Typology Revitalisation, culture Construction volume GFA 19,000 m² Client City of Aachen Architecture kadawittfeldarchitektur Planning from 2024 Realisation from 2025
Brief Conversion of the former Horten department store into an open meeting place for the urban community – with an adult education centre, municipal library and free services.
Added value The open structure promotes communication across all floors.
The new, open and contemporary façade brings the building’s activities into the urban landscape. It emphasises the workshop-like nature of the building’s use whilst also paying homage to the former department store façade – confident, sustainable, durable and functional.
In Aachen city centre, the former Horten department store is being converted into the ‘Haus der Neugier’ – an open meeting place for all residents – on the city’s initiative. The adult education centre and the city library will find their new home here and, together, will form a vibrant hub for learning and discovery. But the building will be more than the sum of these two institutions: a third place is being created, freely accessible and with no admission charge – a place for exchange, discussion and co-creation, for social participation and cultural activities – or simply to strike up a conversation over a coffee. Furthermore, the revitalisation will simultaneously provide an important impetus for urban development.
Existing building with a solid façade.
The department store’s large-scale structure is surrounded by a more detailed urban fabric.
In the Haus der Neugier, the adult education centre and the municipal library not only find a new shared home, but also grow closer together in terms of content: their offerings are linked and bundled into six thematic areas. The language field is all about literature, communication and cultural exchange. The work field offers space for co-working and digital work. Creativity comes into play in the play field, where art, music and creative work take centre stage. The debate area will be a place for lively discussion, while the life area will address topics such as health, nutrition, sport and climate. In addition, the free area invites everyone to simply arrive, discover new things and fill the building with life together. The clear division into areas of interest provides orientation and at the same time opens up a variety of spaces for work, exchange and in-depth discussion.
Requirement: Structural plan showing interconnections
Virtual 3D tour. Please click on the image to start.
The central idea behind the design is the removal of the escalators. In their place, the new social hub of the building will be created – a spacious, light-filled atrium spanning all floors with a skylight, in which open staircases connect all levels. Visitors are naturally guided from the entrance to the light-filled atrium and up the stairs. The journey begins with a central forum staircase, which serves as an entrance, a place to linger, a meeting point and a viewing platform. The route continues past themed areas and facilities, up to the top floor with work and course rooms, a café, a loggia and a view of the cathedral. The open spatial continuum creates a variety of visual connections and a sense of community.
To allow visitors to stroll freely between the thematic areas and find inspiration, these are openly interconnected and diversely networked. Each thematic area comprises different types of space – from offices and open-plan areas to work and lounge zones and seminar rooms – and adapts flexibly in size and layout to future developments.
The multifunctional and modernly equipped spaces are also available to the independent arts scene, clubs and initiatives. The activities on offer are tailored to the needs of local residents and can be co-designed by them.
The result is an ‘open house’ with free access for everyone. This openness is also reflected in the open-plan layout.
The central staircase connects all the themed areas and attractions, sparking curiosity and inviting visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the experience.
A café with a loggia and views of the cathedral is being built on the top floor.
A cross-section showing the central atrium and the ‘Path of Curiosity’.
Three new entrances will link the building to the city’s pedestrian routes in future.
Sustainability concept
The sustainability concept is based on conserving resources and using renewable energies. Preserving and continuing to use the building saves most of the grey energy, and recyclable, environmentally friendly materials are used in the renovation. The new façades are made of recyclable, environmentally friendly materials and can be dismantled. The building is heated with 45-degree water from the Rosenquelle spring located beneath the building.
The interior before the dismantling of the fixtures, determined by its former use as a department store.
Building with potential: view of the floors after dismantling the fixtures and fittings
