Emigration Center, Bremerhaven, Germany

The façade of the expansion building of the German Emigration Center in Bremerhaven is indeed a striking example of architecture that brings history and culture to life. The portraits of emigrants and immigrants visually connect visitors to the exhibition, which not only explores physical migration but also the stories and experiences behind it.

The Hamburg-based studio Andreas Heller Architects & Designers developed a concept that, through the use of individually designed concrete elements and thoughtful interior design, places the diverse experiences of people at the center. This is a fascinating way to address the theme of migration both aesthetically and conceptually.

The architecture creates a space where the narratives of individuals and their emotional journeys become the central experience – a powerful statement on the significance of migration in both German and global history.

The concrete elements embedded as cassettes in the façade are portraits of immigrants and emigrants. Depending on the angle and intensity of the light, they stand out clearly and invite passersby to pause and reflect.

The realization of this unique façade was made possible using RECKLI's UNIQUE and VISUALS series of textured formliners. For the irregular arrangement of the protruding and recessed squares on the façade, custom formliners from the UNIQUE series were manufactured according to the design vision of the architects and the client.

The portraits themselves were created using photo-engraving formliners from the VISUALS series. These formliners transfer photographs onto the concrete as a relief-like surface. The images are converted into CNC milling files on the computer, which are then used to produce a positive model. Depending on the resolution of the image, the photo-engraving formliner creates a finely or coarsely textured relief structure on the façade – giving the impression that the image has been carved directly into the concrete.

The particular challenge was that the individual photo engravings had to be interchangeable in order to display the many different portraits on the façade. The remaining blank placeholders can be gradually replaced with portraits of immigrants and emigrants. The elements are installed on a curtain wall. In addition, the concrete was coloured light with white cement and complies with exposed concrete class 4.

A total of 6 models and 10 matrices from the UNIQUE series were produced for the cassette elements of the façade, as well as 31 models and matrices from the VISUALS series for the portraits. The concrete elements were manufactured by the BWE precast plant in Lemwerder.