Office Building at Rudolfplatz

The new office and commercial space at Rudolfplatz/Habsburgerring completes the block structure of Cologne’s historical west entrance. Drawn from the transformation of its surroundings, the proposal develops its own unique sculptural building shape. Recognizable as a large architectural figure, this sculptural approach is complemented by a fine differentiation that reacts to the historical grain. With a particular notice of the Hahnentorburg, the pattern of the façade weaves in its environment, and develops  into an integrated relief. The rationality of the simple façade engages in a suspenseful interplay with the liveliness of the sculptural building body. With a combination of whitewashed brick for the pillars and ashlar stone for the lintels, the building also reflects the materiality of the historical city gate. The large window areas in the ground and first floors mark the commercial areas. The representational entrance of  Habsburgerring  accesses the flexible office spaces which occupy the second through eighth floors.