News | kadawittfeldarchitektur

January 1st, 2026

shaping the future – happy new year 2026

What is growing there? When we look closely, we always discover something new: here, a leaf pushes its way out from under a crumb of earth; there, a beetle crawls along.
A beautiful template for wishing you something for the new year. But what? Looking closely? A change of perspective? That would be fitting.

But we want to draw your attention away from the bustle on the other side and focus on its purpose. Because for us architects, greenery is an important building material. A green roof or facade can do amazing things: it insulates in summer and winter, stores rainwater and thus relieves the burden on the sewage system, which – attention, climate change! is important in times of increasing heavy rainfall. In addition, greenery provides habitat for insects, thus increasing biodiversity and improving the urban climate: green spaces cool heated cities, filter dust, and bind CO2. Unlike with concrete, steel, or plastic, there is no need to weigh up whether the use of greenery is worthwhile.

There are only advantages. So you can wish for a small animal zoo on your roof at any time with a clear conscience—Christmas!—or have it carefully planned by your architectural firm. Those who are critical of the costs and effort involved in greening a roof should not only consider the initial purchase price, but also the reduced follow-up costs, the ecological balance, durability, and better air quality. If you factor all of this in, a green roof is worthwhile; it is more attractive and more efficient.

This is therefore not only a plea for green roofs and facades, but also for good, contemporary architecture. We would like to work with you to develop a built environment that is beautiful and healthy, including in the new year. With this in mind, we wish you a happy 2026.

kadawittfeldarchitektur

Photo: Hans Hansen
Concept, design, and text: büro uebele
Editing: Miriam Holzapfel

December 20th, 2025

office life

Congratulations, dear Klaus!

Today we celebrate the 85th birthday of Klaus Kada – architect, co-founder of kadawittfeldarchitektur, and a leading voice for architecture with attitude.

His thinking has shaped kadawittfeldarchitektur from the very beginning: architecture as a social task, developed in dialogue, responsible towards the city, people, and the environment. These convictions remain the foundation of our work to this day – from building in existing contexts to sustainable, climate-sensitive solutions.

Dear Klaus, we thank you for your inspiration, your trust, and your courage to always think architecture further, and we look forward to continuing the discourse.
Congratulations and all the best!

Portrait: Carl Brunn

November 27th, 2025

office life

kwa in Dialogue # Competitions

On November 27, our competition team was a guest in our “kwa in Dialogue” series. They provided insights into current competition designs and a look behind the scenes of our work processes: How are our designs created and what challenges shape the early project phases?
Among other things, the new town hall building in Stolberg was presented—a flood-resilient administrative building designed to bring the city administration back together in one place after the 2021 flood disaster and based on cradle-to-cradle principles. With inner courtyards, open working environments, and lots of greenery, the new building blends respectfully into its existing surroundings and gives precedence to the historic town hall.

Many thanks to our competition team for the open insights, the inspiring exchange, and the exciting dialogue!

‘kwa im Dialog’ is a series of talks that we use to maintain cross-project and cross-topic discourse across our various locations in Aachen, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Munich. It serves as a stimulating and productive exchange of knowledge and experience—both within and outside the office, between different projects as well as different planning phases—and is both knowledge transfer and self-reflection.

Photos: ©kadawittfeldarchitektur

October 31st, 2025

on site

Site visit Messe-, Kongress- und Kulturforum Saarbrücken

Burkhard Floors, associate partner at kadawittfeldarchitektur, explained the project “Messe-, Kongress- und Kulturforum Saarbrücken” to the Federal Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Construction Verena Hubertz, the Minister-President of Saarland Anke Rehlinger, and the Mayor of Saarbrücken Uwe Conradt. They also got to see the construction site by our client CSS-Congress-Centrum-Saar GmbH.

The future MKK will bring together trade fair, congress, and cultural offerings under one roof. Our design creates a direct connection between the historic building and a new, polygonal-shaped structure that blends harmoniously into its surroundings in terms of scale and roofscape, yet still develops an independent architectural presence.

The central concern of the project is its close integration with the urban environment. The green axis linking the Saar, Bürgerpark, and city center creates a new network of public spaces – a lively meeting place that promotes exchange, encounters, and cultural activities and has an impact far beyond the region.

Image: ©kadawittfeldarchitektur

October 30th, 2025

going public

Haus der Neugier on WDR-Lokalzeit

We were given the opportunity to give WDR-Lokalzeit a behind-the-scenes look at our Haus der Neugier project in Aachen. The report “Haus der Neugier – DAS ist der Plan” is now available in the ARD-Mediathek.

