Raumtrennung

Raumtrennung is a term used in architecture and interior design to describe methods of dividing interior spaces without relying solely on full-height walls. It encompasses both permanent construction elements and flexible, temporary solutions that create functional or visual separation.

Permanent Raumtrennung can involve fixed features such as non-load-bearing partitions, built-in shelves, or counters that carve out zones within a larger space. Flexible Raumtrennung relies on freestanding screens, room dividers, sliding panels, and convertible furniture that can be moved or reconfigured as needed. Other techniques include transparent or opaque partitions such as glass walls, translucent screens, curtains, and vertical elements like columns, as well as changes in floor level or finish to signal different areas. Lighting, color, and material contrasts also contribute to spatial separation while preserving a sense of continuity.

The aims of Raumtrennung include privacy, acoustic control, functional zoning (for example separating kitchen, living, and work areas), guidance of circulation, and the preservation of daylight and visual connections across spaces. Designers balance openness and enclosure by selecting materials, finishes, textures, and degrees of transparency.

In practice, Raumtrennung appears in homes with open-plan layouts, in offices requiring flexible team spaces, and in educational or healthcare environments where multiple zones must coexist. The concept evolved with modernist and open-plan architectures, emphasizing adaptable interiors and user comfort. Considerations include proportion and scale, accessibility, maintenance, and the impact on daylight, views, and acoustics. See also Raumaufteilung, Innenarchitektur, Offener Grundriss.