Thuringia Passage

ABOUT

This design of an underground passage was part of a competition for a new office building complex. The Thuringia Passage links the three buildings and creates the illusion of shorter walkways across the connector.

By introducing a continuous rooflight, the underground space is visually linked to the level above, and creates a strong light threshold as visitors enter the building. The rooflight along the passage allows for natural lighting along almost the entire length of the corridor. Sunlight is redirected by vertical glass blades onto the walls below, where it creates an alternate play of light on the brightly coloured surface.

The semi-reflective panels on the opposite side reflect the yellow wall, visually doubling the width of the passage. Thin light strips, embedded in the dark wooden floor at an irregular spacing relating to the vertical glass blades, above shorten the length of the passage optically and at the same time provide additional lighting for the corridor.

The passage is linked to the levels above by three staircases and lit-glass screens which create a vertical connection between the two floors. Stone blocks provide seating and the opportunity to reflect along the length of the passage.