Casino at Ottoplatz

2016

Urban building block and cultural building – the proposed building has been developed with a focus on these effects. In terms of urban planning, the volume requires structure in order to mediate between the height development of the neighbouring block structure to the south (Constantinhöfe and adjacent Gründerzeit building blocks) and the monument ensemble of Deutzer Bahnhof and Ottoplatz. Two recognisable height sequences have been created for this purpose: A change of material at the level of the eaves edge of Deutzer Bahnhof and the formation of a staggered storey with reference of the resulting parapet edge to the roof edge of Constantinhöfe.In its architectural form, the building is designed to have an integrating and mediating effect. The railway station remains the first building on the square. As the only other building addressed directly on Ottoplatz, the building is in dialogue with the colour and structure of the site, and the material division of the elevations of the new building into a stone base and a metal roof structure refers to the division of the surrounding historical buildings, which show a related proportional division of façade and steep roof structures. The tripartite division of the façades of the new building into a ‘public ground floor’, vertically structured upper storeys that are grouped together by means of pilaster strips and a monolithic roof extension in a continuous material also echoes the character of the Deutz railway station.