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J. Mayer H. wins competition to design new façade of Cologne Main Station on Breslauer Platz

Germany Architecture News - Sep 03, 2021 - 13:53   2582 views

J. Mayer H. wins competition to design new façade of Cologne Main Station on Breslauer Platz

Berlin-based architecture studio J. Mayer. H has won a design competition to design the new façade of Cologne Main Station on Breslauer Platz in Germany

J. Mayer. H's design proposal frames the sides of the rail station facing the bus terminal with an impressive façade that provides an innovative use of space. 

Deutsche Bahn’s commitment to sustainability is made visible in an ideal way at this key Cologne junction, a crucial hub for rail transport all across Germany.

The existing pavilion structure at Breslauer Platz will be transformed into an arcade featuring rooftop greenery. This will be an extension of the triangular pavilion roof of the subway entrance, creating a unified overall façade. 

J. Mayer H. wins competition to design new façade of Cologne Main Station on Breslauer Platz

It will be added to the existing historical components of the rail station as a new, contemporary component, protecting travelers from the weather and providing shade for the restaurants and bars. Both entrances to the main station will thus be emphasized and intuitively recognizable as points of access. 

Featuring local flowers, grasses, and trees, the rooftop landscaping will emphasize Deutsche Bahn’s ecological commitment. The rainwater collection on the roofs will also contribute to an improvement of the local urban climate.

J. Mayer H. wins competition to design new façade of Cologne Main Station on Breslauer Platz

The façade itself will largely avoid the use of CO2-intensive construction materials, instead relying as far as possible on recycled products and/or recyclable materials.

"Due to its special architecture, this design sets quite new urban accents: it’s climate friendly, inviting, and open -just like our city itself," said Reker, Cologne Mayor.

J. Mayer. H completed the IGZ campus in Germany as well as the Freestanding Pavilion in Freiburg, Germany. The studio also completed "Box In Box" Concrete House in Northern Germany. 

Project facts

Invited Competition: 1st prize, 2021
Competition Team: Jürgen Mayer H., Hans Schneider, Marcus Blum, Paul Rindt, Noah Ehlers
Façade and architectural life-cycle consulting: Werner Sobek AG, Stuttgart

All images © Bloomimages

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