In the report, Dirk Lange, partner at kadawittfeldarchitektur, and Heinrich Brötz, head of the cultural department of the city of Aachen, were accompanied on a walk through the building.

The Haus der Neugier (House of Curiosity) is currently being built in the center of Aachen in the existing building of the former Horten department store. In the future, the adult education center and the library will form a joint education and meeting center in the converted building. As a “third place,” the building offers space for reading, learning, discussing, and lingering. The demolition of the existing escalators will create a light-flooded atrium with a new, free-standing staircase that connects all levels and promotes communication.

Image: ©kadawittfeldarchitektur

posted by
Lara Roth

October 29th, 2025

going public

Gerhard Wittfeld at the expert forum „Bauen im Bestand“ (Building within existing structures)

Building renovation is a key task in the transformation of the construction industry. Gerhard Wittfeld spoke at the “Bauen im Bestand” expert forum (ZÜBLIN and Neues Bauen – 80 Sekunden) in his keynote address “New life in existing buildings – conversion concepts in practice” about approaches and experiences from current projects. The focus was on the Central Cross project in Cologne, which shows how existing structures can be developed in a sustainable manner with respectful treatment and high-quality design. Around 70% of the existing building will be preserved and renovated. Preserving the reinforced concrete in the existing structure will save around 2030 tons of CO₂ emissions. This illustrates the potential of continuing to build rather than constructing new buildings – ecologically, economically, and in terms of design.

Image: ©Neues Bauen – 80 Sekunden

posted by
Lara Roth

October 17th, 2025

award winners

DGNB platinum pre-certification for Neuland Neuss

We are delighted to have received a DGNB platinum pre-certification for the first construction sites in our Neuland Neuss project!

This award recognizes the sustainable and holistic design of the neighborhood, even at the planning stage—an important milestone on the road to future-proof construction.
The pre-certificate confirms that Neuland Neuss is well on its way to meeting the ambitious criteria of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) – with the aim of obtaining the official DGNB certificate upon completion.

Thank you to the entire planning team and everyone involved in the project who made this success possible.

Photo: ©rendertaxi

October 10th, 2025

kwa in dialogue # Martin Stumpf

On October 10th, we once again welcomed Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Martin Stumpf from wh-p Ingenieure – this time with exciting insights into current developments and research in the field of building with clay.

As always, the roundtable discussion was attended by colleagues from all our locations – either on site or digitally connected – and thrived on the joint, interdisciplinary exchange.

This time, the focus was on the potential of load-bearing clay structures, their applicability in current projects, and the challenges of everyday planning.

‘kwa im Dialog’ is a series of discussions that we use to maintain a cross-project and cross-topic discourse across our various locations in Aachen, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Munich. It serves as a stimulating and productive exchange of knowledge and experience – both within and outside the office, between different projects as well as different planning phases – and is both a transfer of knowledge and self-reflection.

Photo: ©kadawittfeldarchitektur

September 25th, 2025

award winners

Award 'Vorbildliche Bauten NRW 2025' goes to InnoDom Cologne

We are delighted that InnoDom Cologne has been awarded the Exemplary Buildings NRW 2025 prize (‘Vorbildliche Bauten NRW 2025’)!

The innovation and start-up center on the university campus in Cologne offers start-ups and student founders space to work, tinker, and exchange ideas. The result is a building that combines open-plan workspaces, closed offices, “LIKE IT” rooms, and outdoor areas—designed in close collaboration with the users.

The award is presented every five years and honors buildings that are outstanding in terms of design, ecology, economy, and social aspects. It is awarded by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Local Government, Building, and Digitalization of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Chamber of Architects of North Rhine-Westphalia.

A big thank you to everyone who made this project possible! We look forward to the award ceremony in February 2026 in Düsseldorf.

Photo: ©Jens Kirchner

posted by
Lara Roth

September 24th, 2025

Statutory resolution for new building complex on Monheimsallee in Aachen

Aachen City Council has passed a statutory resolution for the new district on Monheimsallee. This creates the planning law framework for the realisation of the mixed-use district next to Aachen City Park.

Our office developed the design for the complex. The aim was to create an appropriate architectural addition in the context of Quellenhof, Eurogress and Neues Kurhaus, while at the same time designing an open, permeable space as an extension of the city park.

A total of 58 flats are planned, a significant proportion of which will be publicly subsidised. The ensemble will be complemented by around 3,600 square metres of office space and a restaurant with outdoor seating.

The concept envisages light-coloured clinker brick façades and combines ecological aspects such as green roofs and photovoltaic systems with an integrated mobility concept. This includes a public bicycle parking facility, car-sharing services and an e-charging infrastructure.

