Expansion Cityhall

Brühl, Germany

Luftbild vom Janshof aus

Photo © Schmitz.Reichard

Stadtbibliothek im Neubau

Versetzte Giebel des Neubaues

Photo © Christa Lachenmaier

Saniertes Rathaus am Steinweg

Photo © JSWD / Franco Casaccia

Sanierter Ratssaal im denkmalgeschützen Altbau

Photo © Christa Lachenmaier

Site plan

Drawing © JSWD / RMP

Eingang Bibliothek und Kundencenter

Photo © Jens Kirchner

Mixed Use

Architects: JSWD Architekten

Location: Steinweg 1, 50321 Brühl, Germany
Year: 2023
Client: City of Brühl
Team: RMP Landschaftsarchitekten
Competition: 2017, 1st prize - together with RMP Landschaftsarchitekten, Bonn

It was the objective of the competition to come up with an expansion of the heritage-protected city hall and to redesign the inner city area at the Janshof, which had had an almost backyard-like character in the past. Top priority was the development of a civil engineering and urban planning master plan suitable for an inner city concept. The jury favored the design submitted by JSWD Architekten and RMP Landschaftsarchitekten. The jury declared the design “.... well thought out and one that blends harmoniously into the city ensemble ....”.

The first-place design responds to the play of inner-city spaces in the historic Old Town Brühl. The top end of the city hall expansion at the northern end and a potential residential development toward the south create an exciting interplay. They create view relationships from the adjacent urban areas and provide the Janshof a dimension, which will not rival with the immediately bordering market. Access to the new square with its highly inviting residential character destined to become representative address is provided by three alleys. Structural densifications strengthen the urban space.