BestandTeile – Das Jahrbuch der KIT-Fakultät für Architektur 2022

Accept or reject?
Lukas Großmann
Most existing buildings in Germany were built in the era of
post-war modernism. Is the architectural heritage of these
buildings to be considered a treasure or a debt? An attempt
to clarify the complex problem of the question “to preserve
or to demolish?” on the basis of a former brutalist post office
building.
Buildings that represent architectural heritage
can be classified as historical monuments. This does not necessarily
make the maintenance of an old building easier,
but renovation is financially supported, and demolition is at
least made more difficult.
The main structure of the post office in Bruckmühl
consists of reinforced concrete columns and a reinforced
concrete coffered ceiling. The ground floor is designed like a
hall. Offices and other ancillary rooms were created with
thin, lightweight walls. In the course of the search for new
tenants, the lightweight walls were recently removed again
for maximum flexibility. In the basement, there is a laundry
room, storage and cellar rooms, and a personal protection
room for up to 30 people — including a toilet, filter system
and an emergency exit.
The post office had gradually stopped service since
2020 and closed temporarily due to the Corona pandemic —
but had not reopened since then. Already since the summer
of 2008, there was talk of closing the branch, which resulted
in protests from local residents.
The owner of the building is currently looking for
new tenants. The post office as an institution is no longer
located in Bruckmühl. However, the building, which is not
yet listed as a monument, still exists. So far, there are no
plans to demolish it. But the future of the former post office
is uncertain.
Großmann
45