Technisches Rathaus Hamm

Located in the heart of Hamm, North Rhine-Westphalia, the Technisches Rathaus Hamm is a testament to modern architectural ingenuity and efficient urban planning. This impressive complex, situated on Gustav-Heinemann-Straße, has been a central hub for the city's technical and administrative functions since 2004. The building, which formerly served as a package handling center for Deutsche Post, now houses over 700 employees and a variety of municipal departments, making it a vital part of the city's infrastructure.

The Transformation of a Historic Site

The journey of the Technisches Rathaus Hamm began in 1997 when the Deutsche Post closed its package handling center. Recognizing the potential of this centrally located site, the city of Hamm decided to repurpose the facility to consolidate its technical departments, which were previously scattered across 30 different locations. This move was aimed at improving efficiency and providing a more citizen-friendly service under one roof. The transformation was officially set in motion by a city council resolution on January 29, 2002.

The extensive renovation project involved converting the existing structure to accommodate office spaces, workshops, and storage facilities. The original PAKUM halls were adapted to create a functional and modern office environment, with intermediate floors added to optimize the six-meter-high ceilings. The result is a sprawling complex covering 40,800 square meters, of which 13,400 square meters are dedicated to office and ancillary spaces, 12,300 square meters to workshops and storage, and 13,100 square meters to parking garages.

Architectural Features and Design

The Technisches Rathaus Hamm stands out with its sleek, minimalist design, characterized by its white-anthracite and white-aluminum exterior. The entrance is particularly striking, featuring a glass façade that contrasts with the remaining stairwell towers. Upon entering the main entrance, visitors are greeted by a central glass hall, which serves as the heart of the building. This atrium, one of three internal courtyards, functions as a light-filled hub, enhancing the building's aesthetic appeal with its staircase, elevator, and natural light.

The office areas are arranged around the three courtyards, with the outer courtyards extensively landscaped to create a pleasant working environment. The use of materials such as steel and glass aligns with the architectural renewal of the nearby Willy-Brandt-Platz and Hamm station, creating a cohesive urban landscape. Inside, the building features red elevator shafts and yellow-terracotta linoleum flooring, adding a touch of color to the otherwise neutral palette.

Facilities and Services

The Technisches Rathaus Hamm is more than just an administrative building; it is a multifunctional facility that caters to various needs. The complex includes a range of workshops, such as the city's print shop, a central workshop for vehicles and locksmith services, a painter and writer's workshop, and facilities for pump maintenance and traffic technology. Additionally, the site still hosts a delivery hub for Deutsche Post.

The former railway hall, once used for package and mail trains, has been repurposed to house the city's fleet of construction and sanitation vehicles. This area is connected to the underground garages by a tunnel, ensuring seamless access for the city's maintenance operations. The parking facilities are extensive, with an additional parking level accessible via a double-lane ramp from Hafenstraße, providing ample space for both official and private vehicles of the employees.

Efficiency and Citizen Services

The consolidation of various municipal departments into the Technisches Rathaus Hamm has significantly improved the efficiency of the city's administrative processes. Citizens now benefit from a centralized point of contact for city planning, construction, and housing services, known as the Bautechnisches Bürgerbüro. This centralization has streamlined decision-making processes, particularly in the construction sector, by facilitating quick consultations between different departments.

The building houses several key departments, including the Waste Management and City Cleaning Service (ASH), Building Regulations Office, Building Planning Office, High-Rise Office, Lippeverband City Drainage, City Archives, Urban Planning Office, Civil Engineering and Green Spaces Office, Surveying and Cadastre Office, and Housing Promotion Office. This comprehensive setup ensures that all technical and administrative functions are efficiently managed from a single location.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The creation of the Technisches Rathaus Hamm has had a positive economic impact on the city. By consolidating offices, workshops, and storage facilities, the city has achieved significant cost savings. The move has eliminated the need for numerous service trips between different locations, saving approximately 82,000 kilometers of travel and 4,200 work hours annually. Additionally, the city has been able to divest from 14 properties, generating revenue and reducing maintenance costs.

Environmentally, the project has revitalized a previously underutilized urban space, transforming it into a vibrant administrative center. The building's design emphasizes transparency and accessibility, reflecting the city's commitment to open governance. The extensive use of glass and the integration of green spaces contribute to a pleasant and sustainable working environment.

In conclusion, the Technisches Rathaus Hamm is a shining example of how thoughtful urban planning and innovative design can transform a historic site into a modern, efficient, and citizen-friendly administrative hub. Its strategic location, comprehensive facilities, and commitment to sustainability make it a cornerstone of Hamm's urban landscape, serving both the city's employees and its residents with distinction.