Step by step
through the town’s history at Marburg Town Hall

Marburg Town Hall – the heart of the town centre since the early 16th century – demonstrates how historic architecture and modern wayfinding design can form a compelling whole. The late-Gothic building, with its hexagonal stair tower at the centre of the façade and its ornate clock gable, has defined the character of the old town for centuries. As part of its comprehensive renovation, a decision was made to install a versatile wayfinding system that does justice to this heritage – without detracting from it. The result is a detailed visual chronicle of the city, attractively presented in the stairwell, which has become the narrative centrepiece of the project. Bach Dolder GmbH, an exhibition design studio from Darmstadt, in collaboration with Sieveking von Borck and Wandel Lorch Götze Wach, is responsible for the overall project, complemented by meng’s expertise in wayfinding systems.

The extensive chronicle of the city runs through the floors as a timeline: the motifs were digitally printed onto MDF panels and painted on the sides in alternating colours. This created an interesting aura effect that appears different depending on the angle of the light. In parallel, the largely well-preserved oak steps were exposed, restored and supplemented with contrasting markings to enable people with visual impairments to find their way safely. The historic wooden panelling beneath the timeline was also carefully restored.

The inclusive approach has been consistently applied to the information elements for visitors. The first is specifically designed for people with visual impairments: in accordance with the guidelines for accessible wayfinding in public buildings, it features a tactile site plan. The second offers an integrated display with up-to-date information and several leaflet holders that are also accessible to wheelchair users. Both elements are made from solid Fenix. For the lettering, the design team selected brass letters in thicknesses of 3 and 10 mm with font heights of 48 and 55 mm. Placed on the information elements, doors or directly on the wall, they exude a sense of calm quality that engages in dialogue with the historic architecture rather than competing with it. The door and wall signs themselves are made entirely from 10 mm Fenix and, with their deep colour tone, harmonise with the building’s entire material palette. Meeting rooms were fitted with door signs featuring integrated occupancy indicators, custom-made by meng.

The exterior is finished with the lettering “RATHAUS” in tin bronze on the façade. Complementary cast bronze signs feature tactile lettering and extend the inclusive design ethos to the outdoor space. A town hall that demonstrates: historical substance and contemporary accessibility are not at odds here, but form a compelling unity.