Opened in November 2018, the NRW Architecture Archives preserve heritage items from architecture, interior design, landscaping, urban development and structural engineering in North Rhine-Westphalia. The archives protect, record and systematise items such as drawings, plans, photos, models, documents and other media. The institution’s staff prepares these scientifically and make them accessible to both researchers and interested members of the public alike.
In addition to visitors with special interest in architecture, the NRW Architecture Archives also target the general public. Hence, the archives are open to everyone. As well as historical themes, the agenda always includes current topics of architecture, design or urban development. Special events and exhibitions are organised at regular intervals.
The old building, now re-opened following extensive renovation work, offers a large event hall for presentations and discussion rounds in addition to exhibition rooms. Lighting for this place of encounter is provided by four LUCTRA® VITAWORK® lamps. Positioned in the four corners of the room, they supplement the skylight.
“Light is basically of enormous importance, and I believe these lamps are just right. When you enter the hall, they present themselves with such simple elegance that they fit perfectly into this public environment. You hardly notice them. And yet, they deliver exactly the light you’d want,” explains Dr. Wolfgang Sonne, Professor of Architectural History and Theory at TU Dortmund University and Scientific Director of the Architecture Archives.
