Bischöfliches Priesterseminar Trier

The conversion of the Bischöfliches Priesterseminar (episcopal seminary) in the center of Trier was one of the highlights of the “Day of Architecture” organized by the Architektenkammer Rheinland-Pfalz (Architectural Association of Rhineland-Palatinate) at the end of June 2024.

Following the relocation of the theological training for priesthood candidates to Frankfurt am Main in 2016, the interior of Haus Clementinum was completely redesigned. Parts of the building were converted for church training events, while other areas were designed for external tenants. A barrier-free conference center with reception, 23 guest rooms, 9 conference rooms, dining room, bistro and kitchen was created in the remaining space.

Through the careful handling of the existing building and restrained and considered renovation it was possible to preserve the charm of the old architecture while paving the way for the new use. Visual accents are set by the color red, which both reflects the identity of the seminary and creates decorative points of tension in the individual parts of the building. Of particular note is the signage system, which was developed by the young designer Jana Heinz (Die Creativistin) in collaboration with architectural firm Hardt und Partner.

Her task was to design an orientation system that blended seamlessly into the architecture whilst creating a link to the history of the building. It was important to her to create a visually inviting atmosphere that encourages visitors to explore the conference center. The color red, which has always been a distinguishing feature of the seminary, characterizes the new orientation system of the Clementinum in various facets, from imposingly bright to subtle to earthy. On the one hand, the color blocking concept clearly shows the hierarchy of the pathways, while on the other hand, it gives the individual rooms and levels an emotional character.

The corporate font used is Pangea Text, designed by Christoph Koeberlin. When set within the seminary, Pangea convinces with its neutrality – white on red, partly upright, partly in italics – while the diagonal connections and round dots ensure a friendly appearance. Due to its large x-height, it is also very legible from a distance. Pangea’s proportional lining figures are a good choice when numbering floors and rooms, as they exude confidence rather than bureaucracy.