Rheinauhafen New district on the Rhine

New urban district on the Rhine

The relocation of port functions to other parts of Cologne has created a new urban development challenge in the Rheinauhafen. The port area is to be occupied with new functions and reorganized. In the course of this reorganization, an open space competition was held in 1999, from which our office emerged as the winner and was commissioned with the open space planning. Due to the immediate proximity to the city centre of Cologne and the direct connection to the Rheingarten, which was redesigned in the 80s, the Rheinauhafen extends over a length of approx. 2 km into the area of the popular Cologne Südstadt. This favourable location in the urban space is underlined by an attractive and structured open space planning. An interplay of historical and modern architecture creates a tension that is reflected in the outdoor facilities. The combination of historical materials such as natural stone paving, old rail tracks and restored harbour cranes with large-format concrete slabs, glass, steel and a sophisticated lighting design combines the historical significance of the harbour area with modern architecture. Thus, the Rheinauhafen receives a new appearance, but retains its original harbor character.

Commendation German Urban Design Award 2010