The Städel Museum in Frankfurt am Main dates from 1878 and is one of Germany’s most important museums of art. The architectural practice schneider+schumacher therefore decided to locate the latest extension, 3,000sqm of new gallery space, beneath the garden.
A total of 195 rooflights, in diameters from 1.5m to 2.5m on a 3.7m x 3.7m grid and flush with the ground, ensure natural lighting conditions and also lend the garden a distinctly unconventional appearance. The curved rooflights, which can accept foot traffic, were produced by sedak.
Using the GlasCobond® laminating method, which creates a shear-resistant bond between the panes of glass, it is possible to bend the panes to a permanent double-curvature form using the cold-forming process. And that gives the glass advantageous properties: it can be printed and coated before being bent, it has a higher stiffness and the optical quality exceeds that of glass that is heated before bending. The glass used in the museum consists of multiple insulating glass panes designed for a load of 5 kN/qm, has an anti-slip surface finish and is curved to ensure good rainwater run-off.
A light-diffusing foil as well as a sunshading solution and LED spotlights are integrated into the rooflights to ensure that the exhibits below can always be viewed in the right light.
