Typology Revitalisation, culture Construction volume GFA 19,000 m² Client City of Aachen Architecture kadawittfeldarchitektur Realisation Planned for 2028
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 municipal library and adult education centre are getting a new shared home in the “House of Curiosity”.
In Aachen city centre, the former Horten department store is being converted into the ‘House of Curiosity’ (Haus der Neugier) – an open meeting place for all citizens – on the initiative of the city. The adult education centre and city library will find their new home here and together form a lively centre of learning and discovery in the future. But the building will be more than the sum of these two institutions: it will become a third place, freely accessible and with no admission fee – a place for exchange, discussion and co-creation, social participation and cultural offerings – or simply for striking up a conversation over a cup of coffee. In addition, the revitalisation will also provide an important urban development impetus.
In the House of Curiosity, 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.
Structural plan with interconnections
To enable visitors to stroll freely between the different themed areas and find inspiration, these are openly connected and interconnected in a variety of ways. Each themed area comprises different types of space – from offices and open-plan areas to work and relaxation zones and seminar rooms – and can be flexibly adapted in terms of size and location to accommodate future developments.
Entrance area on the ground floor with forum
The removal of the escalators creates a bright, central atrium, which, with its diverse visual connections, creates openness and promotes a sense of community.
The core idea behind the design is to remove the escalators. In their place, a spacious atrium will be created, extending across all floors and traversed by a new, free-standing staircase. The first floor will feature a spacious, central forum staircase, which will serve as a stairway, a place to linger, a meeting point and a grandstand.
A virtual tour of the house.
The removal of the escalators creates space for a spacious atrium, which will be crossed by free-standing staircases in future.
The “Path of Curiosity” runs from the foyer through the central atrium to the café on the top floor.
The multifunctional and modernly equipped rooms are also available to independent groups, associations and initiatives. The services are tailored to the needs of citizens, who can also help shape them.
A spacious staircase connects the first and second floors. It forms the communicative centrepiece, invites visitors to linger and serves as a grandstand for a wide variety of events.
On the top floor, a café with a loggia and fantastic views over Aachen’s old town and cathedral will attract visitors in future.
The new, open and contemporary façade visibly conveys the building’s activities to the urban space. It emphasises the workshop character of the building’s use and at the same time serves as a reminder of the former department store façade – self-assured, sustainable, durable and functional.
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.
Three new entrances will connect the building to the city’s walkways in future.
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
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