Basis
The planning area, consisting of the rebuilt Gegenbach town hall and the monastery complex to the rear (current building authority), has significant differences in height between the buildings and their storey heights. Together (with some other buildings), these form an inner courtyard, which is currently mainly used for car parking. A view of the surrounding complexes, which also have an inner courtyard, suggests an intervention at this point as well. The available documentation also clearly shows that the plinth area is exposed to the weather, mainly in the front area of both buildings.
The requirements in terms of accessibility, fire protection and utilisation, as well as the designer's desire to change as little of the existing substance as possible, leave little room for manoeuvre and present the author with a major challenge.

Draft
The entrance staircase and the symmetry of the arch are retained and even reinforced in their appearance, which is why barrier-free access is provided by means of a lifting platform set into the floor on the right-hand side of the staircase. In order to maintain the aforementioned symmetry, seating will be provided on the other side in the same place. The first step of the staircase is "continued" to create an edge for a flower bed and the plinth area is modelled in a friendly and functional way. This will prevent the plinth area in the corners from continuing to have moisture problems. Adiabatic cooling of the air flowing into the basement is also achieved through the planting.
s. Inner courtyard zoning plan
It was of central importance that the mayor, council chamber and meeting room, as well as the citizens' service and wedding room or citizens' hall, should be located in this building. The remaining arrangement of functions in the town hall can be seen in the space utilisation diagram.
The barrier-free access as well as the second escape route and the connection to the monastery complex (building authority) were arranged in such a way that the staircase can remain in its full splendour.