3rd prize at City-Forum Euskirchen

Our urban development concept sees the square as a series of open spaces that run from Annaturmplatz like a string of pearls through the entire city centre and are already preparing a connection to the Steinzeugareal. The City Forum and the definition of the western edge, together with the new town hall, will clarify the entrance to City South.

The cubature of the City Forum echoes the stringency of the town hall and creates a sense of order and calm in the urban layout. The façade, which is raised like a tent at the four corners, orients the building individually to the respective sides: To the square, to the railway and beyond to the city centre as well as to the long-term connection to the site of the former stoneware works. The lively roof marks the Stadthalle and also signals the new location beyond the railway area into the city centre, thus creating a leap over the railway.

The functions are clearly assigned: The main entrance and outdoor stage face the square, the backstage area and service access face the railway, and the conference rooms face south towards the Vogelrute. The foyer has its main entrance opposite the town hall and also offers an exit to the east. Possible urban developments to the east are thus integrated into the concept and anticipated. This creates a friendly side not only to the square, but also to the east.

The green islands of the outdoor space visually extend into the building and continue the theme over further levels. A suspended green roof garden characterises the interior and exterior of the building. In the foyer, the green garden acts like a chandelier and provides plenty of light. In addition, the foyer can be ventilated via the roof garden when it is hot. The roof garden offers a special outdoor area for the conference.

Sustainability & circularity: The large curved roof surfaces are ideal for the installation of photovoltaic elements with optimum solar yield over the course of the day. The terraced staggering of the roof below also enables the accommodation of building technology as well as extensive green roofs and a high degree of retention in a cascade-like manner, including the possible visualisation of rainwater management in the foyer.

In the choice of construction and materials, particular attention is paid to the circular usability of the components. The lattice girders were chosen because the large spans can be spanned with little material. With the help of reused materials (rubble, recycled concrete, etc.), the ceiling above the hall can be weighted down to provide the necessary sound insulation from the railway. The building will be clad with a ceramic façade that does not require composite materials and can be easily recycled in the future.