We would like to thank the city of Aachen and the project developers DERICHSuKONERTZ Projektentwicklung and REAQ Immobilien Gruppe for their successful cooperation and are delighted about this important milestone!

Image: ©kadawittfeldarchitektur

posted by
Sophia Scholz

September 24th, 2025

on site

Groundbreaking ceremony at Saarbrücken Exhibition, Congress and Culture Center

The groundbreaking ceremony on September 24th marked the start of construction work on the Trade Fair, Congress and Cultural Forum (MKK) in Saarbrücken. The project will add a new building to the listed Congress Hall and make a significant contribution to the urban development of the city center.
In the future, the building will combine trade fair, congress, and cultural functions in a building complex. The design connects the historic building at ground level with a polygonal new building, which references the neighborhood in terms of scale and roof shape while also setting new accents.
In addition to the architectural design, integration into the urban space was a key focus from the outset. The green connection between the Saar, Bürgerpark, and city center will create a new public space and a place for encounters, exchanges, and events far beyond the region.

We would like to thank everyone involved in the project for their successful collaboration and look forward to its realization!

Photo: ©kadawittfeldarchitektur

September 2nd, 2025

going public

“Sustainable, contemporary, recyclable.” - Kilian Kada at the PROJECTS25 ArchitekTOUR

On September 2, the second round of Heinze GmbH’s PROJECTS25 ArchitekTOUR began in Essen. Under the title “Sustainable, contemporary, recyclable,” Kilian Kada gave a lecture on sustainable construction methods. The focus was on two of our projects on the grounds of the Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site – the RAG parking garage and the RAG recycling center. Using the RAG recycling center as an example, Kilian Kada illustrated how closed material cycles can be designed according to the cradle-to-cradle principle.

The event brought together numerous exhibitors, projects, and guests and provided a space for exchange, new ideas, and exciting insights into current construction projects.

Photo: ©Markus Jacobs, Heinze GmbH

August 19th, 2025

award winners

Finalist!

We are one of two companies in the final round of the German Sustainability Award in the category ‘Architectural and Civil Engineering Companies’.

The award recognises companies that have firmly anchored sustainability in their everyday work and make a demonstrable contribution to change through their work, products or services. The winners are selected by an independent jury. Factors such as innovative strength, role model function, signal and leverage effect, growth potential, development opportunities and long-term responsibility play a role in the selection process.

Image: © kadawittfeldarchitektur/rendertaxi

posted by
Sophia Scholz

August 7th, 2025

Techno Z is one of the “Best Workspaces 2025”

Callwey Verlag presents the international architecture award “Best Workspaces” to intelligent working environments. We are delighted that Techno-Z, which we designed, is one of this year’s selected projects.

Techno-Z, located in the Salzburg-Urstein Knowledge Park between the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences and the Technology Park, offers flexible workplace concepts for start-ups and young companies, particularly those in the technology sector, as well as professional support in developing and successfully establishing their business ideas.

The space on offer ranges from classic office configurations to working environments based on the “Proworking” model (derived from “pro” for “professional”), which goes beyond the usual coworking offerings. Employees are provided with a wide range of working options and spaces for community. Project teams can regroup and come together flexibly and according to their needs. The interior design of the shared infrastructure deliberately supports and promotes the community spirit through a variety of communication areas, such as the large open staircase, the internal bistro, which can also be used for working, and so-called “satellites”, supply units that are complemented by leisure facilities and whose special design invites people to linger. A variety of outdoor spaces and activities complete the concept.

All award-winning projects will be published in the book “Best Workspaces 2025”.

Image ©Konrad Fersterer

posted by
Sophia Scholz

July 17th, 2025

competitions

Town hall of the future

What does a forward-looking town hall look like? This question was the subject of a Europe-wide, open, two-phase competition. 157 offices submitted designs, and we were also interested in the task.

Specifically, the task was to design a new town hall for Berlin Mitte on the site of the Haus der Statik, combining the uses and functions of the current town hall with public spaces such as a library, canteen and exhibition areas.

Three guiding principles were central to our design: A free form that reflects the hybrid use and dynamic, non-linear processes of democracy, conveys openness and transparency, and invites participation. A sustainable construction method using renewable materials, an innovative supporting structure, an energy-efficient climate concept and flexible room structures that allow for adaptations and a long service life. And thirdly, the creation of a climate-resilient urban space with a high quality of life that has a positive influence on the microclimate.

Unfortunately, our design did not completely convince the jury. Congratulations to the winners, Atelier.Schmelzer.Weber Architekten with Storch. Landschaftsarchitektur, BfB – Büro für Baukonstruktionen and IPROconsult.

