facade design

He knows his way aroundlarge surfaces: Nikolaus Kriese, father of four, trained theater painter and artist. Together with a collective of artists, he is currently redesigning the gymnasium in the Geraaue, giving the ageing sports facility a new lease of life.

Following an energy-efficient refurbishment of the building, the gymnasium is now to have a more modern and cheerful appearance on the outside. A challenge for a building that originates from socialist realism and whose age can be seen in its shapes and colors.

But Nikolaus Kriese's art makes the ugliness of the hall disappear even in the current construction process. Bright colors applied over a large area make the hall glow, while three-meter-high painted athletes remind us of the building's function. An art idea that also appealed to Erfurt's city leaders, so that Kriese was able to beat several competitors in a public tender.

"I want to consciously leave my signature here," explains Nikolaus Kriese as he applies green paint to the bright yellow hall wall in 28 degrees Celsius and blazing sunshine. Bright and well-tempered colors, large surfaces, expressive motifs - that's what this "signature" is all about. And of course - how could it be otherwise with a gymnasium - it is also about sport. For his concept, he chose various sports that play a role in the façade work. These include handball, swimming and running. "But above all, it's about showing that sport is inclusive, that it's fun and that everyone can take part," says Kriese, explaining why people of color, a wheelchair user and an old man are also integrated into the movement picture.

However, it is not so easy to work on the job in the local weather. "When we started three weeks ago, I still had two jackets on. Today we are grateful when the shade moves around the building," says Nikolaus Kriese, who - as if to prove it - has turned both shoulders a rich red.

Nikolaus Kriese, who is being supported by the artists' collective in implementing his concept, plans to work on the design of the gymnasium for around 20 to 30 days. During this time, 120 liters of high-quality façade paint will be applied, creating countless shades of color on the wall.

For Nikolaus Kriese, however, it's not just about completing a large commissioned work: "We want to create something here that will last. Something that will also have an impact on the Federal Horticultural Show and make the Geraaue even more attractive."

He therefore deliberately incorporated flowers and lots of blue and green landscape impressions into his work: "I was inspired by the forests of Thuringia, but also by the Geraaue itself." "2019 at the BUGA"