Köln: Architecture competition
19 May 2010
The architecture competition of the Archaeological Zone and the Jewish Museum was won by the agency Wandel, Hoefer, Lorch and Hirsch from Saarbrucken. Due to the withdrawal of the Jewish Association, the draft had to be further developed and reduced to a great extent. This reduction did not have negative effects on the quality and the spatial planning. On the contrary, a splendid solution came out which shall be realized above and under the surface until 2013.
What to expect from the Archaeological Zone?
The entry of the Archaeological Zone is next to the future Underground Station in the old city centre and, hence, perfectly connected to public transport. After having passed the introductory exhibition – being the historical visiting card - you will start the round trip which is about 1 km long. The path leads to the Palace of the Roman Governor of the Province Germania, the earlier buildings of the City Hall, representing important remains of one of the largest Jewish quarters in Europe and early medieval buildings. This unique archaeological landscape in the heart of a German metropolis north of the Alps has no comparison.
Influence on the region
The archaeological excavations, which have been ongoing since 2007 just in front of the City Hall, are important to the region, in accordance with the scientific Advisory Board of the Archaeological Zone. On the one hand, it can be visited in the framework of the “Regionale 2010”- programme as a showcase. On the other hand the Archaeological Zone is an attraction for Köln and a tourist magnet, being one of the most frequented visited museums in Köln.