1100: Celebrates the Topping-Out of SCENTRAL, Darmstadt's New Drug Support and Counseling Center

On February 2nd, Darmstadt, Germany celebrated the topping-out ceremony for SCENTRAL, a new building for the city’s Drug Support and Counseling Center. Social Services Commissioner Barbara Akdeniz extended a warm welcome to all attendees, including Deputy Mayor Hanno Benz and the CEO of the Darmstadt Urban Development Corporation (DSE), Bernd Neis, and emphasized the importance of quality spaces for critical social services.

The ceremony continued with the traditional carpenter's topping-out speech given by Master Carpenter Martin Stührk, alongside other craftsmen, specialists, city council and DSE members, and the SCENTRAL staff, marking the completion of the hybrid timber building structure.

Designed with three distinctive gables, SCENTRAL stands as a recognizable landmark next to the Herrengarten, with the building's overall shape and volume seamlessly integrating into the city’s oldest park. In addition to the hybrid timber construction the building incorporates other sustainable features such as a photovoltaic system and a green roof, contributing positively to biodiversity in the inner-city.

Upon completion, the entire ground floor will host client care facilities, including counseling rooms, a café, a lounge area, a clothing closet, and a food pantry and kitchen. The second floor will house an ambulatory clinic, offices, and additional counseling rooms for families.

We eagerly await the full completion and opening of this facility, which will provide shelter, assistance, and support to vulnerable community members.