The facade, which was created in collaboration with artist Caragh Thuring, has a high recognition value. The glass is ceramic-printed with a pattern of mortar joints, between which words from old archives and community input recall people, events, and places from the surrounding area. A narrow alley just 2.5 metres wide leads to the new community centre. Once a gloomy and neglected place, today lanterns illuminate the bright new stone pavement. At the start of the alley the inscription "Great Things Lie Ahead" - also the title of Caragh Thuring's artwork - indicates the special facility ahead. The project was a challenge in several respects: new rooms were to be added to the cramped existing building, as much light as possible was to be brought into the interior and, last but not least, all the building components had to fit through the narrow alley. On this account 6a architects used building components that were either small or could be dismantled, such as the curtain walling facade, the steel staircase, railings made of steel mesh, partitions walls made of wood or concrete blocks, and steel trusses for the gymnasium. The latter were bolted together on site from short sections and coated with white fireproof paint. The new skylights resting on them bring plenty of light and air into the hall and allow views of sky. Acoustic panels made from fabric bespoke woven to a brick pattern cover the existing walls. Only the reinforced concrete structure and the lateral walls were retained, the rest of the old building was demolished. Old columns now contrast with new steel components and lightweight timber walls. Caragh Thuring played a key role in devising the colour scheme. She was responsible for the different shades of green on the staircase, which offers an interesting view through the printed bricks to the brickwork of the neighbouring building. The combination of simple exposed building materials and the artistic colour concept help form the quality of the building, as do the plentiful daylight and the visual relationships. From the furthest corner of the gymnasium one can see all the way outdoors. Working on a tight budget 6a architects and Caragh Thuring managed to realise a centre for this neighbourhood, which now engages in social, cultural, and sporting activities in the new workspaces and the sports hall.
