Brutalism reloaded. Gustav Mahler Staircase, Kassel

LOCATION AND HISTORY



The Gustav Mahler Steps are located on the edge of the slope from Friedrichsplatz into the baroque Karlsaue and were built as the main connection between the city of Kassel and the historic park. Both the basic baroque structure of the so-called Rosenhang and Hermann Mattern's plans for the Federal Garden Show (1955) were radically overwritten at this point by the new staircase. Planning and execution were carried out by landscape architect Hans-Herbert Westphal, Hanover. Since its opening for documenta III in 1964, the staircase has not been structurally altered and was left to decay. Only the frame structure, a work of art by the Haus-Rucker group of architects and artists

Award for historical sites / garden monument preservationGerman Landscape Architecture Award 2023

Jury verdict:
The Gustav Mahler staircase leads from Kassel's Friedrichsplatz down to the Karlsaue. Completed in 1964 for documenta III, the exposed aggregate concrete structure had recently presented a desolate sight and was barely passable. There was a long debate in the city as to whether the Brutalist-style staircase should be preserved. After all, at the time it had almost radically reshaped the baroque structure of the Rosenhang and Hermann Mattern's gardens, which were created for the Federal Garden Show in 1955.

The rarity of landscape architecture buildings from the 1960s and considerations regarding the sustainable continued use of existing buildings played a decisive role in their preservation. It was decided to clean the historic slabs and reuse them as far as possible in order to fulfil the requirements of monument preservation and resource protection.

Only 200 square metres of the 1,600 square metre slab bond had to be recast. To increase safety for users of the staircase, lights and a handrail (with LED lights) were added to the side of the staircase.

The jury praised the approach of the consortium consisting of the two Kassel-based firms Loma architecture landscape urbanism and Riehl Bauermann Partner Landschaftsarchitekten in preserving a period building that is often criticised in public opinion as being unattractive and therefore disproportionately affected by demolition.

The result is impressive: on the one hand, because it treats the substance of the existing building in an exemplary manner. Secondly, because it demonstrates the aesthetic quality that Brutalist buildings can develop if they are well looked after. The staircase presents itself with an almost sculptural impact, which is skilfully highlighted in the dark by the lighting concept. The additions made by the office also blend harmoniously into the overall appearance.