Groundbreaking ceremony in Cologne for the extension of the Wallraf-Richartz Museum & Fondation Corboud. The extension, which will significantly impact Cologne’s cultural future, will add 1000 square meters of exhibition space and 500 square meters of versatile urban spaces. With construction now underway, completion is expected by the end of 2027.
The form is a cube framed at both top and bottom and here, too, it is the frieze that plays the key role, becoming a plinth whose faux timber framing opens up the monolithic volume, and in doing so communicates with the surrounding urban space. On closer inspection, the posts and beams turn out to be a line of writing: WALLRAF RICHARTZ CORBOUD—the names of the founders Ferdinand Franz Wallraf and Johann Heinrich Richartz, and of Gérard J. Corboud, carry the new extension. The ambiguity of the frieze, which is neither unequivocally a line of writing nor abstract decoration, translates both the tradition of timber framing and the art of dedication into a contemporary architectural idiom.
Mechtild Widrich, “A Building is Concerned with the Present”, 2016
Following a large donation of art by the late collector Gérard Corboud, the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum needed to provide more space to accommodate the newly-acquired works, as well as to address a growing need for space for temporary exhibitions. Set in the urban fabric of the historical city center, this planned extension confidently takes its place next to the existing museum, designed by architect O.M. Ungers in the 1980s. The new building complements and enhances the existing, without overwhelming its established identity.
The connection between the two buildings is assured by new stairs that lead to underground exhibition spaces in the new building. This solution respects the integrity of the existing design while ensuring a cohesive spatial experience for the visitors.
In close connection with the appearance of the neighboring historic brick buildings, the brickwork in the extension’s façade subtly relates to the main building‘s natural stone cladding. The masonry consists of various types of stone. These vary in size and color, resulting in a discrete, horizontal layering, which structures the building’s facade. The image of the horizontal layers is also reminiscent of stone deposits and ground structures, perhaps reminding some of the archaeological excavations in the old town of Cologne. In this way, the brick façade refers to this historically significant site.
On the ground floor, the brick wall gives way to large glazed surfaces interrupted by columns shaped after the letters of the institution’s name. This feature serves both as an identity-multiplier and a construction element, allowing for closer interaction between the building and the surrounding public square. The glazed surface at street level coincides in the interior with a large versatile open space for informal workshops, events, or other public activities. The direct connection with the street brings the Wallraf-Richartz Museum closer to the city and its residents. From a side street, a new delivery facility provides state of the art handling spaces.
Clear proportions and simple materials define the new exhibition halls. The entire exhibition area is spread out on three floors and proposes spaces where height and width are in a harmonious relationship with each other, while the rooms can be subdivided very flexibly. Prefabricated concrete elements structure the ceiling and provide an accurate grid for mobile wall elements. Light and ventilation are also integrated into the ceiling structure, while the top floor offers zenithal light. All floors and walls are free of technical installations, radiate with solidity, allowing a focus on the artworks.
In addition to the extension’s design, the program encompassed other interventions such as office spaces, as well as several administrative, art restoration, and storage areas for the museum’s operations.
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YEAR 2013
STATUS Under Construction
PROGRAM Culture, Museum, Transformation
PRIZE 1st prize
TEAM
Emanuel Christ, Christoph Gantenbein; Tabea Lachenmann, Daniel Monheim; Stephanie Müller, Jennifer Schmachtenberg, Robin Quaas; Alice Francesconi, Marcel Weimar, Valerian Beltrami, Nicholas Kazmierski, Anne Katharina Schulze, Lucas Schrader, Leveni Kalentzi, Angela De Azevedo Charters, Maximila Ott, Elia Fontani, Francesco Mazzi, Aurelia Müggler, Enzo Nercolini, Beatriz Ferreira; Antoni Grzeskowiak, Sofie Hybholt, Timon Voide, Mara Horvath, Quentin Dauvergne
COLLABORATION
Ludovic Balland Typography Cabinet
PLANNING
Drees & Sommer Advanced Building Technologies, ZPF Ingenieure, Brandwerk, MUP-Group, IBH – Ingenieurbüro Holzem Hartheim, Kraiss & Wilke, Institut für Tageslichtplanung, ag Licht, Jappsen Ingenieure, Büro Uebele, Drees & Sommer Advanced Building Technologies, Emmer Pfenninger Partner, NTS
