Service centre of the Cologne Student Union

2016-2022

Urban continuity through a sequence of squares between Universitätsstraße and the inner green belt

The urban development proposal takes up the idea of a rhythmic sequence of squares from the chemical complex and continues this concept to create an urban space spanning Universitätsstraße. The long-term urban development, which will strengthen the structural setting of the streetscape of Universitätsstraße, is given an urban accent here in the extension of Berrenrather Straße by means of a triangular square, which – in dialogue with the kinking cubature of the vocational college – introduces the new university quarter.

A solitaire on two squares – the new service centre of the student union

The new service centre of the Studierendenwerk is given a solitary and striking architectural expression and is set as a strong, compact volume in the new area. Despite its peripheral location in the new quarter, its position on two squares in the new sequence of squares makes the service centre a new focal point in the ensemble that is being created. A projecting concrete façade on each storey and large-scale windows give the smallest building in the future neighbourhood the architectural expression that it needs in the ensemble, but which will also have a solitary effect for decades.
The internal structure is designed for visual communication between the storeys, but had to be rethought compared to the competition design due to fire safety requirements. A tall, narrow atrium is the atmospheric prelude and centre of the building and a quiet, sheltered place during the anticipated construction activities around the building in the decades following its completion.