Atelier Ganslberg - Future of Fritz Koenig’s Legacy

The project provides a future vision for the former residence of the world-famous sculptor Fritz Koenig near Landshut. 'Atelier Ganslberg' aims to preserve and give new life to the vacant buildings in Ganslberg, which are not given a listed status, but are of a special value because of their irreplaceable role in the artist’s life.

Even when removing all of Koenig’s possessions to the museum in Landshut, the aura of the courtyard and its surroundings still touches us today. In this transformation, we seek to treat these spaces as memories - memories of Fritz Koenig's life and work in Ganslberg. At the same time, it could also represent a new future - a communication platform for a new generation of artists. We propose ‘Atelier in Ganslberg’, turning the former artist dwelling into accommodation, studios and exhibitions spaces for sculptors and students. The main intervention is the conversion of the two halls, the AFRICA HALL and the ROSS HALL, which were used previously as exhibition hall and paddock. A wooden bridge is inserted into the building, connecting the two halls and serving as a gallery space for artists to read, meet and greet. 16 studios are arranged on both sides of the bridge: 6 for sculptors in the AFRICA HALL and 10 for students in the ROSS HALL. With a slightly lowered foundation, the ROSS HALL also offers toilets and a kitchenette underneath the bridge. The newcomers will also bring new life to the MAIN HOUSE, the previous living space of Fritz Koenig and his wife. 16 sleeping cabins are converted from the former stables while the ensemble of the courtyard remains untouched. The MAIN HOUSE will become the common living area for the artists. At the foot of the Ganslberg is the SPHERE HALL, which Fritz Koenig built for the World Trade Center's iconic 'Sphere' sculpture. It will continue to be used as a workshop, supplemented by a new staircase and working spaces on the upper floor. Ganslberg represents everything of Fritz Koenig’s legacy for future generations. Its preservation, not as a monument, but rather as a creative environment for young artists to express themselves through the art of sculpting, may give proper function to the vacant spaces and more importantly, revive the inspiring atmosphere of the Ganslberg during Koenig’s life.