Modern building with flat roof, glass windows, and surrounding greenery.

A modern architectural structure with a combination of open and enclosed spaces, featuring a flat roof and large glass windows. The building is surrounded by greenery, including trees and landscaped plants. There are people walking and sitting in the outdoor area.

A modern building with a series of angular roofs is set in a park-like landscape with trees and grassy areas. There are people walking and sitting on the grass, and a sculpture is visible near the building.
Interior view of a modern library or archive space with a spiral staircase, large windows, and art displays.
A modern interior space featuring a long corridor with glass walls on one side and a view of an indoor garden on the other. The ceiling is structured with beams and there are several plants visible. In the background, there are chairs arranged in rows, suggesting a conference or meeting area.
A black and white architectural section drawing of a building labeled with 'BÜROS', 'ÖFFENTLICH', and 'ARCHIV'. The drawing shows multiple levels with people depicted as small figures, suggesting areas for offices, public spaces, and archives. The design includes vertical elements and a horizontal layout.
A black and white site plan showing the layout of buildings in an urban area. The buildings are represented as black shapes on a white background, with a highlighted area in gray indicating the project site.
A detailed site plan illustrating the layout of a landscape and building complex, including pathways, green spaces, and building footprints. The plan shows a blend of natural and built environments, with trees and vegetation interspersed among the structures.
A site plan of the Tor zur Literatur project in Marbach, showing a layout with buildings, green spaces, and pathways. The design integrates with the surrounding landscape, featuring a grid-like structure with open areas and vegetation.
Architectural floor plan of a building with detailed room layouts and surrounding landscape elements.
Architectural floor plan of a building with labeled rooms and sections, surrounded by trees and open spaces.
Architectural floor plan of a building with various rooms and sections, surrounded by landscaped areas and trees.
Architectural floor plan with labeled sections and a small color-coded key.
Architectural section drawing of a building with a series of gabled roofs and surrounding trees.
Architectural section drawing of a long, low-lying building with multiple pitched roofs and large windows, set within a landscape with trees.
Architectural section drawing of a multi-level building with labeled rooms and structural elements.
Architectural section drawings of a building with multiple levels, including underground spaces and light shafts.
Architectural section drawing showing multiple levels of a building, including office spaces, storage areas, and underground archives.
Architectural rendering of a building with a glass facade and visible interior activities, accompanied by a section drawing below.
An architectural diagram showing a building's structural components, including labeled elements such as 'Dreischichtplatte,' 'Vollholzträger,' and 'Recyclingbetonwand.' The diagram illustrates different layers and materials used in the construction.
A cutaway axonometric drawing of a multi-story building, showing interior spaces with people, bookshelves, and circular openings in the walls.

Story

A gateway to the German Literature Archive The "Tor zur Literatur" in Marbach is a conceptual design by KARAMUK KUO, awarded 2nd prize in an international competition. This project serves as a gateway to the German Literature Archive, skillfully balancing the need for institutional prominence with seamless integration into its low-lying landscape context. The design employs a mat system that extends the existing park network from the Neckar River to the literature campus, creating a harmonious transition between nature and built form. The building's program is anchored by a research library and conference center, which together form the public heart of the 15,000 m² archive facility. Above ground, a continuous office floor is designed to maximize natural light and ventilation, ensuring a comfortable working environment. Below ground, the archives are carefully protected, with ten strategically placed light shafts providing vertical connections and offering intriguing glimpses into the subterranean world.

## Design Highlights

Integration of building and landscape through a mat system Connection to existing park networks Public ground anchored by a research library and conference center Continuous office floor optimized for daylight and air Protected underground archives with light shafts

## Key Facts

Detail Description
Architect KARAMUK KUO
Location Marbach, Germany
Program Research library, conference center, offices, archives
Area 15,000 m²

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Facade: Glass facade with large windows.

Materials

  • Glass — Facade and large windows.
  • Concrete — Structural elements and walls.
  • Metal — Ceiling beams and structural components.

Construction / Systems

  • Mat system: Extends the necklace of parks from the Neckar River to the literature campus.
  • Light shafts: Ten light shafts connect the building vertically and offer glimpses into the hidden world below.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: Not specified
  • Lighting: Optimum daylight and air for office spaces.

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