure closed off by the cloister. The outer space was the publicly accessible space of the monastery complex around the cathedral. This duality contrasts with today's understanding of inner-city open space, which one would like to be accessible throughout, barrier-free and visible all around.

Our concept aims to make the old "inside" and "outside" visible again and to meet the current functions and requirements of an inner-city plaza.

The spatial perception of the enclosed cloister is achieved through the structural reproduction of the former cloister. The cloister is not reproduced, but the idea of the closed complex is reinterpreted. The image of the cloister is carefully inserted into the existing situation between church, chapel and parish hall - the new and the old are brought together. The cloister is depicted in the form of a pergola standing freely in the exterior space, forming a semi-transparent filter between the interior and exterior. The image of the enclosed complex is completed by two buildings that trace two of the former monastery buildings and provide insight into the excavated

walls of the 11th- to 13th-century buildings.

The northern building will house an exhibition on the history of the Damenstift. The visitor enters the building from the southern direction. The upper floor is reached via the stairs or the lift, before which the excavations below can be viewed in the foyer. The spatial relationship clarifies the connection between the excavation and the exhibition on the upper floor.

The gable roof form is chosen for both new buildings. It reinterprets the historic building form and fits harmoniously into the context of the cathedral and the chapel. The façades and roofs are built in a light-coloured, whitewashed clinker brick, the roof of the cloister is made of solid-coloured reinforced concrete. Where the spatial-architectural reproduction of the interior is not possible, because the old site is overbuilt or functional contexts speak against it, the means of landscape architecture complete the picture. To achieve this, slight differences in topography and different materials are used. The entire footprint of the former monastery complex lies as a level above the surroundings and forms a horizontal plateau in the ringside slightly sloping

terrain. This "prominence" from the surrounding area is accentuated by seating walls. A staircase and a barrier-free connection from the town hall square provide access to the plateau. The same applies to the wide ramp on the north side, which also serves as an access road to the community hall and for the fire brigade. A light-colored natural stone (diorite) is used for the paved surfaces.

Three windows provide a view of the archaeological finds underground in the exterior space and illustrate the significant historical connections. They are designed as table-high superstructures - glazed on the sides and inscribed with information and explanations on the top.

The new "Abbey Garden" - a reminiscence of the old monastery garden - is being developed into an inner-city green oasis. Geometric and wild elements complement each other. Hedge blocks of Taxus varying in height are harmoniously coordinated with Hydrangea arborescens 'Grandiflora'. The bright magnificent flowers of the hydrangea shine against the dark backdrop of the taxus hedges. Under the existing large trees, perennial plantings convey a playful and wild character. White flower highlights shine especially in the shade and cover the spring and autumn aspects.