The exhibition featuring all competition entries is on display until 25 July at the Neues Stadthaus, Parochialstraße 3 in Berlin.

July 16th, 2025

on site

kwa on site

The second part of the training event on low-pollutant construction focused on practical application on site.
At the construction site, participants examined and evaluated the construction products used in terms of pollutants and discussed their findings together. This was followed by a tour of the adjacent precast concrete plant, which is also still under construction. In a dialogue between speaker Patricia Pesch from ee concept GmbH, Markus Franczak and Sebastian Flach from the nesseler Group and the participants from kadawittfeldarchitektur, everyone learned something new. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Aachen Building Experts e. V., which paved the way for this cooperation through mutual exchange.

Many thanks to Patricia and the nesseler team for the exciting insight, valuable input and friendly exchange!

July 11th, 2025

going public

Opening: The Architecture Exhibition of Tomorrow – Caricatures and ideas for the architecture exhibition of the future

The exhibition ‘The Architecture Exhibition of Tomorrow’ opened yesterday evening at the Architektur Galerie Berlin.

To mark the gallery’s 25th anniversary, 15 firms were invited to develop ideas for the architecture exhibition of the future. Kadawittfeldarchitektur was also asked to contribute.

Kilian Kada explored the theme in five humorous caricatures. Together with contributions from AFF with FFIRMA, Tatiana Bilbao, Teresa Fankhänel, Heike Hanada, Heide & von Beckerath, Christoph Hesse, Kuehn Malvezzi, LAVA, Ludloff Ludloff, J.MAYER.H., MVRDV, Oda Pälmke, Riegler Riewe, sauerbruch hutton and Something Fantastic, these can be seen in the gallery until 23 August.

July 10th, 2025

Lecture at the summer party of the BDA Bonn-Rhein-Sieg

The summer party of the BDA Bonn-Rhein-Sieg focused on the exchange of ideas about sustainable neighbourhood development and forward-looking ideas in architecture. In his mini lecture, Gerhard Wittfeld provided insights into the two Bonn projects ‘Hotel am Erzbergufer’ and the ‘Federal Office of Justice’, as well as the RAG recycling centre in Essen, the sustainable neighbourhood development Neuland Neuss and the start-up centre ‘InnoDom Cologne’.

Many thanks to the BDA Bonn-Rhein-Sieg for the invitation and the successful event, as well as to all those present for the stimulating exchange.

Picture: ©BDA Bonn-Rhein-Sieg

posted by
Sophia Scholz

July 9th, 2025

competitions

We are delighted to have won second prize in the competition for the new construction and restructuring of Stolberg Town Hall!

The brief was for a new town hall building that is climate-adapted, flood-resilient and integrated into the urban fabric, an open, future-proof building for administration and the urban community.

Our design forms a flat, three-storey structure with green inner courtyards and a clear urban design. The building is accessible for all, with a welcoming gesture from two sides – the main entrance on Kaiserplatz and an entrance from the railway station.

The ground floor houses the public-facing functions: information point, citizen services, exhibition area, canteen and meeting centre. The workspaces on the upper floors are organised according to the principle of activity-based working: two neighbouring areas per floor share central meeting points, quiet zones and communication areas. Courtyards, roof terraces and a winter garden also allow for outdoor working.

The construction follows the cradle-to-cradle principle, documented by a digital building resource passport. The supporting structure of the office areas is designed as a wood-hybrid skeleton. Load-bearing components are joined according to type – without adhesives or composite materials – and can later be completely dismantled and reused. Reinforced concrete is only used where it is necessary for structural reasons or to protect against flooding.

The building has also been designed to be consistently sustainable in operation: a PV system, ice storage, a heat pump and rainwater utilisation ensure climate-friendly supply. The ventilation system combines mechanical systems with natural ventilation. DGNB platinum certification has been taken into account.

Many thanks to Greenbox for the great collaboration and congratulations to Wittfoht Architekten on winning first prize!

All competition entries can be viewed in Stolberg until 26 July 2025: Steinweg 15, opening hours: Monday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Photo: ©loomilux

July 4th, 2025

office life

Schmetterball 2025 by BFT – Game on!

A day full of excitement, sunshine, and drama! At the tournament on June 28th, 2025, our 2-player teams delivered strong performances:

KWA’lität am Netz – 2nd place
KWA’tsch der war drin – 3rd place

Great effort from everyone – as well from our 4-player team KWA’dratisch Praktisch Gut, who gave it their all on the court! Big thanks to the BFT organizing team for an amazing event at dieHalle. We’re already looking forward to Schmetterball 2026!

posted by
Christian Dos Reis