Ehrenfeld
‘Alles unter einem Dach’ is the motto of the winning urban design by Neutelings Riedijk and kollektif for the former Thyssen-Krupp Areal in Ehrenfeld, Cologne. An ensemble of old and new buildings will welcome a 50.000m2 mixed programme of creativity and culture, transforming the area into a fertile environment for enterprise, art and entertainment: an unique and characteristic new neighbourhood for Cologne.
The plan is developed from the intention to re-establish the quality and character of the existing buildings: the listed Verwaltungsgebäude and two factory halls. Even though preservation was not mandatory, re-use is always the sustainable choice. In this case, the historical buildings are essential in connecting the area to its surroundings. The halls will be easily accessible from the network of footpaths and bike-lanes, with an interesting mixed programme. In the central zone of the halls the original industrial character is fully preserved, with crane tracks in the and steel trusses above the original concrete floor, creating a 1300m2 large ‘arena’ for a choice of sports, events and markets, possibly the first food hall for Cologne. A second large space is semi-outdoor: the ‘veranda’, facing the Verwaltungsgebäude with bars, restaurants and a Biergarten-Bar. Between the halls and the Verwaltungsgebäde a green park-zone will connect all public functions.
Smaller scale programme will find room in the halls in an independent wooden structure flanking the large open spaces and providing spaces for start-ups and studios as well as larger organisations. The Verwaltungsgebäude, with its existing flexible structure, has capacity for a variety of functions as well. The diversity of offered space promotes a mix of different tenants, inspiring each other and bringing new energy to the neighbourhood. For a small preview of the future atmosphere, the Verwaltungsgebäude is already operational and will function as ‘pioneer’.
Perhaps the largest part of the metamorphosis of the area will be the landscape: where concrete and asphalt now fully cover the ground, a green landscape will grow, making the area pleasant and healthy, capable of retaining all rain water within the area, cool in summer and rich in biodiversity. A great impulse for the neighbourhood, a new quality for the city.
